Friday, March 1, 2013

Taking the Waters at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas



            “The action of our waters in the cure of disease is well marked, although opinions may be divided as to how they cure, all are agreed that they cure. Some say that there is no virtue in medicinal waters and the cures are due to other causes. Then, we say, show us what the causes are.” –Dr. William Johnston, Eureka Springs, AK

            By 1879, news of the healing properties of the waters around Eureka Springs, Arkansas was spreading rapidly. Tales of travelers cured of everything from polio to blindness abounded, all due to dipping in or drinking of the spring waters.
            Joseph Perry, friend to Kit Carson and other Wild West legends and son of a hotel family, came to Eureka Springs for the water and stayed to build an empire. Water from Basin Spring was available in every room of his hotel. This was a marked improvement over accommodations elsewhere, as visitors were often seen carrying buckets of water to their hotels for use in bathing and drinking.
            By 1881, the Invalids Association, a regular meeting of the invalids who had made the pilgrimage to the city, was held at the Elk Street ME Church. The purpose of this society was to inform attendees about all matters of interest in regard to cures and the locations where they might be found.
            Owing to the popularity of the area, a variety of boardinghouses, bathhouses, and hotels were built in the area. However, none could compare to the glorious Crescent Hotel. Built by the Eureka Springs Improvement Company and the Frisco Railroad, the Crescent was opened to the public on May 10, 1886. The castle on the hill, as some called the grand five-story resort, was built from local limestone fitted together by a group of specially qualified masons brought in from Ireland.
            And oh what a castle! Pilgrims could come to the waters and stay for the bowling, lawn tennis or horseback rides, to name a few of the luxurious amenities. Soon the Crescent Hotel became the place for society to come and take the waters. Not only had Eureka Springs become a destination for restored health, but also for an improved social calendar during the spring and summer months for the “carriage set”.
            But how did waters from a spring find their way up to a hotel on a hill? Modern engineering, 1880s style, of course. Water from Congress and Crescent Springs was pumped up the hill and into the hotel where it was made available to guests not only in their rooms but in the rotunda on a tap that looked very much like a modern soda fountain. Guests could come down to the lobby and pour a glass of Basin, Dairy, or Sweet Spring water at any time he or she wished.
            As medical knowledge improved, doctors began to question the curative effects of the waters, often calling on a placebo effect in explaining the cures. Other said the reason was the area itself with its beautiful hillside location and many outdoor activities that lured formerly placid visitors outside and into more invigorating activities. Whatever the cause, the waters still beckoned and the pilgrims still came.
            Today the Crescent Hotel still stands on the hill overlooking Eureka Springs, mostly unchanged in over 125 years. Though the taps for water by the glass are no longer evident in the rotunda, the pipes can still be seen on the ceiling of the first floor restrooms.
             Though through the years the hotel has been home to junior college, a hospital, and a conservatory for young women, the Crescent has been restored to its former glory and awaits the history lover who would like to know what it might have been like to come and take the waters. Or perhaps to come and merely fill up a dance card and enjoy a lovely summer.
             The Crescent Hotel is also the setting for my newest novel, Flora's Wish (Harvest House, February 2013). Flora Brimm, a not so prim and proper Natchez belle with four fiancés whose untimely deaths kept them from arriving at the altar has one wish: find a husband and secure the family home for a sibling who would otherwise be tossed out. Ever resourceful, she’s sure she knows exactly how to make that happen. So she makes her plans and arrives at the Crescent Hotel only to find out she is the subject of a Pinkerton investigation and just may be engaged to a jewel thief. Meanwhile, Pinkerton agent and inventor Lucas McMinn is trying to decide whether the lovely lady is part of the solution or the problem.
              To win a copy of Flora's Wish, leave a comment! 


And our big giveaway is coming the end of the month!
Grand Prize- Kindle 
2nd Place Prize- $25 Amazon gift card 
For each day you comment on CFHS you receive one entry in the kindle and $25 Amazon gift card giveaway. Comment on every post in the month of March and earn 31 entries! 
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Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of forty-five novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A Romantic Times Top Pick recipient of her novels, Kathleen is a proud military wife and an expatriate Texan cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies from north of the Red River. To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.


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68 comments:

  1. That is so interesting I have heard of the spring and how people would go there. Did they ever find out why they helped and do they still help?
    I love the look of your new book.

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    1. Jenny, lots of analysis has been done on the waters but I could find no conclusive study as to exactly what caused the cures. Some said it was mind over matter, and others claimed that people were more active due to the climate and beautiful location and that helped them to heal.

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    2. that makes alot of sense The springs were probably refreshing also. But to be in the fresh air and that sort of location would be wonderful. I know going to the mountains I always sleep better. (mental note need to go find mountains to visit!)

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  2. Please enter me in this contest. This will be a good book I believe. Thanks! MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  3. Wow! That was so interesting! Makes me want to go and bathe in it. heehee. How did you ever run across this information? I love these kinds of history. Stuff that could so easily get lost but really shows a different side of the people of that era. Thanks for a great post!

