We took a side trip to Mineral Wells, Texas, to do some shopping. (Trust me, Mineral Wells is not the shopping hub of the nation!) Imagine our surprise at seeing this grand building looming over the city of 16,000.
A few clicks on the iPhone and I discovered that this is the Hotel Baker, which opened days after the stock market crash of 1929.
Upon seeing the derelict building, I couldn't help but think of Disney's Tower of Terror at the MGM Studios.
There is a likeness, don't you agree?
I react emotionally to old buildings. I can almost feel the energy and hear the hubbub of voices from the past. Maybe I have psychic abilities that I have never channeled! People have reported ghost sightings in the Hotel Baker. One reported ghost is the mistress of the hotel manager who committed suicide by jumping from the top of the 14-story building. Visitors have commented that they smell her lavender perfume, hear her footsteps, or see her red lipstick on the rims of glasses. Another ghost is that of Douglas, the Elevator Operator... what? Maybe there is more to the Tower of Terror connection than I thought! Douglas' story is rather gruesome. He was crushed, at the waist, by the elevator. Evidently that part of the story is true. As to whether this was murder, planned to look like an accident, or whether it was truly an accident is left to conjecture. I am not certain that I'd like to encounter Douglas, his upper body has reportedly been seen floating in the air of the basement. But, if I did happen upon him, perhaps then we would know the real story!
What kind of reactions do you have to old buildings?
For more information about Hotel Baker visit:
I think I can sense the emotions in certain places. When I visited a Savannah Georgia Fort and when I visited the Fort Smith Arkansas Park, I could feel the parts that were real and what had been replaced.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in developing these abilities but do not even know where to start.
No psychic connection for me; however, to me it seems such as shame to leave such a historic building vacant. Surely, someone has the vision and $$$ to develop it into condos, hotel, fitness center (seems perfect to me with the pool), shopping mall, &/or restaurants. Much can be done with historic structures rather than allowing them to deteriorate and to erect new buildings. With the influx of population into Texas, I would think that SOMEONE could do SOMETHING!
ReplyDeleteAnne
I feel they all have a story to tell. Too bad this one is not in use any longer. that's sad.
ReplyDeleteHi Dreaming! My strongest reactions have been to Anasazi ruins. There is something so haunting and compelling about them. I don't know if you have had a chance to visit places like Hovenweep and Mesa Verdi, but they are fascinating. Hotel Baker is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI like old buildings. As you know I work in one..and it is haunted..but Gus and I get along quite well:)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. It is a shame to see beautiful old buildings standing vacant. Looks like windows are open or broken, which means weather damage inside. Hopefully it will find a new purpose someday.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. It is a shame to see beautiful old buildings standing vacant. Looks like windows are open or damaged which means weather damage inside. Hopefully it will be re-purposed someday.
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