Mineral Wells

From 1860 to 1890, Grand Ledge was known for its Bathing Houses. Mineral water was very popular at the time and was felt to be a curative for all manner of illness. Much like we bath in Epsom Salt today, Mineral Baths were used to ease joint pain, muscle strain and skin rashes. Grand Ledge, Eaton Rapids and other Michigan cities, offered baths for 50 cents each.

An 1880 account tells us: “During the excitement consequent upon the discovery of petroleum in Pennsylvania, when it was supposed probable that the wealth-producing article could be found anywhere if bored for, the wave rolled over the people of Grand Ledge, and a company was formed to sink a well at this place. The work was performed, but nothing but water of a curious taste rewarded their efforts, although it flowed in as great quantities as they could wish the oil to have done.

Finally, it was discovered that the water possessed medicinal properties, and a large bathing-house was built and Dr. A. R. Ball, now of Corunna, Shiawassee Co., a homoeopathic physician, had charge of it. This well, which is still flowing, is located near the eastern limits of the corporation, on the south side of the river. Three other wells have since been sunk, nearer the business portion of the village. One of these, on an island a short distance below the bridge, is 156 feet deep, and another, at the Mineral House, on the north side of the river, has a depth of 196 feet. The taste of the water from the island well indicates that it is principally charged with iron and sulphur; an analysis has not yet been made.”

It seems that five wells were drilled in all. The first was near the corner of E. River and Franklin Streets. It was near this that the first bathing house was established. By 1872, this enterprise was owned by George Cheney, who also ran a dairy farm and cheese factory in the area of what is today Belknap Street.

Later wells were drilled downtown. One well near the corner of S. Bridge and E. River supported a bath house that was located near where the Barn Tavern is today. C.W. Ingalls of Ionia was its proprietor. Another well could be found near the corner of W. River and Harrison. This well gave rise to a bath house and restaurant on the corner that was in operation for many years.

On the northside, a well was drilled at the corner of N. Bridge and W. Front, where the Lick-Ity Split stands today. This well accompanied a large three-story hotel and bath house known as the Dennison House and later the Mineral House.

Finally, a few years later another well was drilled on First Island for the enjoyment of the Island Resort patrons. In 1880 it was noted “There is a fine mineral spring on one of the islands, said to possess curative properties of a high order, and invalids looking for a place to spend the hot months will find the Seven Islands offer superior inducements."