Hot Lake Restoration Photo Gallery
| November 2007 | ||
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March 2007 |
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Hot Lake: New Vision for A Historic Treasure
Renovation ... A Family Commitment
The breathtaking Grande Ronde Valley is one of the largest valleys in the world completely surrounded by mountains. The "Valley of Peace"
was truly hold ground. Imagine numerous Native American tribes residing in peace, caring for each one's needs. Ordained ministers within
the tribes introducing Christianity. Healing waters healing bodies and spirits. Nothing short of amazing.Imagine yourself a participant in an expedition or a traveler on the Oregon Trail during the 1800s. In a wagon, or on horseback, or on foot for hundreds, maybe thousands, of miles. For days, weeks, months, enduring hot weather, cold weather, rain, and snow. Then in the middle of nowhere you see steam, surrounded by a paradise-like setting of cattail, willows, wildflowers, and mountains. Hot water bubbling up from the ground. Imagine the surprise and awe of these early settlers. Was this a gift from the Almighty, or a great hole that leads straight to Hell?
Both David and Lee had dreamed of residing at Hot Lake as early as the 1970s. There were not yet a team and neither was capable of the task of restoring Hot Lake. Later, in the 1990s, the two revisited the possiblility together, attending an auction for the Hot Lake property at the Union County courthouse. Still, the Manuels were not ready. Training and preparation continued as they retreated back to their "safe zone" in Wallowa County. The project there continued to grow and the family to learn, not realizing they were being prepared for the mission of Hot Lake.
As the children grew up, they became an active part of this incredible business and calling. The demand for David's incredible bronzes also grew. By the year 2000, the Manuel complex could no longer efficiently meet the needs required for their businesses or the great number of visitors. It soon became clear that a change was inevitable.
In November of 2003, circumstances encouraged discussion of Hot Lake to resurface. Initially by 21-year-old son Larry, the mission and passion of Hot Lake was embraced by the entire family. This talented young man who was and is instrumental in the operation of the foundry believed he had just invented the wheel, not knowing that his parents were pretty familiar with Hot Lake. Quiet, young and reserved, Larry was not used to directing his entire family. This of course, was no coincidence. Most of the family's 20-plus members, including many small grandchildren, agreed to take the risk together, expanding all facets of the art and history business into Union County.
With the assistance of long-time friend and property broker, Patty Glaze, the Manuels purchased the property within 24 hours, and the miracles of Hot Lake Springs began to unfold. Much like the migration of the Oregon Trail, this family began to sell its homes and businesses and migrate to Hot Lake Springs. Sacrifice and suffering were assumed without thought or discussion. Attempting to help each other, each little family took whatever measures were necessary to move the dream into reality. Lisa, with the support of husband J.R., began the plan for food service. Landon, who the family had been grooming for business manager since he was a small child, immediately made plans to transfer to Eastern Oregon University to be closer to the project. Fifteen years of owning a spa/salon and electrical contractor business made Larrena and husband, Jeremy, naturals from the beginning. Megan, Larry's wife, assumed the position of RV Park manager for the new owners, Jim and Margie Hollandsworth.
Restoration began immediately and the presence of community support for this mission soon transformed into a "community effort." This support lent great energy and encouragement to the entire family and their decision. Soon passion overpowered reason and the impossible became possible. This contagious passion spread to family, friends, volunteers, employees, community leaders, neighbors, and bronze collectors -- all who should take credit for being active participants in the restoration project at Hot Lake Springs. Bronzes, bricks, prints, food, good ol' elbow grease, and many, many prayers are integral parts of this project.
The entire Manuel family attempts to live their lives as tools -- tools to be used in a much bigger picture of life. It is such a priviledge and honor to be a part of the "tool collection" restoring Hot Lake Springs. We give sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have also been tools in the most amazing gift in Eastern Oregon. Congratulations! You are part of "history in the making."
