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?
Perhaps this restaurant rings a bell? He’s recently been on Spike TV’s Hungry Investor. If you’ve seen the show, there’s proof that he doesn’t need to be told how to cook his meats. They’re delicious, tender and perfectly cooked. My personal favorites are the chopped brisket and chicken fried steak.
Be sure to leave room for dessert as the Pecan Cake will ‘blow your mind’ (as the waiter told me on my first visit).
I’ve never heard a complaint, always tons of praise and I guarantee you’ll think the same!
Thanks Billy (as always) from the three Vermonters! See you soon!
The Company
Today I’m linking up with