Jul 24, 2015
Mineral Wells, Texas is most famous for the mineral springs that are there. In the early 1900s, the city became a place for those seeking healing from the curative effects of the mineral springs. To provide lodging for these guests, a hotel was built named for its builder, the Baker Hotel. There are more than just mineral spirits hanging around the Baker Hotel. There are allegedly ghosts in this hotel. Join us as we explore the history and hauntings of the Baker Hotel. Moment in Oddity features the death of President Zachary Taylor and This Day in History features the Battle of Harlaw.
Check out the website: http://historygoesbump.com
Show notes can be found here: http://historygoesbump.blogspot.com/2015/07/hgb-podcast-ep-58-baker-hotel.html
Hey, I've been corresponding with you on Twitter about The Baker Hotel. I listened to your podcast and it's very good. There are just a couple facts that were misplaced. The Crazy Water Hotel that burned to the ground was rebuilt & reopened in 1927 by the original owner: Carr Collins. It is now a Retirement Hotel and it's on Oak Street. The Baker is just a few blocks away on Hubbard, and it was built on the site of the White Sulfur Well. There is a fantastic website with the history of the Crazy Water: drinkcrazywater.com I live in the next city east of MW and I've taken a tour of the Baker. That was back before I had a camera phone so I didn't get any pictures. It still has spa equipment, bar bells, deflated balls, and a chandelier. You can feel the grandeur and the history of the place just by walking up the steps. It's very dilapidated and there were many places we couldn't go because it was too dangerous. There was a room that belonged to either the manager or the owner--not sure which--but it had inlayed tile and it was unbelievable. There was a closet with what appeared to be just a wall was actually a door to a hidden wet-bar. The hotel is incredible and beautiful in its own way. Every now and then, you'll see a story of investors claiming to buy it and restore it to its former glory. But I think the expense is too outrageous and Mineral Wells isn't exactly the booming tourist spot it was back in the day. Anyway, thank you for doing a podcast on the Old Girl. I'm sure appreciates the interest and a snapshot of her claim to fame.