RURAL HEALTH RETREAT by J. H. Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1880

"RURAL HEALTH RETREAT."

By J. H. Waggoner

This is the corporate name of the hygienic institute, located at Crystal Springs, on the ranch of Brother W. A. Pratt, about two and a half miles north of St. Helena, Cal.

If there is any fortunate feature in sickness, I was fortunate in being taken sick at St. Helena. I was much worn, and nearly prostrated, for about two months before I was taken down, but bore up until the time of the dedication in St. Helena. Here I had warm-hearted friends, and at the Health Retreat I found facilities for being treated, which I could have found nowhere else in the State. More than ten years ago, I had a pleasant and welcome home with Brother Atwood, in Skowhegan, Maine, who has been the winter occupant of the Retreat at Crystal Springs.

I have had opportunity to visit many of the resorts, the hot and mineral springs in California, and this is by far the most desirable location I have seen. It is in one of the healthiest valleys in the State, and the house is on a hillside, full 300 feet above the valley. There is no marshy or swamp ground in this part of the country, and, excepting the springs, the mountain side is dry. At no resort which I have seen is there such a beautiful combination of valley and mountain scenery. Other resorts are either on low ground, or on some hot springs in a canyon, out of which there is no view.

One of the best recommendations of this place is, the water is pure and cold. It is singularly free from minerals. I have visited resorts in this State where was hot water only, and of course it was not possible to take a bath under proper conditions. To take a bath in safety, at all times, the temperature must be entirely under our control. This is the case here. The water is abundant, at a proper elevation above the house, and the facilities for heating and bathing are excellent.

This house will be opened the coming season, for patients and boarders. The best advertising is done freely by those who have been here.

When I was here in February it was in the midst of the wet season. I convalesced slowly. I had just reached the point where I might have recovered more speedily under favorable circumstances, when, at the urgent solicitations of those at the publishing house, I returned to Oakland. I do not regret it, I am glad it was my privilege to join them in consultation over the interests of the cause, in its several branches, on this coast. I can say in all frankness, to the friends of the good work, that my courage is good, and my hope is revived for the success of the work in California. Steps are being taken which, I believe, will greatly extend the circulation of the Signs. And I earnestly hope that the favor shown to our efforts in behalf of this paper in the past may not be withdrawn, but that all the friends will unite their efforts with ours to make it more successful, and more worthy of success, than it has ever been.

Soon after my return to Oakland it became evident to all that my health would not warrant my remaining in the atmosphere of the Bay, and I have accordingly sought the "Retreat" again. I am not able to endure constant labor, but will still do what I can to aid that work which is dearer to me than anything else on earth. I expect to attend the annual meeting, beyond which I can make no calculation at present. J. H. WAGGONER.