My parents bought Hilltop House in 1982 to operate as a religious retreat facility. As we moved in, there were whispers in the community, "Did you realize...?" "Can you believe it...?"
The brothel history was one of California Hot Springs' greatest
urban legends. Like all urban legends, it was difficult to separate
fact from fiction. It seems rash to gossip about the family of the
original owner -- J. Howard Williams. His son had become a state
Senator representing the Porterville area and his daughter...? A madam?
The whispers continued.
An amazing thing happened sometime around the summer of 1984. A woman showed up at the door and reported that her father was in the car and really wanted to see the house. She had driven him from his nursing facility in Porterville and had hoped we would allow them in.
The man was the nephew of J. Howard Williams, the original owner, and had helped on the construction site in 1908-1910
as a 10+-year-old boy. He told us stories about the beams in the great
room ceiling and the original doors, all of which we could verify (and
deserve their own little discussions).
In passing, this man commented on the work of his cousin who operated Hilltop House as a house of ill repute in the 1920s.
He just sort of shook his head as if to add "all kinds of things have happened in this house."
Indeed
Brothel or no, the construction is beautiful. I love the beams!
Posted by: Cori | February 13, 2010 at 08:58 AM
Thanks for posting this! I've been so curious since I found your wonderful blog. :)
Posted by: Sonia | March 04, 2010 at 04:53 PM
I have to tell you that I am moved to tears. I visited the Emmaus House in the mid 90's. At that time Teen Challenge was my home and as you can imagine Spiritual recovery was my focus. It was there that I was renewed and heard God's voice for the first time in several years. Your Mom was a beautiful friend and I have thought of her often.
I am so thankful to have run across the blog on Twitter and look forward to following and being in touch with what is happening on the hill.
Posted by: Ginny | April 28, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Well, the cats were always plentiful. Guess the moniker of "cat house" was appropriate.
Posted by: veronica falcinella | November 01, 2010 at 03:08 PM
Me too, I guess it is appropriate to add some colour to the contour. I guess, that's what historic looks like.
Posted by: plumbing supplies | October 28, 2011 at 10:51 PM