Save As: NextGen Heritage Conservation

The Midcentury Spa-Tels of Desert Hot Springs

March 07, 2024 USC Master of Heritage Conservation Program
Save As: NextGen Heritage Conservation
The Midcentury Spa-Tels of Desert Hot Springs
Show Notes

New alumna (and Save As producer) Willa Seidenberg has enjoyed the mineral-water spas of Desert Hot Springs for decades. In the 1950s, the Coachella Valley town became a destination for middle- and working-class families who frequented the simple spa motels, or "spa-tels." Willa and co-host Cindy Olnick took a road trip to Desert Hot Springs to see the remaining spa-tels and talk about Willa's thesis, Spa City: The Midcentury Spa-Tels of Desert Hot Springs. You’ll hear about Willa's research journey down rabbit holes that led to valuable discoveries. You'll also learn about tools the town could use to boost its economy by celebrating its heritage.  

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