Hot, Warm, Tepid and Cold Baths
Main Page: Warm Springs, Hot Springs and Boiling Springs, North Carolina
THE WARM SPRINGS, Madison County, WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.
HOWERTON & KLEIN, Proprietors.
HOT, WARM, TEPID AND COLD BATHS.
Readily accessible from every section of the United States, over.
East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad, and Connecting lines of Rail, via Morristown and Wolf Creek, Tenn.; by North and South Carolina Systems of Railway, via Salisbury. Charlotte, Spartanburg to Hendersonville and Asheville, and by Fine Coaches of the Western North Carolina Stage Lines, to Warm Springs.
Season EXCURSION TICKETS Sold on all Routes.
GREAT SOUTHERN SUMMER AND WINTER RESORT.
W. H. Ferrell, Book and Job Printer, Raleigh, N. C.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The undersigned beg leave to announce to the great public of Summer Tourists, Health and Pleasure seekers, and to invalids and sufferers of all seasons, that they have jointly taken a new and extended lease on this justly celebrated Southern Summer and Winter Resort, and that the mammoth Hotel will be open all the year round.
The capacity of the Warm Springs Hotel has been increased, by the addition of one hundred new rooms. This improvement comprises a Western Extension, 650 feet long, three stories high, verandas to every floor, extending the entire length of the new building.
An entire outfit of new and elegant furniture has been purchased for the new extension, and the Hotel throughout has been renovated and re-furnished; presenting a Hotel outfit, for accommodation of a thousand guests, unsurpassed at any Summer and Winter resort in the country.
The attractions of Warm Springs as a resort are every year increasing. Several very handsome and elegant private residences are in process of erection, and the circle of good society of permanent residents is constantly enlarging.
A handsome, new bridge spanning the French Broad, adds to the delights of the promenade, and the convenience and pleasure of guests in crossing the river.
The extension of the Hotel adds to the facilities for accommodation a building surpassing anything that has been yet erected at Warm Springs; and the re-furnishing of the House with new and handsome suits of furniture renders the Warm Springs among the most attractive places in the country to those who, seeking either health or pleasure, are alike mindful of the modern conveniences and comforts of American Hotel life.
The discovery of a most excellent Chalybeate Spring, convenient to the Hotel, supplies a want long-felt by some who, in addition to hot and cold sulphur water, desire the medicinal benefits of an Iron spring.
A new and perfect system of sewerage has been adopted and completed.
The Western North Carolina Railroad has already reached Asheville; and we have every encouragement to hope that the Wolf Creek Road will extend to the Warm Springs before the close of the year.
In conclusion, we have to say that our facilities for Hotel accommodation are as good as the best anywhere, and the natural attractions and surroundings of the place, the combined advantages of climate and waters, all tend to make the Warm Springs one of the most desirable resorts on the American continent.
HOWERTON, M. D., of Raleigh, N. C
KLEIN, of Vicksburg, Miss.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS.
MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN SCENERY.
The Warm Springs, in a fertile Valley of more than a thousand acres of almost perfectly level land, on the French Broad River, near the Tennessee line, are surrounded on all sides by the highest mountain ranges East of the Mississippi River, presenting some of the most magnificent scenery in the United States. Points of interest, and places of delightful resort, mountain elevations from which the Tourist views the extended ranges of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains, looking into six different States, all presenting Nature’s finest panorama, are in close proximity to the Hotel, and none beyond a half day’s ride. In its local surroundings, scenery, salubrity of climate, altitude, and perpetual freedom from fogs, dampness, and insect pests, this resort has no superior, and few, if any, equals in America.
THE HOTEL BUILDINGS.
COMMODIOUS, CONVENIENT AND COMFORTABLE.
The Colonnade, or French Broad Front, comprises what is called the “Main Building,” and is 500 feet long, and three stories high, with wide gallery, open to top of second story, supported by thirteen magnificent columns. The Southern Extension is a three-story brick building, with Mansard roof, and double galleries all around. There is also a two-story Wing, 130 feet extending South. The Western Extension is a new three-story brick building erected in the winter of 1879-’80, 650 feet long, with galleries or verandas, running the whole length with each floor. This extension gives to the Warm Springs Hotel a main front of 1,200 feet, and these, all brick, constitute the buildings of Warm Springs Hotel, affording ample accommodations for 1,000 guests. These buildings are surrounded by large, beautifully shaded lawns, sloping down to the French Broad River in one direction, and touching Spring Creek, where it flows by, within thirty feet of the Western Extension. At the foot of the lawn, not fifty yards from the Hotel, Spring Creek and the French Broad unite.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMUSEMENTS.
