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Robert Edmund STRAHORN

Male 1852 - 1944  (91 years)


 

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Hailey Hot Springs Hotel, built by the two Robert Strahorns

On August 6, 1888 Robert E. Strahorn and his first cousin once removed also named Robert Strahorn paid $20,000 for the Hailey Hot Springs property, the Lamb Ranch, and a controlling interest in the Electric Light Works. Carrie Adell Strahorn later wrote, "Domestic difficulties at the Hailey Hot Springs probably accounted for their being thrown on the market as they were owned by one J.L.G. Smith, who was so cruel to his family that his wife at last picked up a shotgun and killed him, an act justified by the courts and in the hearts of many of the Hailey citizens."

The Strahorns built a resort with a first class hotel heated by spring water, separate men's and women's swimming pools, a ballroom, and a bowling alley. It was lighted by incandescent lights. Carrie Strahorn wrote further "No pains or money was spared making the place attractive to people such as Jay Gould and other notables, who found it a charming retreat." The Union Pacific and the Oregon Short Line did much to make the resort a success.

In 1890 the Hailey Hot Springs Hotel Company was formed to raise $150,000 to purchase and improve the resort. Robert E. Strahorn left the company, and his cousin Robert Strahorn and other local businessmen took over. A new addition was added to the hotel with three stories and sixty-five rooms.

Tragedy struck on August 2, 1899 as the Hailey Hot Springs Hotel burned to the ground. The Wood River Times reported a rumor that the fire was "accidently set by the upsetting of a lamp used by some ladies who were curling their hair." All of the guests escaped injury, but the hotel was never rebuilt. Sources: Hot Springs Hotels of the Wood River Valley by Florence Blanchard, and Hot Springs of the Wood River Valley by John Lundin.


File nameHailey Hot Springs.jpg
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Linked toRobert STRAHORN; Robert Edmund STRAHORN

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