Local interest

I am finding out a little about our local community history these days. I didn't know that Bethune was home to the "Big Springs Mineral Water Resort" some years ago. Here, a former proprietor explains:

Big Springs water should be used to bathe the affected parts (external) as well as drank [sic]. Recognizing the inability to do this successfully at the home, there (are) now large swimming pools for the pleasure-seekers, where the sick or well can have any kind of a bath needed or wanted. This is something that but few health resorts have, but this Spring, as the name implies, flows over 300 gallons per minute—ample for all needs, with a temperature of 57 degrees. You don’t need ice in this water.

It operated into the 1960's. Now I understand it is on private property. Here's a picture of bathers at the Big Spring's in the early 1900's.

Our county's historical society is going to have a driving tour of Bethune in early March. We plan to attend and learn some local history.

Oremus pro invicem!