Wellness From the Well
The story goes that in 1868 an old horse was put out to pasture to end its days. The poor nag spent its time stomping in the mud and water near some abandoned, leaky salt tanks. Soon the horse was no longer limping and became thoroughly rejuvenated. Thus, they say, was the discovery of the curative powers of the waters under Mt. Clemens.
News of the miracle spread, and soon the rush to Mt. Clemens was underway. Proponents of the baths proclaimed the treatment’s miraculous power to relieve the discomfort associated with skin problems, tired muscles and joints, and a number of other ailments. Postcards of the times proudly showed the infirm emerging from the baths free of pain.
Following the opening of the first bath house in Mt. Clemens in 1873, the industry grew steadily, reaching its height of popularity in 1910-1911. At that time there were 11 bath houses and approximately 78 hotels and rooming houses.
Guest lists from the hotels name many affluent and famous personalities including auto pioneer Henry Ford, actress Mae West, home-run king Babe Ruth, newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and boxer Jack Dempsey.
The last remaining bath house closed in 1974. The only remaining well in operation today in Mt. Clemens is owned by Mineral Essentials®
