My wonderful husband and I went on a little adventure yesterday to Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Home to the historic Elms Hotel which is a Legend of America.
As the story has been told in 1880 Indians and hunters told a man who had a daughter with tuberculosis that the natural springs in Excelsior Springs had amazing healing powers. The man decided to try it and after just a few weeks of bathing in the spring and drinking it's water she was miraculously cured.
During the prohibition years it was a hang out for the likes of Al Capone and other gangsters.
I could go on and on, but visit the links because I want to talk about this adorable shop that I ran into on Broadway!
You know my love for anything Scandinavian... and this shop was such a treat.
All decorated for the holidays the owners Susan and Jytte haven't missed a thing decorating this darling place in complete old world style including a darling tea room.
Scandinavian Country has been in Excelsior Springs for seven years. Excelsior Springs having been just included as a Dream City in Missouri has started making a come back!
Did I buy anything? Sure did... I found a great Santa for my collection which will proudly be place on our mantle.
Thanks Girls, it was nice meeting both of you and your cute daughter too!
Your shop was definitely and unexpected surprise!!
Fran White, REALTOR®
Reece and Nichols Residential
816-682-3897
www.kansascity-realestate.net
www.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com
George:
I'm not "old enough" to know of any claims personally...... but here's what I could find on the city's website
Popular Mineral SpotsThe legend of the healing waters goes back as far as 1880. It is said to have cured skin and glandular disease, scrofula just by drinking and bathing in the waters of the springs! Back then, the word spread quickly and people flocked to Excelsior Springs looking for the cure of rheumatism, eye infections, fevers, gout, diabetes, stomach and intestinal trouble, laxatives, anemia, to open sores. During the period between 1880 and 1888 wells were drilled and other springs were found in the area. Each well and spring was found to contain slightly different mineral composition. Some of the resources in the waters were so rare that they were only found in Europe. This making the area the only place in the U.S. to provide the public with the Waters. Not only were the folks drinking the waters, but they were bathing in the waters so the healing could be absorbed through the skin! In the 1900's bath houses and clinics were built to accommodate the flocking of visitors.
Many famous people have visited the area to enjoy the mineral waters and baths, President Truman, and even Al Capone. Over the years, people lost interest in the "natural" cures and the unique bathhouses and springs closed. But a lot of the spring sites, historic hotels and Bathhouses are still erected to bring back the memories. You can still taste and buy the waters from Mary's 'Tiques & Treasures, The Gift Gallery, other city merchants and the Water Bar. It is still bottled!! Yes... and sold in Excelsior Springs. There are places in the Olde Towne district, where you can still enjoy the Mineral Baths!A lot of the businesses have been built over the Olympic size pools and different underground walkways that existed back in the old days! As you visit the businesses on the Walking Tour, ask the merchants about the fascinating history that goes with their building or area.
Tom - Yes we did have a nice time!
Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer:
You are kidding me!! It's a cool little town... and I can see why it has a special place in your heart.
So when did you leave and how did you get to Colorado?