One of my favorite drives is along TX 180 -
the road that takes me to some of my
favorite places. Weatherford, Palo Pinto,
and Mineral Wells State Park are all along
that street, and none is more than a two
hour drive from my driveway.

I've always had a special affinity, though,
for little old Mineral Wells. A former spa
town known for its healing waters (called
Crazy Water) since before the Comanche
laid claim to the land, this town sits in
among the shadows of its former
tourist-center glory, making it one of the
most mysterious and intriguing towns in
North Texas.

Of all the old hotels which used to welcome
spa guests (and are now apartment
buildings, for the most part), none is as
imposing as the abandoned hulk of the
Baker Hotel. An art deco giant, the Baker
was modeled after the Arlington hotel in Hot
Springs, Arkansas, and during its hey-day it
claimed Judy Garland and Greer Garson
among its patrons.

Standing like a sentry over Mineral Wells'
ancient downtown, the Baker closed in the
1970s when recuperative spa vacations
went out of favor. Today, its gargantuan
corpse stands defiantly in the middle of
town, beckoning passers-by to marvel and
dream of its former glory.

Many of the businesses in Mineral Wells
folded, too.  Today, this hill side town is an
interesting mix of dilapidated mansions and
former hotels, abandoned storefronts, and
scenic ruins amid strip malls and fast food
joints.

I really, really like Mineral Wells. I've met
only friendly people there, and its history
fascinates me. I've decided that it will
become my home one day... and hopefully, I
can help in the efforts to preserve the
Baker and all of Mineral Wells' history.
Some ghostly gossip about the Baker Hotel:

A drunken woman supposedly jumped off the 14th story balcony,
trying to dive into the pool.

The owner/manager kept his mistress in a cozy little apartment at
the Baker, and her ghost still haunts that floor.

The tile floor in the penthouse has swastikas in its border. They
were installed in 1929, so they do not have an evil connotation.
They were meant to reflect Navajo and Kiowa sun symbols.

Long ago, a young waiter died in the basement after he fell
between the door of the elevator and the shaft - or so I've been
told.
Mineral Wells is located about 20 miles
west of Weatherford on US 183 in Palo
Pinto County. It is the gateway to the North
Texas Hill Country.

Here's a map to find your way!

My Kinda Town: Mineral Wells
Ruins looking down onto Mineral Wells
Back courtyard at the Baker Hotel
The historic district shows off its mysterious waters
The Baker Hotel and its
long defunct blue fountain.
The swimming pool is to
the right.
Art deco light delights
Long gone barber shop
How many different bricks do you see?
David enjoys a sip of Crazy Water
Sturdy brick storefronts recall better times