![]() In 1990 Lloyd Wilder repurchased Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to continue with his vision of providing complete resort services. Lloyd Wilder sold Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to Leroy Mayes in 1981. Hotel rooms were in the south and west wings, lobby and shops in the center and dining rooms and convention center to the north. The architect, Ken Knight of Great Falls, designed it to be a cross of structures with an indoor pool 80 x 120 feet and a larger outdoor pool. Joe Reber of Reber Contractors from Helena started the rebuilding of Gregson as a new complex. In early 1972, Lloyd Wilder of Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, became the prime owner of Gregson Hot Springs. In 1972 the remaining old buildings were demolished to make way for the new complex. The complex’s setting would also allow hunting, fishing, horseback riding, skiing and snowmobiling. On Jit was reported in The Montana Standard that federal funds would help build a complex including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, picnic area, outdoor pool and 190 guest rooms. People from all over the state of Montana attended the event. The Montana Standard advertised this event and the Anaconda Leader printed a special souvenir edition on Augshowing the history of Gregson Hot Springs. This was the last chance to see the old Gregson Hot Springs before the new construction began. The Gregson Surveyor’s Picnic was held on August 29, 1971. Gregson had been in existence for over 100 years. In 1971 the resort was closed because the walls were collapsing. Sometime in 1944 or 1945, Treasure State Industries took over Gregson. At the time of the fires, Gregson was owned by the Montana Hot Springs Association. One week and one day later, the hotel plunge and other buildings caught fire and burned. On Decemthe dance hall and some adjoining buildings caught fire. At the inquest, the judge could not determine what really occurred, so no one was prosecuted. Two men died as a result of the disturbance. A brawl broke out between the Anaconda Smelterman and the Butte Miners in which the mob ranged from the hills to the ranchlands. ![]() Fourteen thousand people took part in the event. On Augthe Butte Miners held the most infamous. Many organizations and clubs held their annual picnics and parties at the springs. In 1901 the Gregson Resort was sold to Con Hays and James Breen. The same paper also reported on the new B and P Depot that had been built at Gregson. On Decemthe Butte Miner carried a story dealing with the dedication of the townsite. In 1892 a townsite was plotted and lots for villa sites 45 x 125 feet were laid out. The Gregson Resort was leased in 1890 to Miles French. The soup was then consumed in the hopes of curing various ailments. It was also said a savory soup could be made by adding salt and pepper to the hot spring water. The springs offered cures for rheumatism and arthritis plus other types of ailments. The cold water was taken from a pure cold stream flowing about 700 yards south of the hotel. A covered flume was used to conduct the hot and cold water to the bath houses. Away from the main building a bar room and separate sleeping apartments were constructed. They built a well-furnished and equipped two story hotel that could accommodate 50 to 60 guests, a plunge bath and five large bathing rooms. In the years to come, George and Eli turned their attention to the twelve pools of hot mineral water. The Gregson brothers initially went into the dairy business. The brothers also took up claim to the 320 acres surrounding the springs. In 1869, George and Eli Gregson acquired the hot springs from a squatter named Hulbert for $60. The Native Americans called the twelve hot pools “Medicine Waters”. ![]() Long before the white man knew about the hot springs, Native American tribes such as the Flathead, Nez Perce and Shoshone set up tepees in the surrounding trees.
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