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  4. I've read other books by Kathleen and loved them. Really fun premise and interesting tidbits on the hotel. :)

    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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  5. I would like to be entered in the drawing for Flora's Wish. Thank you.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  6. Thanks for the interesting post Kathleen. I've never been to AK, but I'm sure this would be a neat place to visit!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. I hear the Crescent Hotel beckoning me to come visit. I love visiting histroical sites. The book sounds intriguing and one I want to read. Thank you for the opportunity to win. Do you know if the springs are still there today? I live close to West Baden Springs, IN and they used to have people come from all over for the healing waters. Sadly, they filled the springs in and when Bill Cook began the restoration on the place, he tried to dig them back up but they are now gone.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes Deanna, the springs are still there. I highly recommend visiting Eureka Springs. It's just such a pretty place and so unique.

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  8. Wow, that looks awesome! I want to visit it. :) Would love to read the book!
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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  9. This place looks fabulous! i would love to visit it, and hopefully i can through Flora's Wish. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win, Kathleen!

    mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

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  10. Kathleen,

    Did I tell you that I spent part of my honeymoon at the Crescent? It such a cool, old building. And I love that odd house in Eureka that is on a sharp corner on a hill, and the top story has a different address than the bottom half. Great, little town. Thanks for this interesting post.

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    1. I didn't know that, Vickie! It's a gorgeous hotel...and I love the Victorian homes. Did you know there's even a B&B made out of an old Texaco gas station?

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  11. We have Kathleen's books in the Church Library. I would love to win a copy of this book.
    Thanks!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Please thank your church librarian for stocking my books. I DO love church libraries!

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    2. Congratulations!! I am so happy to hear that your library will get this book! I always thought it was a nice gesture when churches can offer books and dvds to their members to enjoy! Blessings to you, Ms. Janet/Library Lady!

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    3. Dear Kathleen & Jorie,
      I just received the good news that I won the book, "Flora's Wish".
      I am looking forward to reading the book. I will also say thank you to the Church Librarian when I see her tomorrow.
      Janet E.
      von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com


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  12. Sounds interesting. And what a pretty cover! I would love to win!

    bluegrassbirdie (at) gmail dot (com)

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  13. We drove to Eureka Springs to church when I was a youth. There used to be placards in shops to tell you if you needed service to go to a nearby shop to let them know. Loved the cinnamon pecan rolls at the bakery! Please add me to the drawing for this book! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. I haven't tried these, Lane. I'm going to have to look for them next time I am in Eureka Springs--which I hope is soon!

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  14. The Crescent Hotel sounds like a wonderful place to visit! However, I would be contented just to read Flora's Wish. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  15. Good afternoon, Ms. Y'Barbo! :)

    Once upon a time I was considering moving to Eureka Springs, but I have since fallen for another area and state! :) What I loved about the locale, is how its hugging inside the Ozarks, and how the entire village of Eureka Springs is Victorian in style! It must be a wonderful place to simply wander around and find all the hidden bits of history that are still able to be seen! :) I enjoyed reading the historical perspective, as I have recently seen a family film called: Seven Alone, which showcased Kit Carson! I hadn't heard of him beore, despite my appreciation for wild west/cowboy fiction! The film is about the Sager family's quest to head to Oregon... I appreciated the film over finding out the truth after I watched it! :/ I sometimes think that at certain times borrowing an element of reality and putting the story into fiction in an effort to better the outcome makes history more palpable!

    I am not sure on the merit of what cured the people who drank the waters, I think not everything can be explained by science and medicine. Therefore, if one of the original visitors came and drank, saw an impressive change in their overall well being and health,... its hard to dispute that their claim is inaccurate or false; to be explained as flippant as state of mind or an improvement of exercise. This is one of those times I tend to side with the mysterious seredipity that cannot always be readily explained! :) There are many healing springs throughout the United States and world, so there is a bit more truth in their healing properties, I would think! :)

    I would love to see where your inspiring take on Eureka Springs led you to create the backdrop for Flora's Wish! Thank you for offering this bookaway!

    inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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    1. I can't blame you for choosing Florida, Jorie. I have my favorite spots there, too. Actually, I wrote a series set in the Florida Keys in the 1830s: BELOVED CASTAWAY, BELOVED CAPTIVE, and BELOVED COUNTERFEIT.

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    2. Ooh, I have confused you, Ms. Y'Barbo! :/

      I meant to say, 'where I move next'! I am a Florida girl, and I'd love to exchange this state for a four season climate!! :) I put 'Florida' as it mentioned in the sidebar about US addresses for prizes... :) I am going to see if I can find your Florida series through my library! When it starts out with "castaway" you will always have me intriqued!! Not to mention, that one of my favourite holidays were spent in the Florida Keys!! Did you get to the cafe under the oaks, where the cats like to warm up to customers!? I wish I had thought to see Hemmingway's House but time was short, so it was more of an 'overview',... quite enchanting down there, I must say! I am interested in seeing where these three books take me!

      Thank you, for the recommendations as I haven't read a book of yours previously! :) :)

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  16. Much like those who came to touch the Lord's cloak - the hope and faith. What a great story and setting for Flora. The cover itself draws one in. Good stuff Kathleen.

