Zzyzx
When “Doctor” Curtiss Howe Springer, a nationally known radio evangelist and proponent of homeopathic health aides, read about Fort Soda Springs in the Mojave Desert east of Los Angeles, he headed west. He found the oasis and a dilapidated fort and his dream. Convincing friends and relatives to join him in the venture, he filed a mining claim for the surrounding 12,800 acres with the healing waters of Soda Spring the main feature. He then created Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Resort (Zzyzx because it was to be the last word in medicine). He operated the retreat from 1944 until 1974 when the government determined that Springer’s mining claim did not authorize a spa and retreat and gave him 36 hours to vacate. The lake and resort are now the property of California State University and the Desert Studies Center.
Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County
Photographer: Al Russell