Hrebeniv

Hrebeniv developed in the 20-30s of the 20th century, when a resort was founded on the basis of local mineral waters. The village was decorated with vacationers' cottages, forest plantations were arranged, beaches were equipped, and streets were improved. About 2500 people rested and were treated at the resort during the season. The resorts were rented to private owners, among whom the Shmaters brothers stood out. In 1906, they opened a sanatorium on Zelemianka, based on the brine waters of a spring. Having built beautiful and comfortable boarding houses, Jovzhi Shmatera invited highly qualified doctors to work there, and employed many people from Hrebeniv. Here one could not only take therapeutic baths, but also have a good rest. In 1912, 200 spa guests were treated here. In 1906, the mineral water was analyzed in the laboratory of the Austrian Pharmacists' Union in Vienna and its high value was recognized. At the same time, chemists established the great value of the waters of the Poray spring. The waters of Zelemianka were studied again in 1926 by Heinrich Rubenbauer, an associate professor of medicinal chemistry at Lviv University, and were recognized as similar to Ivoshch. Not only musculoskeletal ailments were treated here, but also diseases of the nervous system. However, during the First World War, the Austrian authorities requisitioned the sanatorium for some time, turning it into a rehabilitation center and a climatic resort for the wounded. However, under Polish rule, Shmaterivka, as a health resort, was once again owned by the Shmater sons and accepted everyone for treatment. In 1936, 150 baths were given to the sick here daily. The economic development of the village was also associated with the cultural and spiritual upsurge. Educational work was launched in Hrebeniv. It was coordinated by the local Prosvita house. There was a reading room that was opened in 1898. It existed until 1938.

In the nineteenth century, hardworking, energetic young men came to Skole district. They liked not only the picturesque landscapes, but also the beautiful women from Hrebeniv, one of whom one of the brothers married and stayed here forever. Having found healing springs at the foot of the Zelemianka and Zeleminia, Jovzhy Shmater built comfortable and beautiful boarding houses, invited highly qualified doctors to cooperate, and created jobs for many residents of Hrebeniv and Skole.

"The main attraction of the village of Zelemianka is the Health and Bathing Facility located at the mouth of the Zelemianka stream to the Opir, also known as Shmaterivka. It exploits a powerful mineral spring located there, whose water contains iodine, bromine, iron, and radon. The facility has a boarding house with 80 furnished rooms in 7 villas located in the facility's park. Bathing facilities include 8 cabins with 16 baths. The institution receives visitors from May to September, the boarding house - all year round. During the summer season, there is one doctor on duty, the other one travels from Skole. The cost of spa bathing services is 4 zlotys, children under 10, doctors with their families, and members of the Polish Tatranski Society are free of charge," one of the archival documents says.