FIRST-CLASS IN ALL APPOINTMENTS.
The Hotel accommodations are first-class in every respect; in point of rooms, upholstery, outfit, table-fare and general accommodations, vastly superior to those of any Summer resort South of Long Branch and Cape May. Music and Dancing, Brass and String Bands, Boating, Fishing and Hunting, Riding and Driving, Bowling Alleys and Billiard Tables, Bathing and Mountain Rambling, with all the pleasures and diversions peculiar to watering places, are at the constant command of guests.
THE WARM SPRINGS BATHS.
POOL, TUB, AND SHOWER BATHING.
The Bath House has been thoroughly remodeled, sealed inside, and painted throughout. New and elegant Dressing-rooms have been erected, for both Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Baths. The new extensions include a well arranged Ladies’ Parlor, fitted up with all the comforts and modern conveniences of a Ladies’ Waiting-room, with a marble Fountain supplying both hot and cold drinking water, brought in pipes from the Warm Drinking Spring, and the cold water from the mountain cascade on the opposite side of the River. To the Gentlemen’s apartment, in addition to a suite of elegant Dressing rooms, a new Reception room and shaving saloon has been erected, in which is placed a handsome Fountain of silver and marble, supplying hot and cold drinking water, and a shampoo spray, for water at any desired temperature.
THE TUB AND SHOWER BATHS.
A series of bath-rooms, handsomely constructed and admirably furnished, for both Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s apartments, have been erected, with large, heavy silver trimmed French bathing tubs, handsomely encased in black walnut panel-work, manufactured expressly for the Warm Springs Company, and arranged for both hot and cold water, of which there is an abundant supply of both at the pleasure of the bather, which he can regulate, boiling hot, freezing cold, or tepid, by the touch of a button. The hot water is forced from the warm drinking spring by a model pump of new design, through a system of pipes constituting a model hot-water works. The cold water for the tub baths comes from the top of the mountains, through pipes under the bed of the river, a part of the system of water supply for the hotel. These elegant bathing tubs and their attachments, in position, cost near a hundred and fifty dollars each, and are not surpassed by the apparatus of any bath-house for public use in this country, and are not to be found at any other Summer or Winter Resort at the South.
THE POOL BATHS.
FOUNTAINS OF HEALTH, YOUTH AND BEAUTY.
These Baths consists of large pools, in the midst of which bubbles up, with great force, at the rate of two hundred and eighty gallons per minute, a clear, powerful mineral and electric water, temperature 102 to 104 degrees, Fahrenheit, enabling the bather to receive the full effects of the water, without depreciation of the mineral qualities, or escape of gases; thus making a bath much more efficacious than these of the Hot Springs of Arkansas or Virginia, and, in this respect, superior to anything on this continent. Those Baths, so excellent and popular, have undergone improvements, and have had added to them new and superior facilities for bathing. With their handsome, well furnished Dressing-rooms, carpet floors and steps, water boiling up and flowing out at the rate of two hundred and eighty gallons per minute, a bath in these pools is a luxury in health, and a blessing in affliction.
CURATIVE PROPERTIES OF THE WATERS.
SPECIFIC IN MOST CASES OF CHRONIC DISEASE.
The Warm Springs Baths are recommended in the treatment of the following diseases, and in most cases of chronic complaint will be found effectual: Rheumatism, Gout, Stiff Joints, Spinal Diseases, Sciatica, Lumbago, Paralysis, St. Vitus’ Dance, and all Neuralgias and Nervous Affections; Bright’s Disease, Diabetes, Goitre, Specific Locomotor Ataxy; Spurious Vaccinations, and all Blood Poisons, Alcoholism, and the use and abuse of Opiates; all diseases of the Kidneys and bladder; Uterine Diseases, as a class, especially Sterility and Climacteric ills; all Cutaneous Diseases, Scrofula, Ulcerations and Enlargements of the Glands, Catarrh or Ozaena, in all forms; General Physical Debility and mental Exhaustion; Malarial Poison, and every form of Liver Complaint; Syphilis, Mercurial Syphilis, and all types of Mercurial ills, together with such chronic diseases where alternant and eliminative agency affords relief.
A NEW HOT SPRING.
HIGHEST TEMPERATURE YET OBTAINED IN THE VALLEY.
A new Hot Spring, temperature of water, with Spring unimproved, 117 Fahrenheit. This new Spring is within two hundred yards of the Hotel.
THE CLIMATE OF WARM SPRINGS.
EQUABLE AND TEMPERATE.
