|
|
|
|
|
|
History of Stokes - Natural Springs:
The Golden Era of Stokes County
|
|
|
|
Stokes County was once home to several resorts that are similar to today’s popular spas. The resorts were focused around springs, mineral waters and a focus on relaxation and social activities.
The beauty of the Sauratown Mountains combined with the presence of numerous springs and mineral waters combined to make the central part of Stokes County a thriving resort area from the early 1850’s into the 1920’s.
Three large hotels were operating near their respective mineral springs, all close to one another and within a few miles of Danbury. In their heyday, the large white frame hotels known as Piedmont Springs, Moore’s Springs and Vade Mecum Springs were elegant and lavish, with such attractions as orchestras and string ensembles from Europe.
In addition to drinking water from the springs, there were many activities available, such as swimming in the Dan River, rocking or playing cards on the shady porches, horseback riding, playing billiards, and waiting for the daily delivery of mail to each resort. The amount and quality of the food was legendary, with guests consuming large quantities of country cooking three times daily. One of the cooks at Piedmont Springs even went on to become head cook at the White House.
Mineral waters were used widely in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, and the waters from Stokes County springs compared favorably with that bottled and sold in other parts of the United States. Advertisements for the Stokes County waters claimed that they were laxatives, cathartics and diuretics, and could cure such afflictions as constipation, indigestion, kidney and bladder trouble, rheumatism and skin diseases. Both customers and physicians provided testimonials on the beneficial qualities of the waters.
Splendid as the resorts were, they were subject to devastating fires and were not revived after the fires of the 1920’s and 1930.
|
|
|
|