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  17. I spent a summer in Eureka Springs at an Opera Workshop ages ago. I loved venturing into town and soaking up all the fascinating history of the area. I can't wait to read Flora's Wish. Great article!
    Jody Bailey Day

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  18. What a great and interesting post. The first I've heard about this spring.
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  19. I loved visiting Eureka Springs, AR over the years. My first time there was a couple of months after we got married when we took a long weekend & went to see The Passion Play. Then on 2 occasions we took our kids on vacation there. Such a beautiful place!

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  20. Ha ha "more invigorating activities" Just walking around that place is invigoratingly uphill or down hill! If you ever go there, the German resteraunt is always where we go and if they offer you sauerkraut soup--even if you hate sauerkraut---ORDER IT! Best stuff in the world.

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  21. I have enjoyed Kathleen's stories in the past. Can't wait to get ahold of her newest book!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  22. What a beautiful hotel! This has to be a gorgeous setting for Flora's Wish. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  23. Kathleen, Eureka Springs is on my bucket list. I heard there are still old Victorian spa chambers there. Not sure if that is true but I'd love to find out.

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  24. Eureka Springs and the Crescent Hotel sounds like a great vacation destination. The hotel's history reminds me of the comic movie of a couple decades ago, Road to Wellville. :) Can't wait to check out Flora's Wish!

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  25. I would love to see the Passion Play. Haven't done that yet.

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  26. I love the history behind the Crescent Hotel and would love to read to book! Needless to say, I would also love to visit the Hotel.
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. I've never been to Arkansas but it sounds like a good place to visit.

    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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  28. What a great story line! Can't wait to read this.

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  29. I think water has great healing properties! Why else would we love the beach so much? Sign me up for the goodies, you know I always love your books!

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  30. Sounds interesting. Would love to read it!

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  31. Sounds like a really good book! Thanks for a chance to win.

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  32. We visited Eureka Springs last year and it was beautiful! Would love a chance to win this book and read all about it!
    Blessings, Lynn

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  33. Love Eureka Springs & would love to win a copy of your book! Thanks!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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  34. I've visited Eureka Springs a couple of times in the spring and found it quite lovely. I didn't realize Flora's Wish was set there; it makes me even more want to read this book. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  35. This looks like a good book!
    lotsofbooks1 (at) live (dot) com

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  36. This is a great post! It looks like an awesome place to visit.

    Cher :-)

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  37. Great post! I love learning the history behind stories!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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  38. Sounds amazing and the pictures looked great! Would love to read the new book!
    jbarton1981@yahoo.com

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  39. Went to Arkansas on our honeymoon, so stopped in Eureka Springs for a day and a night. Didn't get to take the water:( Would like to go back.

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  40. Sounds like an interesting place to visit. Can't wait to read the book.
    jbedwards123@triad.rr.com

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  41. I've never been to Arkansas or heard of this hotel! Sounds like a great setting :)

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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  42. Would love to win. Hey I live across the border in Missouri.
    jrs362 at hotmail dot com
    Also enter me to win the $25.

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  43. I am a Kathleen Y'Barbo fan and would love to win this one.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. This looks like such a good book! Enter me! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  45. Thank you all for the wonderful comments!!

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  46. It's past midnight Central time...time to draw a winner....AND THE WINNER IS.....thanks to www.randomnumbergenerator.com....Library Lady! Check your emails for instructions on how to claim your book!

    And to the rest of you, be sure and come back tomorrow and every day this month to increase the chances of winning the $25 gift card or the Kindle Fire

    Thank you all so much!!

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  47. I know I am late for the drawing, just wanted to say that I enjoyed this post! What a majestic site! Hope this counts towards the gift card and Kindle draw. :) God bless!
    debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com

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  48. Oops I missed the deadline. Coincidentally I just returned from "taking the waters"at the Manitou Springs Spa and Hotel in central Saskatchewan. The waters there are the same mineral density as the Dead Sea and the Karlsbad Mineral Springs in Germany.

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  49. I am sorry I missed the giveaway - I did not realize the deadline was midnight last night, but that is ok.

    I enjoyed reading the post and did not realize that the water in Eureka Springs had healing powers. It was a very interesting article.

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  50. Just wanted to thank you for sharing the fascinating history!

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  51. This was an interesting post. I live in Arkansas, and it's nice to learn new things about the state.

    Rose

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  52. What a wonderful post about Eureka Springs. I was really not familiar with it but I am now. I have not read any of Kathleen's books but I would love too.
    marypopom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  53. A delightful post, Kathleen. I hope you did onsite research! I'm looking forward to reading Flora's Wish.

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  54. Wow that's amazing! So beautiful! :) Makes me think of a mixture of Biltmore and Linville Caverns in NC. Spring water plus beautiful architecture. :)

    brpchristiangirl@charter.net

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  55. I want to visit the Crescent Hotel! Sounds like it would really be a neat place to explore! Your book also sounds very interesting and right up my alley. I will have to look for it!

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  56. Love the pictures Kathleen. Would love to be entered for your giveaway.

    I just discovered this blog today. It is awesome!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  57. I would love to win this book! It is on my to read list! :)
    Lisa
    deiselbuffs@yahoo.ca

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