The climate of Warm Springs is unsurpassed in the country, for salubrity and equableness, perpetually free from fogs or dampness, and of rare temperature. A noted scientist treating on this subject, remarks that “among two hundred and eighty-six points east of the Rocky Mountains, only three reported as low a maximum during the hot Summer of 1868, as did the Warm Springs; of eleven points in the State of Wisconsin cooled by the great Lakes, only three reported as low a mean for July; and of these three, one (Bayfield, on Lake Superior), while it afforded a mean slightly lower, gave a maximum ten degrees higher.” While the Warm Springs section has a mean Summer temperature but one degree higher than that of St. Paul, its maximum is from twelve to twenty degrees less. Those who have spent the Summer on Lake Superior are impressed with the similarity of the Summer atmosphere of this mountain region. They find the climate equally invigorating, and the country entirely free from insect pests.
In fine, the climate of the Warm Springs section is the most desirable one East of the Rocky Mountains. It has the mildest Winters in proportion to the coolness of its Summers, and a general equableness quite remarkable.
But the superior dryness of the atmosphere in this Valley gives it a considerable advantage over the neighboring mountain region.
Indeed, the universal testimony of all competent observers establishes the existence of a dry, invigorating atmosphere; the neighboring mountains serving to intercept much of the moisture, and to cause its deposition on the summits and outer slopes. It is a well-known fact that there has never been seen a fog within one mile of the Warm Springs, in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. In order to aid the reader to judge the merits of the climate of this place, the following table is appended, comparing it with that of Geneva, Switzerland; Turin and Milan, in Italy:
ANALYSIS OF WATERS.
ANALYSIS OF THE WARM WATER.
Muriate of Lime, 11,480 grains.
Sulphate of Soda, 4,240 grains.
Carbonate of Soda, 3,680 grains.
Muriate of Soda, 2,460 grains.
Silicia, 3,820 grains.
Sulph. of Magnesia, 7,640 grains.
Crenate of Iron, 2,340 grains.
35,660 grains.
Contents of gallon water of temperature of 60 degrees. Natural temperature of Warm and Hot baths, 102 and 104 degrees, Fahrenheit.
ANALYSIS COLD SULPHUR SPRING.
Sulphate of Lime, 13,930
Sulphate of Magnesia, 3,315
Sulphate of Soda, 1,438
Carbonate of Lime, 1,366
Choride of Sodium, 0,039
Choride of Magnesium, 0,782
Quantity of each solid ingredient, estimated as perfectly free from water, in one hundred cubic inches. Organic matter in small quantities. Iodine, a mere trace.
These clear, powerful mineral and electric waters, effect speedy and radical cures in most cases of chronic and sub-acute Gout and Rheumatism, Paralysis, Dyspepsia. Torpid Liver, Affections of the Kidneys, Chronic Cutaneous Diseases, Scrofula, Neuralgia, Secondary and Teritary Syphilis, Nephritic and Calculous Disorders, and most Diseases peculiar to females; together with such other chronic complaints wherein alternant and eliminative agency affords relief.
A good Chalybeate Spring has been discovered and developed, a valuable acquisition to the waters of Warm Springs.
ANALYSIS OF IRON SPRING.
Calcium 140.8
Magnesium, 7.4
Iron, 31.9
Manganese, trace
Carbonic Acid, 304.6
Sulphuric Acid, 32.4
Silicie Acid, 72.1
Organic Matter, 38.2
Total solid constituents in 1,000,000 parts of water, 627.4
DIRECTORY AND DISTANCES TO PLACES OF INTEREST AND ATTRACTION IN THE VICINITY OF WARM SPRINGS HOTEL.
NOTE.–In this Directory of Distances, only the most prominent points of interest and attraction are noted. The section of country immediately around Warm Springs presents more local features of beauty and interest, for those who love to contemplate the beautiful in Nature, than any other Summer or Winter resort in this country. There are no dull or uninteresting walks about the place, and look in what direction one may, the eye never fails to rest upon some object of magnificent mountain scenery.
Evergreen Island,
A natural park of ten or twelve acres, beautifully shaded in evergreen growth of Cedar, Holly, and Pine, with its carpet of moss and straw, and the roaring River rushing by, is one of the loveliest of retreats. Distant from the Hotel–Two hundred yards.
New Hot Spring,
A late discovery of clear, powerful mineral and electric water. Temperature, with Spring unimproved, 117 Fahrenheit–Two hundred yards.
The Cliffs
Of limestone and granite, overhanging Wolf Creek Road and French Broad River–Half a mile.
