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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.
Eyes on Texas
Chamber of Commerce
Haunted Baker Hotel
Ghost hunt inside the Baker
Official Baker Site
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.
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!
