In Mineral Wells, a little more than 4 hours away from Houston, there is an opportunity to taste real mineral water. Read more about the history of the Crazy Water Company and why you should visit this Texas tourist magnet at houstoname.
What is mineral water?
Mineral water is naturally occurring underground water that contains beneficial dissolved minerals. Genuine mineral water should have at least 250 total dissolved solids (TDS). As water percolates through layers of the earth over millions of years, it collects these essential minerals that are ideal for the healthy functioning of the human body.
Mineral water is a bioavailable source of calcium, sodium and magnesium, which strengthen bones. It improves blood circulation, and its regular consumption reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. It also improves HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), blood pressure and triglyceride levels (the fat contained in the blood). Additionally, mineral water can help with constipation, as magnesium relaxes the intestinal muscles.
“Crazy Well”
In 1877, James and Armanada Lynch left the Texas town of Denison with their nine children and 50 animals in search of a more dry climate that would help cure their rheumatism. On Christmas Eve, the couple settled in a picturesque valley hidden in the hills of Palo Pinto County.
In 1880, James Lynch drilled a well on his property in Mineral Wells. Soon, the couple’s rheumatism subsided, after which the family understood that the strange-tasting water was not dangerous but beneficial. A year later, James’s uncle Billy Wiggins dug a well here.
According to legend, in 1881, an old, crazy woman lived on this site and spent a lot of time sitting by the well, sipping mineral water. Later, people began to notice that the crazy woman was getting better. The locals christened this magical place the “Crazy Well.”
The main resort town of the Southern States
By the end of 1881, more than 3,000 people resided on Lynch territory, buying the miraculous water for 5 cents a glass. Over the next few years, 125 more wells were opened here.
In 1900, Mineral Wells became the main resort town in the southern United States. More than 150,000 visitors and seekers of healing came from across the country to try the curative water.
Once upon a time, Ed Dismuke, a pharmacist from Waco, Texas, suffering from a serious stomach illness, came to Mineral Wells and began drinking water from this well. In 1904, when his health improved, Dismuke founded the Famous Mineral Water Company.
By 1909, Mineral Wells could already offer visitors 4 baths, 7 wells, 2 sanatoriums, 46 hotels and boarding houses. Four years later, the city became home to 21 companies that supplied mineral water. In 1914, the Famous Pavilion was built here so that guests could taste the mineral water.
World-famous crystals
Ed Dismuke developed many useful products from the curative waters, such as Dismuke’s Famous Mineral Crystals, which were manufactured by the separate Crazy Water Company. Thanks to their national distribution, the crystals became a great success in the 1930s, both in the United States and internationally.
Buyers could dissolve the crystals in their tap water and get the same nutrients that are hidden in Mineral Wells. With a teaspoon of crystals, one can enjoy the benefits of mineral water without leaving home.
During the Second World War, the number of visitors to Mineral Wells’ mineral wells dropped significantly, leading to the closure of most local companies before the end of the decade, including the Crazy Water Company.
After almost 60 years of fruitful work, Ed Dismuke passed away on November 6, 1957 (he was 97). His widow, Ida Dismuke, sold the Famous Mineral Water Company to J.C. Causey a year later. Since then, the local mineral water has been sold under two brands: Famous Water and Crazy Water. In 1999, Scott and Carol Elder, along with their parents, bought out the Famous Water Company.
What to visit
Visit the “Crazy Well” in Mineral Wells to see the healing power of the local water. The historical well attracts tourists from all over the world. Visitors can come at any time and taste the water for free. Daily walking tours are also available.
Bring a container, as you can fill up with 1 to 5 gallons of water at the Famous Pavilion. Additionally, you can mix mineral waters No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 for a truly unique drink!
The Bath House & Spa offers a wide range of mineral baths and treatments for health problems. Guests are guaranteed organic and natural premium products specially mixed with mineral waters. It’s environmentally friendly, good for the body and perfect for the soul. The center is adorned with historical elements.
Feel free to continue your trip and spend 1-2 nights at the Crazy Water Hotel, order a delicious drink at the Crazy Water Coffee & Water Bar, or indulge in some shopping at the Crazy Water Store. The Coffee & Water Bar menu includes classic lattes, teas and sodas, but with a secret ingredient: mineral water.