Cliff-Top Road,
A beautiful shaded elevated walk, or horseback ride, presenting a fine view of Warm Springs Valley for four miles up and down the River, begins at a point–Six hundred yards.
Oettinger Bubbling Springs,
A series of very cold mineral springs, boiling out or bubbling up from the bed of a stream of their own creation–One mile and a half.
Still Water,
A mile of still-water in the French Broad, clear of rocks, and splendid for rowing and swimming–Six hundred yards.
Deer Park Mountain,
In rear of residence of Colonel Rumbough, and affording one of the finest views of surrounding country. Very easy climbing to summit, which from hotel, is–A mile and a half.
Deer Park Road,
A new and elegant road for walking, riding and driving, shaded throughout afternoon, and some two miles in length, runs along the side of Deer Park Mountain, half way from base to summit, and begins at a point from Hotel–Half a mile.
Prospect Plateau,
Lies between Spring Creek, and the French Broad, fifty acres, and has Prospect Mountain for background, while it looks down upon the Hotel–Six hundred yards.
Spring Creek Promontories,
To the left of the Plateau, and where Spring Creek makes its last abrupt turn to seek the French Broad–Half a mile.
Prospect Mountain,
These rise from Prospect Plateau, a mile from the Hotel, ascending which, and traversing for another mile what is known as Long Mountain, one has a splendid view of Asheville, portions of Western North Corolina and East Tennessee. Roadway for foot and horse across these mountains in constant use by the people of the interior. Base of Prospect Mountain–One mile.
Spring Creek Falls,
A wild, rugged scene of beauty and grandeur, the solitude of surrounding mountain fastnesses broken by the everlasting roar and dim of the madly rushing waters. Lies immediately on thoroughfare of the residents of upper Spring Creek section–One mile.
The Triple Cascades,
On Spring Creek, four hundred yards above the Falls, are the Triple Cascades, or series of little water-falls, coming down through a mountain gorge, dividing into three streamlets, and falling over huge rocks; one after another, in all, quite a hundred and fifty feet–One mile and a quarter.
Bluff Mountain,
Has the greatest elevation of any neighboring mountain heights, from base to summit, having a greater perpendicular than the Black Mountain, but not so elevated above the sea-level as the famous Mount Mitchell. Accessible all the way by horseback; and for vehicles to within three miles of summit, which is from Hotel–Ten miles.
Across the French Broad River.
Silver Mine Creek,
The wildest and most solitary stream of the mountains. A disused trail leads along its banks, and sometimes over its rocky bed, rendering easy an exploration of its wild fastnesses and dreary gorges. Flows into French Broad above the Hotel–Six hundred yards.
Lover’s Leap,
From Indian tradition, is within a few yards of Silver Stream, overhangs the Asheville Turnpike, and is eighty-five feet high, perpendicular measurement. A well-worn winding pathway leads to the top, which is from the Hotel–Eight hundred yards.
Lover’s Leap Mountain,
Towers six hundred feet above Lover’s Leap Rock, and is the ruggedest, most massive and picturesque of any in the ranges surrounding the Valley, and perhaps more frequently ascended by visitors. Summit from Hotel is–Three-fourths of a mile.
Peter’s Rock,
A grand old structure overhanging the Turnpike, in extent and massiveness superior to Lover’s Leap Rock, so called for a lagendary hermit, said to have made his home there before the Revolutionary War–Three-fourths of a mile.
The Narrows, or Deep Waters,
At ordinary stages perfectly still and calm, and so deep, it is said bottom has never been found at this point. Splendid fishing ground–One mile and a half.
Mountain Island,
A Mountain in the River, of some twenty acres in extent, the French Broad dividing and flowing around it for half a mile and uniting again near the Narrows. From its head to Hotel–Two miles.
French Broad Rapids,
At the foot of Mountain Island, and head of the Narrows or Deep water–One mile and a half.
Falls of French Broad,
At the head of Mountain Island, a scene of wild magnificence and indescribable grandeur, that must be seen to be appreciated–Two miles.
Round-Top Mountain,
Rises immediately opposite Hotel, affording splendid views of Valley and mountains in the distance. Most delightful walk up a pretty, winding pathway, specially cut in the side of the mountain; to top–Three-fourths of a mile.
The Cascades,
Sometimes called Lover’s Retreat, are beautiful and romantic in their shaded seclusion. From here the water supplying Hotel and cold baths pass through pipes under the River–Four hundred yards.
Rich Mountain Road,
Splendid mountain Turnpike, costing four thousand dollars per mile. Beautiful mountain walk, or ride, rising to the top of the mountain from a point opposite the Hotel.
