Pool Dipping Done Right!

By:  Jonathan Bellingham, 3rd Generation Capon Family Member

Generations of Capon guests have debated the proper method for entering and enjoying the fresh spring water in Capon’s historic pool. While I don’t intend to provide the definitive ruling on “THE” best way, I would like to share my 30 years of near daily dawn dips. While this provided me with plenty of experience to test what works, there are many of you who have joined me who can certainly testify to the results.

To my way of thinking, an understanding of the Capon pool experience begins with an appreciation for its history. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Henry Frye’s “discovering” and subsequent sharing of the spring that set in motion our ability to enjoy it today. Although guests could enjoy the soaking in the Bath Pavilion in the 1850s, it wasn’t until the 1880 season that the pool was completed. Back then, guests had to pay 25 cents to enter what was billed as “the largest mineral pool in the United States”. A 1890s brochure quoted one bather: “A plunge in it has all the stimulating, exhilarating effects of champagne, without the evil effects of that fascinating beverage.” When our grandparents bought the property in 1932, they resurfaced the pool with concrete. As it was patched over the years, members of the Austin family, co-workers and friends started the tradition of etching their initials in the bottom. The kiddie pools were added in the mid to late 1930s. So a part of his daily ritual, our grandfather’s early morning trips to the pool continued up to a week before his passing in 1976.

Swimmers gathered around the Capon pool in 1900

Listen to any conversation about the Capon pool and you will first here mention of its most obvious property- its temperature.  Geologically classified as a warm spring, its 65 degree temperature as it reaches the surface is either described as “refreshing” or “freezing” depending on your constitution.  Here in lies the critical factor which determines the degree of effort guests put into whether the pool is a cherished or avoided part of their Capon stay.   And while 65 might be the starting figure, during the season it can fluctuate as much as 20 degrees depending on the air temperature.   If fact, when the sundeck was built in the early 1990s, the removing of trees had the unintended effect of increasing the average temperature of the pool. (So it has been “heated” over the years!)

All this explanation provides insight into the method behind the madness of this quirky ritual.  For you see, it is only by taking advantage of this lower than normal aquatic condition, that one can receive the full benefit of its restorative effects.  So, patient reader, here is my prescriptive formula for maximum success:

     Take a really hot shower- at least 5 minutes 
            (To open pores and bring body temperature up)

       Dive or jump right in, no gradual process
            (To close pores rapidly to excrete toxins from skin)

       Swim and move about for at least 3-5 minutes
            (To keep blood flowing and body temp up)

       Hang out as long as you can- meditate, visit with family and friends
            (To ease the mind and socialize)

       Get a back massage in the spray
            (To relax neck, shoulders and lower back)

       Take one last underwater plunge
            (To see pure spring water with no chemicals to the eyes)

       Repeat as often as necessary
            (Once is usually enough, but up to three may be warranted)

       Optional finish with hot shower
            (In spring and fall when outside air keeps body temp low)

So what are the benefits of this pool dipping drama?

           Cleans your skin letting it feel smooth and soft

           Soothes sore muscles like a gentle massage

           Restores energy and vigor to face the day with confidence and courage

          Awe from your family and friends who have yet to understand its power

For me personally, my pool dipping experiences have provided a connection with both my immediate ancestors and the history of healing that predates our family.  It has aided in the recovery of any number of running related ailments and just as importantly served as a “reboot button” to my overall operating system.  To all of you who all ready know of what I speak, I say: “Polar bears rule!”  To all those yet to be converted, I say: “A whole new world of body, mind and spirit healing awaits.  So dive right in!”

That is all,
Jonathan
3rd Generation Capon Family Member
Marketing and Recreation Manager

2015 Housecleaning Has Begun!

This St. Patrick’s Day, while most people were putting on their green, over 30 Capon co-workers were putting on their clean!  This year’s start for the annual top to bottom scrub down began at 7:30 am March 17^th, thirty days before the first guests walk through the door.  (Although the official Capon calendar shows April 30^th as “opening day”, the Wilkinson/Eastlick families will arrive 4/17 for an exclusive use wedding weekend.)

Third generation family member Ginny Brill, who took over food service department last year after the retirement of Carolyn Budnyk, started the morning off by welcoming everyone back and thanking them for their support during this time of transition. Next, to prepare the cleaners for what they would encounter in the buildings, Maintenance Supervisor Bub Brill highlighted a list of fixes, repairs and upgrades they have been working on over the winter.

Maintenance Supervisor, Bub Brill, addresses the group.

Before the cleaning crews can come into the buildings to clean, the water (which was drained from all the pipes in the fall) has to be turned back on to the buildings.  The maintenance workers go around and open up all the water valves, checking for leaks and broken pipes.  Then every room is checked for heat and hot water to make sure all are working properly.  Bub remarked, “There were so many catch up projects like the water line leaks and so on and so forth, that I would have taken up their first day of cleaning if I had to list them all.”  In fact, it took a little more than four days just to get all the water lines open and running properly.  This includes over 225 sinks, 200 toilets and 180 shower/tubs.  (Four days may seem like a long time, but due to maintenance upgrades the last few years, this process now only takes 4-5 days when it used to take 10-12.  Its one reason we have been able to open earlier and stay open longer!)

