Mineral Wells

Mineral Wells
Author: Sue Seibert
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 132
Release: 2011
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780738579856

The family of James Alvis Lynch headed west from Denison, Texas, to find a dry climate that would alleviate Lynch's symptoms of malaria and his wife Amanda's rheumatism. They traveled as far as the Brazos River, where U.S. 180 crosses today, when one of their oxen drowned, and the other was struck by lightning. To make matters worse, the Lynches learned of hair-raising tales of the struggles between Comanches and settlers. So on Christmas Eve in 1877, the Lynch family decided to settle 4 miles east of the Brazos in the beautiful valley between what are the East and West Mountains in present-day Mineral Wells. There, the Lynch family discovered the mineral-rich water that mended their maladies and brought tourists from far and wide to take the healing cure. The geology of the area also brought oil, gas, and brick plants, while the attacks on local settlers brought a military presence to the region. The history of Mineral Wells is alive today, as many descendants of early pioneers still live and work in the community, full of pride for their families' contributions to the area.

Crazy Water

Crazy Water
Author: Gene Fowler
Publisher: TCU Press
Total Pages: 344
Release: 1991
Genre: History
ISBN:

Mineral Wells, Stoval Hot Wells, Marlin, Glen Rose, Sour Lake, Indian Hot Springs, Wizard Wells -- there were dozens of places all over the state where heavily mineralized water lay beneath the soil. In pioneer days, the news often set off a land rush, with wagons flocking to the medicinal founts of "miracle" healing. Before the discovery of antibiotics -- and sometimes afterward - drinking and bathing in mineral waters were an important part of health care for many Texans. In a lively look at resorts large and small and the men who ran them, from quack doctors and elixir pitchmen to legitimate businessmen and physicians, Crazy Water takes readers from one end of the state to the other, listening to testimonials, reading amazing descriptions, marveling at the gulibility of the afflicted and the inventiveness of the healers.

Texas Gothic

Texas Gothic
Author: James Pylant
Publisher: Jacobus Books
Total Pages: 284
Release: 2014-10-01
Genre: True Crime
ISBN: 0984185771

It began in the 1800s. In the Texas town of Mineral Wells, people drinking the strange-tasting water claimed to be cured of insanity, rheumatism, and terminal illness. Discovery of the phenomenon beguiled thousands of tourists, curiosity seekers, and the afflicted who desperately sought cures. Yet, the town that promoted its “crazy water” attracted eccentric citizens, including wealthy Will and Anna Johnson, who, unable to cope with the deaths of their children, spared no expense in preserving the bodies for entombment in a mausoleum; paperclip inventor David Galbraith, the builder of a house in the shape of a honeycomb; and influential mortician Bob Beetham, who gained power by keeping the town’s secrets. In Texas Gothic, author James Pylant also uncovers the mysterious life of beautiful and ambitious Mineral Wells resident Corinne Griffith. After becoming a famous star of the silent screen and one of America’s richest women, she made a shocking courtroom claim that she was not the “real” Corinne Griffith. Under the looming 14-story Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells thrived with visits from movie stars; yet, the “crazy water” beckoned exploiters and predators. Texas Gothic reveals true tales of the town’s forgotten past: murder, white slavery, prostitution, and mysterious deaths.

Report

Report
Author: Illinois. Dept. of Insurance
Publisher:
Total Pages: 724
Release: 1927
Genre: Insurance
ISBN:

Ebony

Ebony
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 180
Release: 1971-08
Genre:
ISBN:

EBONY is the flagship magazine of Johnson Publishing. Founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, it still maintains the highest global circulation of any African American-focused magazine.

Taking the Waters in Texas

Taking the Waters in Texas
Author: Janet Mace Valenza
Publisher: Univ of TX + ORM
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2010-07-05
Genre: History
ISBN: 029276796X

This historical study reveals a fascinating yet forgotten aspect of life in nineteenth century Texas—its once-famous mineral spring health spas. Southern Texas once boasted an enviable variety of mineral waters. Though most are closed and nearly forgotten today, Texas spas and resorts once drew thousands of visitors from across the country. They came seeking rejuvenation of body and spirit in the healing mineral waters. This book offers the first comprehensive history of Texas’ healing springs. Janet Valenza tracks the rise, popularity, and decline of the "water cure" from the 1830s to the present day. She follows the development of major spas and resorts, such as Mineral Wells and Indian Hot Springs near El Paso, as well as smaller, family-run springs. Valenza also describes how mineral waters influenced patterns of settlement, transportation routes, commerce, and people’s attitudes toward the land. Period photos and quotes from those seeking cures offer vivid glimpses into the daily life at the springs, which Valenza lists and describes county-by-county in the appendix.

Museum Musings: the Complete Collection

Museum Musings: the Complete Collection
Author: Travis Monday
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2005
Genre: Drama
ISBN: 1411628349

Contains the complete collection of 62 articles (without the photos) previously published by the author in the Sweetwater Reporter in Sweetwater, Texas, about the history of Nolan County, Texas, and the surrounding area. Includes an index and additional chronologies designed especially for researchers and family historians. Topics include: Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), Royal Air Force (RAF), Double Heart Ranch and Rodeo, Harley Sadler, Lew Jenkins, Elvis Presley, Sweetwater Fire Department, Law Enforcement Stories (Lawmen & Outlaws), Cowboys and Indians, Frank Hamer, Drive In Theaters, Pan Zareta (famous horse), Coca-Cola, Hospitals and Courthouses of Nolan County, Grogan Wells, Santa Fe Roundhouse, C-47 Airplane Crash, S. D. Myres, Salty Pups Football Team (Sweetwater Mustangs), Dorothy Scarborough (The Wind), Mulberry Mansion, and others.