There is a most interesting article in today’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram, discussing the mineral water baths of Mineral Wells, Texas:

Carol Elder is bringing back something that’s been missing from this North Texas city for more than 40 years — mineral baths.

In a sparsely furnished 8-foot-by-11-foot room, customers of the Famous Water Co. can sink into a 69-inch pedestal tub filled with “Crazy Water” for a sensation that hasn’t been available since the historic Baker Hotel closed in 1972, Elder said.

The first mineral baths opened about the time Mineral Wells incorporated in 1882, Elder said. The baths were reputed to heal skin conditions such as eczema, and worse.

Why Crazy Water? According to legend, one of the wells became famous when what was described as a “demented elderly lady” was cured after drinking the water. The town named the well the “Crazy Woman Well,” later shortened to “Crazy Well.”

The mineral waters were reputed to cure all sorts of ailments. Snake oil, you say?

Maybe not, according to my 3rd great-grandfather Dr Nathan Blunt Kennedy of Hillsboro, Texas. Read his ringing endorsement below: