Favorite "Surprises"
When our sons were involved in Scouting, our troop had a tradition of having our “Christmas campout” at a Boy Scout camp west of Fort Worth. As a volunteer leader, I was making my first trip to this particular campout and had never been on these roads and through the small towns along the way. As we entered a town called Mineral Wells, I noticed a large structure in this small and desolate city. As I drew closer, it appeared as though it had once been a hotel. Indeed it was. This is the Baker Hotel. This was once a destination spot for Hollywood elite and others who wanted to come bathe in mineral baths and drink the “Crazy Water” from this area. People like Spencer Tracey and July Garland, I later found out, frequented this place. As with so many other places and experiences, people found other places to go and things to do and this place closed and has been abandoned.
I love road trips for these kinds of discoveries or surprises. My first thought when I see them is “There has to be some good stories about this.” A little research will produce many stories about the Baker Hotel. One of the best stories that is unfolding right now is that this place is being renovated and will reopen within a few years. Downtown Mineral Wells appears to be regaining some life in expectation of the coming future for this building and community.
