Carbon Canyon Historical Artifact #8

Here is another great old shot of La Vida Mineral Springs, taken obviously from some higher elevation point, and from the same series and date of an earlier real photo postcard I highlighted on 20 August (Carbon Canyon Historical Artifact #4). This could either be in the 1920s or into the 1930s and postcard aficionados note that the stamp box on the reverse is of the 1925-1942 period.

Now, just about center of the photo, behind a tall tree are some water tanks, one of which is in the same area (and maybe the same tank) as a remaining tank with the name of the resort still, though faded, on the face. To the left is a long structure with a two-gabled roof that might be where some of the pools and soaking areas where. At the far left of the gable facing the photographer you can make out the "LA" in the resort's name. The buildings closer to the photographer are much smaller and might be other areas for mineral baths, especially the two with the benches sitting next to the lattice work. The white colored structure with two doors could be restrooms or storage and there is, obviously, a steeel playground set for the kids next to that. The walkway leading from the small structures past the playground and toward the east is, I believe, still present. If I understand correctly, those small buildings sat right about where the La Vida Cantina later was built and which was the last operating part of the site before being closed several years back. The broad area in the foreground is the unpaved parking area. Note, as well, the relatively bare hills with some scrub and brush and a few small trees and take a good look at what Carbon [Canyon] Creek looked like (see behind the playground) before arundo donax invaded in recent years!

Given that there are some references suggesting that the resort was bought in 1932 by a former boxer named Rosenbaum, who drew heavily for visitors from the Jewish community in Los Angeles, it may be that these postcards (the one shown earlier, this one, and two more that I'll post later) came from that time period. It is, however, also possible that these date earlier and are from the William Newton Miller ownership.

As always, any and all information about La Vida and my fractured attempts at documenting it are welcome!

This is item #2008.9.1.1 from the Carbon Canyon Collection.