Rich Mountain,
Overlooks East Tennessee and Western North Carolina; Jonesboro and Greenville, the home and tomb of President Johnson, and Cumberland Gap; sixty miles away, all in plain view. Standing on this eminence, one looks into seven States. Rich Mountain Turnpike, for horses and vehicles, passes within half mile of the summit, which is easily ascended by horse or foot, and distant from Hotel–Four miles.
The Big Hill,
Begins at bridge and boat landing across the River; Greenville and Asheville Turnpike passing over it to residence of Mr. Garrett, half a mile. Elevation some hundred feet above the River, and for most of the way the road skirts a precipice. Delightful morning or evening walk, all comprised from Hotel and return, not over three-fourths of a mile.
Paint Rock,
This grand and massive superstructure of Nature in granite, could not be comprehended from the mere description of any pen. In its wonderful structure, immensity and height, indescribably grand. Memorable in the Legislation of both States, it takes its name from a tradition, that the Indians colored portions of it with an indelible paint, which in Places, yet remains fresh and red, presenting strange hieroglyphics that have never been deciphered. Lies across Tennessee and North Carolina line, and reached by a good Turnpike Road. Covered with prolific growth of Summer blooming and evergreen trees, and carpeted with moss. No tourist can afford to miss it. Route all the way along the French Broad River–Six miles.
Chimney Rocks,
A natural castle on the French Broad, whose turrets tower three hundred feet above the river. While not so extensive, yet in their altitude and lofty grandeur, in the estimation of many, the Chimneys surpass Paint Rock–In the vicinity of Paint Rock.
Paint Mountain,
Second greatest elevation near Warm Springs. Lies in Tennessee, and crossed by Turnpike from Warm Springs to Greenville–Distant from the Hotel–Eight miles.
EFFECTS AND BENEFITS OF THE BATHS.
RELIABLE AND IMPORTANT TESTIMONALS.
The Baths are wonderfully invigorating to all invalids, equalizing the circulation, and stimulating the secretory organs. Dr. D. J. Cain, formerly of Charleston, S. C., now of Brevard, in this State, a practitioner of great skill, and large experience in his profession, says:
My knowledge of the virtues of the Warm Springs, derived from personal experience and observation of its effects upon others, covers a period of fourteen years. In the Fall of 1860, I visited these Springs, for the first time, having been reduced to a great degree of physical prostration by a fever of two months’ duration. My recuperation was so rapid, that I was restored to my usual state of health in the space of three weeks.
These Springs are situated in the midst of a beautiful mountain region of unsurpassed salubrity, being wholly free from malarial fever; in which respect it possesses a decided superiority over the Hot Springs of Arkansas.
The climate of this region is not only very bracing, but it is very dry; no fog ever appearing in the valley near the spot, although seen on the mountain-tops several hundred feet above. In this respect, (dryness and absence of fog), it differs from the majority of the mineral watering places of Virginia, which are damp, and in which fogs commonly exist. These facts are as well known to the laity as to the physicians of the two regions. It may be inferred from this statement, that the effect of the bathing at the Warm Springs is enhanced by the tonic quality of the climate. The superiority of the natural thermal bath over the artificial, resides in the circumstances that the person goes into and comes out of the former at the same temperature, thus avoiding the sensation or chilliness which is felt in coming out of the latter, and which lessens or annuls the good effect which should be derived from it. The temperature of this bath is 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according as the thermometer is near or more remote from the spot where the water is emitted. Many persons cannot bear the shock of the cold bath in any of its modes of application, not possessing sufficient resistency to react upon it. Whereas the warm bath, with proper precautions, is safe for almost every one–even the very feeble. Considered simply as a luxury, this bath surpasses all others which I have used in Europe and America. The feeling caused by it is one of gentle languor, of a softness and lubrication of the surface (due to the alkaline character of the water) and of delightful composure of the nervous system, which, if yielded to, results in a quiet and refreshing sleep.
It greatly opens the pores of the skin (estimated to be twenty miles in length), and through this extensive channel depurating the system of effete matters, which, if retained by reason of non-performance of its functions, would give rise to disease of one kind or another.
By filling the blood vessels of and near the surface, it produces a revulsive effect, that is, the blood which perhaps had collected in too great quantities in some internal part, causing what is called congestion or inflammation, is withdrawn, and thus an equalization of circulation takes place.
By producing a calmative, soothing effect, upon the sentient extremities of the nerves of the surface, and the conveyance of this impression to the interior of the system, general nervous irritation is allayed, and secretory action increased.
