Nonprofit raises funds to open springs for day use
The Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs will be open to the public May 16,
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an interpretive history day. The event
will include a walk through time that discusses the history of the
springs from the Mexican land grant era to the Japanese-American
ownership of the Hot Springs Resort. Acoustic entertainment will be
held at the old swimming pool, and includes live jug band music,
and there will be displays, docent-led tours and people in period
costumes.
Nonprofit raises funds to open springs for day use
The Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs will be open to the public May 16, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an interpretive history day. The event will include a walk through time that discusses the history of the springs from the Mexican land grant era to the Japanese-American ownership of the Hot Springs Resort. Acoustic entertainment will be held at the old swimming pool, and includes live jug band music, and there will be displays, docent-led tours and people in period costumes.
In 1995, the local spot became a State Historic Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Descendants, former residents and guests have formed the “Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs,” a nonprofit that is working to preserve and protect the historic site.
Parking is free, but limited so carpooling is suggested. Entry for adults is $5, under 12 are free with adult. The fundraiser will help establish a full-time security person on the property and establish day use of the hot springs, which are part of Henry Coe State Park.
According to the Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs Web site, the hot springs area was originally acquired by Josa Quintin Ortega and Ignacio Maria Ortega in 1865 and later by George Roop in 1866. It became known as a place of healing. The site attracted San Francisco Bay area business and civic leaders through the 1920s. H.K. Sakata took over ownership of the resort in 1938, according to the site, and it drew Japanese Americans.
To RSVP or for more information, call 408-314-7185 or 925-837-1024, or e-mail in**@***********************gs.org.
