Capon Springs & Farms - Austin Family

After a fire destroyed the Grand Mountain House at Capon Springs in 1911, this 19th century resort lay quiet until it was resurrected by Lou and Virginia Austin in 1932. At that time, Lou was a distributor for Capon Springs Water in Philadelphia. After the owner of the Spring and bottling facility was unable to pay his taxes, the property was seized. In an attempt to recover the taxes owed, the Spring, bottling plant and several hundred acres were put up for auction at the Courthouse in Romney.

Along with the bottling facilities and healthy spring water, Lou and Virginia acquired the remnants of a once-thriving turn-of-the-century resort. Gradually through the help of hard-working co-workers, the repair and rebuilding began. Electricity came to the Capon Springs area. Weekends saw friends coming, who then told their friends and the circle grew.

Lou and Virginia’s faith and caring laid the foundation for the welcoming atmosphere felt by both guests and co-workers. Lou eventually recorded these experiences in several books, including three for children, all of which are still in print fifty years later. The spirits of founders Lou and Virginia Austin provide a safe haven of peace and rest, which continues into the fourth generation of Austin families.