"Willow Springs Ranch" promoted in 1964 by David L. Spurgeon and Associates, for whom some of the streets are now named. This area was the former home of Mackey Boy, a once-famous racehorse is beautiful, peaceful, scenic - in the midst of big oaks and tall pines surrounded by the history of the Motherlode. A dreamer's paradise in God's country! Serenity to give you calm, with just enough noise to let you know you are still alive and not forgotten.

 

For those who were seeking a leisurely lifestyle away from the hub-bub of the city, this was an ideal spot. At the end of 1966, there were approximately 15 homes or cabins built, on half were permanent residents, with McVay's being the first built.

 

The Recreational area, which included a fishing lake, a swimming lake, stables, a 100-year big red barn, (incidentally, one of the oldest in Tuolumne County), horses, peacocks, ducks, paddle boats, a real old fashioned Frontier Fort, a large picnic area between the barn and swimming lake and a small one next to the fishing lake, not to mention lots of gophers, graceful grazing deer, and an occasional rattlesnake, was purchased by W.S.A. in 1967 for $84,800, with monthly payments of $899.48. for a period of ten years.

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The first project tackled was the renovation of the fences, barns, and stables. What a great improvement a coat of paint can do! To help enhance the grounds, ninety-five trees were planted, two days later, seven of the newly planted trees were pulled up by vandals. Volunteer Patrols were established on Halloween night, which kept the vandalism down. Conversion of the two water stor­age tanks with pumps for the automatic operation was installed.

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Many more cabins were being constructed, with more permanent residents. W.S.  was building up, problems increasing as vandalism also increased. Each year the cost went up in maintaining our facilities. New metal membership and guest tags were been made up and became available for each member.

December of '72 was one of the prettiest winters ever. Many of us stayed at home just to enjoy it. What a scene! A vast blanket of white casting such peace and purity, even the abominable snowman paid us a visit.