Mineral Wells, Texas is known for their mineral water or “crazy water”. In this small town just west of Fort Worth, business was booming. People were traveling from near and far hoping to get their hands on this water that claimed to heal them of their ailments. After money was raised in a community effort, ground breaking began for what would be known as the Baker Hotel in 1926.
The hotel was magnificent, so they say. It did hold the first swimming pool at a hotel in Texas after all. Once completed in 1929, the structure would be 14 stories high, 450 guest rooms, two ballrooms, a bowling alley, gymnasium and of course the pool. Cost: $1.2 million (in 1929). The lights and fans were all controlled by the room key, ice water circulated to all of the guest rooms, valet laundry was available. The hotel prospered, visited by celebrities (Lucille Ball) and Presidents alike (Lyndon B. Johnson).
Over the years, the hotel changed owners (and investors) and slowly declined in business. At one time, the Baker hotel housed infantry soldiers when Fort Wolters opened nearby. In 1979, the hotel closed doors for the last time and has since been sitting vacant and the victim of vandalism.
If you research news the hotel, you will see there are plans of a renovation although I’m sure it was cost a unimaginable sum. You will also find photos from within the building. There’s also been numerous ghost hunters who have visited this hotel. Keep in mind, many people who were sick with disease and dying came to this hotel in hopes of a cure – some never left.
Today, if driving through Mineral Wells, it’s hard to miss this monster of a building. It towers above all. You can stop, walk around the building and take photos however it’s marked no trespassing. The pool sits next to the hotel, lifeguard stand is still there, waiting for new visitors.
Have you ever visited or driven by the Baker Hotel? Do you know of any stories?
If you’re looking for a good spot to check out on a weekend drive, day trip, Texas road trip – this is your town and this is your stop!
Dancehalls. I love them! Love really doesn’t cut it. I don’t think there’s just one thing that I love, I love everything but most of all, it’s the history that the walls hold. The people that have walked through the door, two-stepped across the old wooden floors, music that filled the air, along with laughter, banter and I’m sure there’s been a few arguments along the way.
Honestly, I was pretty excited about the moose! It’s not a typical Texas sight!
The Greenwood is the perfect place to grab a beer, sit back and just enjoy the Texas character. There’s a lot on the walls and you never know who you’ll meet sitting at the bar!
The inside is pretty amazing in itself but then there’s the entire outdoor aspect. Take a gander!
Now I know what you’re saying, dancehall?! Where’s the band. Well, they were setting up as I was heading out. There’s room. Seriously, every town should have a watering hole such as this. Is this not the perfect spot to cool off on any afternoon?
Until next time! I’ll be back (with friends)!
