The nearly century old 14-storied Spanish Colonial Revival Baker Hotel imposed herself, with hints of her former grandeur, over the sleepy north central Texas town of Mineral Wells, Texas. Surrounded by the Palo Pinto Mountains, the derelict Baker sat waiting for someone to rescue her.

 

To look at her, she was in disrepair, a far cry from its luxurious and opulent days as a world-class destination at the turn of the last century.

 

Until recently.

 

The beautiful spa resort has a long illustrious history. Having been completed in 1929 by Theodore Baker, the hotel and spa resort drew Hollywood elite, national and local politicians, the who's who of social society; even notorious gangsters such as, Bonny and Clyde.

 

And, of course, there is even a ghost story or two.

 

When it opened , November 9, 1929, with a restaurant, bowling alley, two ballrooms, an in-house beauty shop, and other novelties such as a bowling alley, a gymnasium, and a night club on the premises, it was intended to be exclusively patronized for people with money. 

Originally, there was no plan for the swimming pool but after a trip to California, Baker decided the hotel must have a pool. Therefore, The Baker Hotel could now boast of having the very first hotel pool in Texas filled with the curative mineral waters Mineral Wells was known for. The pool was located atop of an already-completed basement, which was used as a work area for the hotel and a changing area for guests.

 

Also, the hotel incorporated air conditioning, which was uncommon in that era. When its a 100 degrees outside, that is very attractive, indeed.

 

However, the true lure was the claim of the fountain of youth contained in the water. Just by partaking of the waters, it was said the "crazy water" could cure rheumatoid arthritis, mental illness, and any number of other maladies. This was a very popular commodity, at the time. As a matter of fact, The Crazy Water was bottled and sold all over The United States.

 

Over the decades, beginning in the 1950's, economic slowdowns, Fort Wolters leaving in the 1970's , and Mr. Baker announcing he would shutter the hotel, the grand dame sat there, from the 70's on, as if asleep, waiting for the right people to come along to awaken her from her slumber.

 

Then in 2019, there was an announcement that Our Old Lady would be getting a very much needed restoration and was planned to become the center of attention, once again. These investors intend to bring The Baker back to its former glory and. currently, the restoration is underway.

 

The Grand Old Lady is being restored and it is with great thanks to their efforts.

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