By causing sweet, continuous, refreshing sleep, it proves tonic in a high degree.
Bearing in mind these facts it is easy to understand its mode of action in many and different morbid states of the system. In some forms of Dyspepsia it acts very happily. The most prominent of these is that in which from long continued functional irritation, a sub acute inflammation is developed, characterized by constant weight and fullness at the pit of the stomach, tenderness on pressure, the tongue coated and red at the edge, a considerable degree of thirst, etc. In this case the bath acts, as explained under the second head; but in almost all disordered states of the stomach, the bath acts by removing the coating of the tongue and invigorating the appetite and digestion. The improvement of the appetite and digestion, of even the pleasure seeker, is generally very marked. In torpor, and some other morbid conditions of the liver, marked by sallowness of the skin, with a near approach to jaundice, its effect is usually prompt and decided. I have seen the skin become rapidly clear under these circumstances In diseases of the kidneys, gravel, calculous disorders, chronic inflammation of the bladder, &c., the cure is frequently complete. Scrofula and its associated glandular enlargements, are favorably influenced. Chronic cutaneous disease will, in the majority of cases I believe, be cured by perseverence. In many diseases peculiar to females, the effect of the bath is very marked. Delicacy forbids the mention of them in detail in this connection, but the afflicted, and their physicians, will understand the character of the cases to which it is applicable.
But it is in Gout, Rheumatic Gout, and Rheumatism (acute and Chronic, Senovial, fibrous and muscular), that its triumph is exhibited. These diseases are in an especial degree amenable to its effects.
To mention the number and character of the cases which have been greatly ameliorated and completely cured, would require the space of a volume. I have seen collections of fluid (Senovia) in the joints disappear, the cripple rendered supple, and enabled to dispense with his crutches; those who had to be carried and placed in the bath by attendants, walking with a firm, elastic step, after a reasonable time.
I remember particularly the case of Jas. Whipple, Esq., of Hamilton, Ohio, who had been bed-ridden for five years previous to his visit to these Springs, with Rheumatism, who, after using these baths for two weeks in the Fall of the year, on his return home, did not remain in bed a single day of that Winter. In the ensuing May, I met him at the Springs, where his daily pastime was swimming actively and walking erect. The efficacy of the baths in the different diseases aforementioned, is very much aided by drinking the water, which, as is seen in the analysis, is gently aperient, anti-acid and diuretic.
CAIN, M. D.
Maj. WM. A. HEARNE, a well-known Journalist of North Carolina.
H. HOWERTON, Warm Springs, N. C.:
Dear Sir:–The benefits which I derived from a stay of seven months at Warm Springs, from 1st of July last, enable me to speak with the positiveness of personal experience, respecting the curative qualities of that resort, its equable temperature, excellent climate, the saving properties of its baths, and the very superior table-fare and Hotel accommodations.
In July, 1875, I was attacked with Remittent Fever, from which I obtained no permanent relief, until the Summer and Fall of 1877, at Warm Springs.
During the period of my decline, under the effects of the malarial poison in my system, I was reduced from two hundred and twenty, to one hundred and forty-five pounds in weight; and in my enfeebled condition, had become the victim of Rheumatism. I had the services of eight distinguished medical gentlemen of this and other States during my illness, covering a period of more than two years; yet, notwithstanding their skill, I reached your house in July last, a physical wreck. But at the Warm Springs I recovered entirely from the Rheumatism; all traces of the malarial poison are gone, and a severe catarrh, with which I had long been afflicted, also disappeared at Warm Springs.
Although I have not yet regained all my lost weight, being now at one hundred and seventy pounds, I am rapidly gaining weight and strength, while in point of health, in every respect, I am as well as I ever was in my life.
I attribute my remarkable and unexpected restoration entirely to the Warm Springs, climate, water and baths; and my experience and observation there, through the three seasons of Summer, Fall and Winter, enables me to testify to the superior excellence of the place as a health resort throughout all, and especially as a winter resort, I consider it superior to everything on the continent.
From observation in cases of others, I would certify the Warm Springs as almost specific for all chronic diseases for which the waters and baths are recommended. In the line of my own individual experience, I would recommend the Warm Springs to every victim of Malaria, Rheumatism, and Catarrh, at any season of the year, confident that, after relief in my own severe and pronounced hopeless case, full and complete restoration is sure to follow a stay at Warm Springs.
Very truly,
HEARNE.
Drs. THOMAS and WHITEHEAD, of Salisbury and Wilmington.
