The Indians of the Six Nation's knew and used local springs in Richfield Springs as a source of excellent water and mineral springs used for healing many ills, calling them "Stinking Water" because the odor of sulphur was most noticeable. The largest spring was located here in Spring Park and became better known when Dr. Horace Manley, a noted physician and graduate of Fairfield Medical College, urged the first residents to partake of the waters. After Horace Manley and Daniel Richards purchased the land from Nathan Dow in 1820, Manley took half of it and erected a bath house near the large spring. The building later known as Spring House was originally named Page's Tavern and was erected in 1823 by Theodore Page and Samuel Chase as a two-story structure measuring 40' x 30'. About 1840 Joshua Whitney became proprietor and changed the name to Spring House, then expanded it with later successors until it could accommodate 450 guests. In 1857 the grounds had two separate bath houses, a 20' x 30' barn for carriages and horses, and a greenhouse, and they were noted for 2,000 surrounding trees and intersecting gravel walks; that year the July and August rate was $12 a week, and horse keeping was $18 for four weeks. After the incorporation of the village in 1861, both Spring House and the population grew for the next few years, and by 1870 ten more hotels and many boarding houses had opened for visitors seeking the medicinal waters. In 1875 Thomas Proctor purchased Spring House and its grounds and succeeded in placing the hotel in the front rank of American hotels. He modernized the building, electrified it, landscaped the grounds, and in 1890 erected a new bathing establishment that offered the latest in hydrotherapy. The 1880's were called "The Age of Elegance," the 1890's "The Golden Age," and entertainment centered on the grounds of Spring House, where tennis courts were in constant use, major tournaments were held, symphony orchestras from NYC gave daily concerts during the season, and the summer theater near the bath house hosted roller skating, church fairs, plays, balls, and minstrel shows. Thomas Proctor also continued contributing to the village of Richfield Springs with the town clock, Monument Park, the village library, and John D. Cary Park. Fire destroyed Spring House in July of 1897 despite all efforts, including assistance from a fire contingent from Utica, and devoted employees moved the furniture and guests' personal belongings to the middle of Main Street.