Don't know about you but we are getting a bit stir crazy staying home day after day. So, yesterday we packed a picnic lunch and headed out for a drive. One good thing, is that the price of gas is lower than it has been in twenty years. We paid $1.45 a gallon. Of course that has had a negative effect on drilling in Texas, putting many out of work. So, I guess that is what is called a double edged sword.
Roughly 50 miles west of Ft. Worth, we came into the small Texas town of Mineral Wells, with a population of around 17,000. I was surprised to see such a huge structure looming large on the horizon. Seems it is the famous old Baker Hotel. Mineral Wells was founded in the late 1800 by a family headed west hoping to find dryer climates to improve their health. Not far from the Brazos River, they heard stories of Indian raids further west, and decided to stay where they were. To make a long story a bit shorter, they discovered that the strange tasting water with minerals in it improved their health. Therefore they seized the opportunity to let the world know of it's healing powers and it worked.
The Baker hotel was constructed in 1929 and was quite the resort in it's heyday, with the likes of Clark Gable, Judy Garland and Lawerenc Welk signing it's guest register. Falling on hard times the Baker finally closed it doors for good in 1972.
So, why does it look like a construction site? Well, investors are pouring 65 million into renovating it and plan to have it in full operation again in 2022. I wish them well in light of what is happening now!
For more info on the Baker Hotel and Mineral Wells go
HERE.
How interesting. I had not heard of this place. I wish them well too. I hope it works. It's a great looking building.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous hotel, Janey. I miss Texas in the Springtime. Stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteIt feels so great to get out and take drive. Our gas prices are way down here too. I lived in Mineral Wells for a couple of years when my kids were little. Love seeing pics of this old building! Take care and stay healthy! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteDearest Janey,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, keeping our fingers crossed that it sure will be a comeback for them!
What a humongous hotel from 1929... unreal!
Well, I'm still busy with my book and its research and fine tuning... Not easy but it keeps me occupied; not enough hours in the day to do it ALL.
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh I'm so glad they are restoring this building Janey, it's an impressive piece of architecture. Petrol pretty low here also ✨
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