H. HOWERTON,
Dear Sir:–Visiting your Springs to spend a portion of a short Summer vacation, we have been so much impressed with the benefits derived from the use of the baths and mineral waters found here, by invalids whose diseases are known to us, that we cannot refrain from offering you, (unsolicited on your part) our testimony to their efficacy, after a careful and minute examination of them.
We would recommend them especially for Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Chronic Cutaneous diseases, secondary and tertiary syphilis, diseases of the Kidneys, especially Bright’s disease, (chronic), some forms of Dyspepsia, and diseases peculiar to females.
To those seeking relaxation from the cares and anxieties of business,–business men seeking a summer home for their families while absent themselves, we would warmly commend your house.
We would earnestly express our high appreciation of both the pleasure we have derived from the use of the baths, and the benefit of our visit to your Springs.
We are, very respectfully,
WILL. GEO. THOMAS, M. D., Wilmington, N. C.
WHITEHEAD, M. D., Salisbury, N. C.
PESCUD, Esq., Formerly Druggist and Chemist, Raleigh, N. C.
H. HOWERTON,
Dear Sir:–There is no watering place in North Carolina I consider more charming to the sight, or more invigorating to the health of mind or body than the Warm Springs in Madison county; and with a hotel 1,200 feet long, fronting the French Broad River its two long ells, in rear, all environed by wide galleries, supported by massive pillars, and provided with all the modern improvements for pleasure and convenience, no hotel in the South, in my opinion, affords greater capacity for the entertainment of a large number of guests, with all the comforts of home.
Having been myself very greatly benefitted by the baths and the climate, on my several visits there, and witnessed their curative properties on others. I feel no hesitancy in saying to all suffering with Inflammatory Rheumatism or nervous prostration of mind or body, to make you a visit during the approaching season.
Yours respectfully,
PESCUD.
FRERCKS, Esq., Salisbury, N. C.
In December, 1876, I was attacked with Rheumatism in my right hand, and, soon after, it attacked both my knees, which became very much swollen and drawn, and was confined to bed until the beginning of May, when I began to walk with crutches, in my room. The 20th of May I started for the Warm Springs, Madison county, N. C. The first week, I took one bath per day, at noon; the following week commenced taking two, one in the morning, and again in the afternoon; and in 14 days I had gained strength enough to walk without my crutches, and ceased to use them entirely. Sometimes, from the change of weather, my joints would be stiff and painful, but ten minutes in the bath would invariably bring relief. And after three months’ use of the baths and water, I returned home, and feel now entirely restored to health.
FRERCKS.
SANFORD, Esq., of Sanford, Chamberlain & Albers, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dear Sir:–Relative to my father’s visit to the Warm Springs in 1870. He had for many years been a great sufferer from Rheumatism, and for several years unable to walk without the aid of crutches, and for long periods unable to get about his room, even with their air.
At that time, and that violent stage of his disease, he was induced, as a kind of last resort, to try the Warm Springs baths, which he did for two or three months. He commenced almost immediately to improve, and at the expiration of the time mentioned, laid aside his crutches, and has not had occasion to use them since.
He was seventy years old at that time, and is to-day, at seventy-five, an active man for one of his years. I might add that he attributes his cure entirely to the use of the baths at your Springs.
Yours very truly, &c.,
SANFORD.
JAMES C. STEVENSON, Esq., of Wilmington, N. C.
Dear Sir:–I cheerfully give my testimony to the wonderfully curative properties of the Warm Springs baths. By the advice of my physician, who had despaired of being able to cure me of a severe attack of Rheumatism, which had deprived me of the use of both legs, I visited the Warm Springs, where I remained the three Summer months, bathing energetically every day, and drinking the warm water. After a few days I climbed to the top of the beautiful mountain immediately in front of the hotel, and before I left. I traversed all the country for miles around. Since leaving the Springs I have not lost a day from my business on account of Rheumatism, and I now weigh one hundred and fifty pounds against ninety-eight at the time I first visited the Springs.
Yours truly, &c.,
JAMES C. STEVENSON.
ALEX. BIAGIOTTI, Esq., Knoxville, Tenn., formerly of Italy.
Dear Sir:–I cheerfully make the following statement in regard to the effects of the baths at Warm Springs, at your place, on my system and health:
Previous to my visit to your place, on the 8th of June, I had a very violent attack of Rheumatism, which prostrated my system and confined me to my bed chamber for thirteen months. I had become almost entirely helpless, and so emaciated as to weigh only 120 lbs. I remained at the Springs about three months, during which time I used the warm baths freely which relieved me entirely of Rheumatism, and fully restored my general health, causing me to weigh 160 lbs. before leaving the Springs. I am a native of the City of Lucca, in Italy; have been in America twenty-three years. During a visit to my native country a few years since, I used the Warm Baths of the cities of Lucca and Nisa, Italy, but found the baths of your place much more efficient in the restoration of my health than either of them.