A new 6 in. water line being installed to replace the original cast iron pipe
from the 1880s that leads to the pool.

Also starting back to work before spring housecleaning begins are Back Kitchen Supervisor, Patricia Helmick and Housekeeping Supervisor, Vicki Smith.  They spend the week before Spring Housecleaning starts making sure cleaners have everything they need: stocking all the supply kits for each working pair (5 types of cleaners, 4 types brushes/rags, brooms, mops, fix-it tools). They also begin to get the first layer of winter dust out of the kitchen, and take down and start washing all the curtains hanging around the property.  

A group of co-workers clean one of the Main House bathrooms.

Patricia, with 45+ years of experience in the Capon kitchen has been co-directing the annual "scrubbing effort" for about 25 years.  She and Vicki have been teamed together for the last 10 years.  They direct an interdepartmental team of about 13 full time and 17 part time cooks, bakers, waitresses, room workers, spa attendants, grounds keepers and night shift workers.  They have just four weeks to clean every building (guest lodging, recreation and storage buildings) top to bottom-- including porches.  Their goal is to average 2-3 guest rooms/day.  It is back-breaking work.  As a testament to the strong work ethic among these co-workers, about a third of the crew is either near or above retirement age.

Co-workers begin to clean and move furniture in one of the
Main House living rooms.

Co-workers hang freshly laundered curtains in the Main House
game and puzzle room.

Meanwhile, the painting crew, who also started before the cleaners, has been following behind the maintenance fixes, working on their own winter list.  Their crew of five has brightened up just about every building around Capon, including the large stairwell in the Fairfax.  One of their most time consuming jobs so far this spring has been repainting all the dining room chairs.  “There were 316 of them and it took Tammy Arbaugh and me 10 days,” reported Lydia Hott.   (Many guests know Lydia for her dining room duties and as Waitress Supervisor, but she has been part of the painting crew for about 25 years.  Tammy, who leads the painting crew, has been using her brush for about 15 years.  During the season, Tammy is the one who keeps "the pantry" stocked-- inventorying and ordering all the food that the Capon kitchen needs to prepare those delicious meals.)

Dining room chairs with fresh coat of paint.

Just like the past 82 Spring cleanings, it takes all these dedicated and diligent “elves” working their magic, so that Capon will be ready to welcome folks to their home away from home. Even though there is snow on the ground, we still have happy thoughts of spring and of upcoming visits with you!

February Greetings from Tom!

Dear Capon Friends,

Tom here!  A couple of weeks ago, the family was kidding me about dressing up like the Maytag Repairman and posing for a picture here at my desk.  Things were a little quiet "back then", like they have a tendency to be in late January.  Then at our first February meeting, we were brainstorming about how to fill in the last weekend in May.  We came up with a theme:  "Let's throw a Party!"  That was around noon on Monday, February 2.  An email blast went out on Tuesday and by Sunday afternoon, we had filled up the entire place!  I basically camped out at Capon for 4 days arranging (and then rearranging!) room assignments to fill all the requests.  I've been doing this for nearly 40 years, and I can truthfully say that we have never had a response like this before!  This has all the makings for one of our best seasons on record.

2015 SEASON NEWS AND SAVINGS

We want you to know that we do listen!  We take your suggestions seriously and try to fit your ideas into just how we map out our upcoming season.  Everyone was really thrilled with the rate specials that we offered last year; so much so that we have nearly doubled the number of nights when you can stay with us for just $99 per person!  Exactly how many?  (Take a guess and then check the bottom of the page to see how close you are!)  You also asked if we could give you more notice on just when we would offer these rates, so you could plan out your entire Capon year.   We've done that as well, and the $99 nights are all listed on the rates page on our website.

So now that your lonely Maytag Repairman has handled the onslaught of bookings for the last weekend in May, I'm primed and ready to take your requests for ANY time throughout the season from May until mid-November.  That's right!  Based on the totally positive comments surrounding our Veterans Day activities, we have decided to stay open again this season until November 11.  And here's an inside tip....We have never seen such demand for weekend space as early as this before.  This is partly due to SIX weddings already booked and a couple of others already in the works!

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE...

Patty and I have plans to head to Florida in mid-march to celebrate our 10th anniversary.  (Yes, Ten Years!  Time flies when you're having fun!)  We will be vacationing on Anna Maria Island, thanks to the generosity of some very special friends!  We both continue to stay active in the community through the churches, Neighbor to Neighbor and Lions Club.  In fact, this past Saturday, Patty received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from the Wardensville Lions Club.  This is the highest form of individual recognition within this fine international organization.  Patty also stays very active with her children's and youth choirs in Winchester.  In late March, she will be the guest conductor for the All Virginia Elementary Chorus.  (Can you tell that I am the very proud husband!)

So if you happen to sense that I am pretty excited about the 2015 season, you are absolutely right.  Phil says that if I'm smiling in February, it's going to be a very good year.  Can't wait to see you all soon and to help make your Capon experience exceptional!   (BTW, there are 41 nights where $99 rates are being offered this season!)

Tom (Third Generation Family Member and Reservations Manager)

For the Capon Family