Willow Springs was once a stage stop until purchased by Ezra Hamilton. His intentions were to have sufficient water to run the mill for his Tropico gold mine, but the tranquil location proved to be a good site for a resort. In 1904, Hamilton spent $40,000 to build what was eventually 27 stone buildings including houses, a hotel, a school and even a swimming pool. The resort continued until the post office closed in 1918. Today some of the buildings are still occupied.

Willow Springs, California: Desert Magazine article by MARCIA RITTENHOUSE WYNN , November, 1951, 'When Ezra Hamilton Found Gold at Willow Springs': http://www.dezertmagazine.com/mine/1951DM11/index.html

Page 15,  five photos and a map. A lot of good history.