Very truly yours,
ALEX. BIAGIOTTI.
Dr. T. H. PRITCHARD, Pastor First Baptist Church, Raleigh, N. C.
Dr. W. H. HOWERTON,
Dear Sir:–Afflicted with a very severe attack of acute Rheumatism in 1875, I found great and speedy relief from the use of baths at the Warm Springs of Madison county, N. C. Until I went there, I had no idea there was such a place in the State. The climate, the Springs, the extensive and elegant buildings; the surrounding mountains and the splendid scenery generally, render it one of the most inviting and beautiful places I have ever seen. There was, at one time, the season I was there, four hundred and fifteen adult visitors, besides children and servants. I do not know of a mountain watering place in this or any other State, of such possibilities as these Springs present.
Very truly yours,
PRITCHARD, D. D.
Prof. HENRY E. COLTON, Geographer and Geologist.
None deny the infallible efficacy of the Warm Springs in cases of Rheumatism and like diseases. We can add our testimony, to that of hundreds of others, as to the healing qualities of their waters. The traveler for health, or pleasure, will ever find them an antidote, and a most pleasant retreat from the toils of business. It has been our good fortune to have been at many watering places; but never at one where the comfort of the visitor was more looked to, and where the inner and outer man fared better. Every accommodation for bathing is afforded. There are, besides the Warm Spring baths, fine shower and plunge baths, supplied with water from one of the pure cold mountain streams. The Warm Springs are a sovereign cure for persons afflicted with Rheumatism.
NOTE.–We could submit several hundred Certificates, but these are sufficient.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WARM SPRINGS.
BY NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA. TENNESSEE, GEORGIA AND SOUTHERN AND WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEMS.
The Tennessee System of Railways nearly touches Warm Springs at Wolf Creek, leaving only a gap of eight miles to make by stage. Fine Concord Coaches ply on this route, making good time, and omitting nothing that can contribute to the comfort of passengers. The trip, coming, is made in the afternoon, arriving at Warm Springs at 4 o’clock P. M. Returning the Coaches leave Warm Springs for Wolf Creek at 10 A. M., arriving there to early dinner.
Visitors to Warm Springs, from the Tennessee direction, dine at Wolf Creek, both ways, where Mr. Green Allen keeps a Hotel, celebrated far and wide for the superiority of its table-fare.
Persons approaching Warm Springs by the North or South Carolina system of railways, the most direct, have choice of Western North Carolina Railroad from Salisbury to Asheville; or Spartanburg and Asheville Road, via Charlotte and Spartanburg to Hendersonville, where there is a good Stage line of twenty miles to Asheville, over a splendid road.
Arriving at Asheville, the visitor finds good accommodations at the Hotels of that place, as also at Hendersonville terminus of Spartanburg and Asheville Railroad; and from Asheville here, good entertainment at Alexander’s on French Broad, and Marshall, either for meals, or for stopping over.
The Western Stage Lines, connect Western North Carolina with our system of North Carolina Railways, now completed to Asheville, employing only good and careful drivers, fine stock; and the best Concord Coaches on their lines from Hendersonville, and Asheville to Warm Springs; charging moderate rates of fare on their through and return arrangements with connecting Railroad lines.
The Warm Springs and Wolf Creek connect Warm Springs and Western North Carolina with the Tennessee System of Railroads, on which the best drivers, stock and coaches, are employed. The arrangements are “Through and Return,” with all the Railways selling tickets over the Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia railroads, for Warm Springs, or Western North Carolina, and charges are moderate.
RATES OF BOARD.
THE RATES OF BOARD ARE:
Per month, of four weeks, or 28 days, $30.00 to $50.00 according to location.
Per week, $12.50
Per day, $2.00
Children under ten and over two years of age, and servants, are charged half-price.
Two daily Mails and Expresses, morning and evening, each, arrive and depart; the Eastern for Asheville, and connections by Stage Coach and Rail; and the Western to Wolf Creek, and Tennessee Railroad connections.
Hotel open the year round for entertainment of both Summer and Winter Visitors.
HOWERTON, M. D., KLEIN, Proprietors.
Text from UNC-CH digitization project, Documenting the American South.
Main Page: Warm Springs, Hot Springs and Boiling Springs, North Carolina
You must be logged in to post a comment.