Schoenewald book signing

Thermopolis residents, Thomas Schoenewald and Lea Cavalli Schoenewald, recently wrote a new book revealing the past and current history of the Hot Springs State Park.

During the Covid situation last year the Schoenewalds were hiking around the State Park area seeking out where the old zoo was located. It was a fantastic find and this got them interested in learning about the history of the park. Because they were not able to travel due to Covid, they decided to write a book. The excitement about the old zoo and wanting to tell everyone birthed the idea of writing their book. They drafted a proposal and emailed it to the publisher Arcadia who creates books that celebrate and specialize in local history throughout America. To the Schoenewalds' surprised within 20 minutes they received a reply from Arcadia affirming they wanted them to write it and to complete the book within six months. 

The Schoenewalds' immediately got to task and with the help of the staff of the Hot Springs County Museum and the Independent Record using both of their archives they began the hard work of pulling together the information. Not only was the Museum integral in helping write the book, but the Schoenewalds were also standing on the shoulders of Dorothy and Bob Milek, who were previous historians of the area. The Milek family was more than happy to help and offer support, information, data and photos. Dorothy Milek published her historical book on Hot Springs County in the 1970s and last updated it in the 1980s. Since then there were no more historical books being written locally until the Schoenewalds stepped in. 

Another great assistance for their writing was Hans Klein-Hewett a researcher from Iowa State University who took the information provided by Milek and made a timeline that helped orchestrate the order of events. This timeline enabled the Schoenewalds to create the structure of the history.

The Schoenewalds' book about the Hot Springs State Park first covers the history of how the mineral waters were used for medicinal purposes. The book says, "The Big Spring was truly considered a wellspring for those with ailments. Many came over mountain passes and trailers, like the Bridger, to seek relief and the cure for blood and skin diseases, rheumatism, and kidney complaints. The waters were said to achieve cures where other springs had failed. The spring first served the Native American population but became well known to the world by 1900."

The book continues to explain the transfer of the land of the Hot Springs area where after several years of negotiations Chief Washakie proclaimed, "I have given you the springs, my heart feels good" about doing this. The agreement assured that a portion of the water would be available for free use to all mankind. This chapter goes into detail about the maps and stories of the transaction.

Later on, the book reveals how the Hot Springs State Park became famous where "the new City of Thermopolis and the State of Wyoming wasted no time in promoting the springs, not only for medical purposes but also for recreational opportunities and the beauty of the Big Horn Reserve."

But things in Thermopolis and the State Park turned badly to whether it will survive or not. The Great Depression and World War II essentially dried up visitors coming to the area. However, the community held together and things grew better. Old buildings were demolished and new structures constructed. Things were changing as, "The State of Wyoming took a renewed interest in the Hot Springs State Park." The Schoenewalds do not disappoint and their book pulls the reader into the current times of the Hot Springs State Park where they say "The Legacy Continues." The Schoenewalds added that the new popularity of hiking and mountain biking trails are helping draw in more tourists in addition to the pools and the coming new Dinosaur Center.

The book is full of photos typically not seen by the public. They came from the archives of the County Museum. The Schoenewalds said there were many, many images they discovered and it was difficult to pick and choose which to keep in the book.

They will also do a presentation at the County Museum in September, the specific date and time is to be determined. Their book will be available in bookstores throughout the state and even nationwide.