* kollage of 8 x 10 photo kreated at the kardkorner *
***
New Year's Eve, 1976...Elvis Presley was about to have his last Birthday.
That Birthday would occur on January 8, 1977, when he would turn 42 years old.
On New Year's Eve, 1976, Elvis and many adoring fans were preparing for what would be his last concert in the city of Pittsburgh, state of Pennsylvania.
Elvis appeared on stage at about 11:35 pm before 16,000 screaming fans, who didn't seem to mind the wait through three opening acts before him. I guess they saved up their best energy for the King! Before Elvis jumped into his set, the crowd was up and cheering! They didn't mind how heavy he had gotten, or that he couldn't make his gyrating moves quite the way he did in his earlier days. This concert was reportedly the best concert performed by Elvis in Pittsburgh ever!
In response to his warm reception, Elvis projected a warm and enthusiastic attitude towards his fans. He even handed his microphone to a fan to wish him a Happy Birthday! Sharon Eberson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, states that Elvis kept his audience captivated for 90 minutes that night...one fan having said, "Elvis delivered the goods that night!"
I didn't know Elvis had a 'scarfboy'! One fan counted more than 40 scarves having been thrown out into the crowd by Elvis... she caught one! She was 14 years old at the time, and said he threw it right at her, and, to this day, it is one of her favorite memories.
Of this concert, another fan, a young man of 21 that year, said, "This concert was the greatest concert I have ever seen in terms of showmanship, musicality, energy, enthusiasm, and just plain old having a good time. Elvis is in a class all by himself."
And then...at the stroke of midnight-UP went the house lights! Elvis led his adoring fans in "Auld Lang Syne", and a new year dawned.
thanks to Karo for the use of his guitar in my photo
Hi Mom ~ Happy New Year!
I trust you all, or "Y'All", had a joyful Christmas and fun New Year holiday. I did get some rest, and enjoyed some fun with my family and grandson, Shawn! He got a new Holiday train that plays Christmas carols, and hoots and hollers almost as loud as he does. I will post a few pics at a later date.
Thank you so much for coming my way...I treasure all visits. If you get a chance, please say hello. And, I'll have a new post coming up on MyTexasGardens blog soon.
OH! I ALMOST FORGOT! NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS?
NAH!!!
I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's.
~Henry Moore
"Elvis, Elvis, let me be...keep that pelvis far from me!"
~ Stockard Channing singing
'Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee'
~Grease 1978~
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE KARDKORNER!!!
arrangement and photo by suzanne * december 23, 2011
What were we doing downtown? Don't get enough of it during week, everyday at work? Actually, no! I rarely get out of the office during the day, only once in a while. It's better for me to stay in, and keep my mind on the work at hand. The mirrored building behind this massive tree is my building, where I spend 5 days a week in a fast-moving environment. It's an exciting and fun job that I've been at for the past 20+ years. Ok, no more work...I'm off now for a few days to enjoy my family and the inevitable arrival of Santa!
We shot a few pics on our way to Razzoo's...ummm, where I enjoyed a hefty bowl of 'crawfish étouffée' with dirty rice! An alltime favorite of mine, and Karo chooses to partake of the fried catfish, and it always looks good. Afterwards, we strolled around Main Street into Sundance Square where Santa's headquarters are stationed in front of the Christmas tree.
Here we are on Main Street in front of Haltom's Jewelers,
and that is their clock in front, decorated with gold ribbon.
Anyone for a carriage ride? By the way, these are Rosemary
trees in the foreground...they smell wonderful!
Here they are again, with burgandy and white pansies.
It was a refreshingly, lovely arrangement!
Holy Moley!!! du Chocolat!!!
Actually, that's Schakolad ~ Chocolate Factory
where some of the finest, sinful-est chocolate can be found!
I'm just calling these 'Decorative Seating Pagodas'
They were very pretty!
The streets began to get more crowded as we walked along...a lot of families, children, and strollers. It was around 4:30pm and slightly cool, somewhere in the 50's.
AND THEN!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
It's Santa!
Eyes lowered...
Looks to me like he might be giving a scolding, huh? NAH!!
And this child is'spot-on' with the eye contact!
That'll get you somewhere!!!
Once again, my dear readers, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. I'm serious this time, taking a break...at least for a week! I know I have a few blog posts to catch up on. Reading your blogs brings me relaxation and joy! You are all so creative, everyone has something exciting and interesting to offer. That's why I read them, for the history, music, art, great photography, and all kinds of 'how to's'! Thank you for reading my blogs and sending such gracious comments my way!
We're expecting to have our grandson Shawn, aka 'Scooter', aka 'Sweetie', aka 'Scootie', sometime within the next few days...and Santa will make a special trip to our house when he arrives. I will be on guard with my camera, of course!
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!! I MEAN IT!!!
Thank You
My Dearest Santa Claus
Fort Worth, Texas
Google
Yahoo
My Wonderful Husband Karo
Hi Mom (Merry Christmas)
***
"Maybe Christmas, 'he thought', doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more."
Nevermind the funny hairdo...how about that smile? This man can bring a smile to my face ANYDAY!!! I'm not sure where this was taken...mom used to take us to Montgomery Ward at Christmas to see Santa in the Toyland department. This one is probably around 1957 or '58, not sure. You can see at the bottom of the picture the lot number-'RIG14105. Kind of sounds like a cattle auction, doesn't it? Makes me think of Ralphie in the 'Christmas Story', sans the obnoxious elf and brutal slide ride! Haha! Well, I got a candy cane and a very fond memory from this. I have one photo each, of my sister and brother too! If I get a chance, I'll post them. Those were the days...here I am in my plaid wool coat and scarf, and, I'm sure, wearing a felt skirt made by mom too! And Santa, I know you're still out there!
Us 3 Kids!
Christmas 1956
Me, Stan and Leta
That's a really cool 'put together' fireplace we're standing in front of. I know, it's not real, be we loved it. I couldn't wait for my parents to put it together each year. And down behind my little brother's legs is the make-believe flame that really lit up! Looks like my sister and I each got a doll from Santa, and, my brother got that robot he's holding, which was much more fun than the dolls! So, here we are, in our felt skirts that mom made, and, of course, our little Christmas tree. I'm afraid I have to laugh about that tree, but, hey-it's all in fun. Mom said that sometimes we had more than one tree. She's a very festive lady! And it rubbed off on my sister and I. We love to decorate! Do you remember this, Santa?
*** Here we are again in 1950, sitting in front of our tree! I would love this little photo even if it wasn't us 3 kids...I think this is so cute! And, I'm sure Santa was good to us that year!
Leta, Stan and Me * December 1950
A Little About Santa He is also known as 'St. Nicholas', 'Father Christmas', and 'Kris Kringle'. Having lost his parents at a young age, Nicholas dedicated his life to serving God. He was born in the village of Patara, which is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His parents were wealthy, devout Christians, who succumbed to an epidemic in Nicholas' young life. Nicholas lived his life according to Jesus' preachings to 'give to the poor', and spent his whole inheritance assisting the needy.
Nicholas became well known throughout the land for his love of children, concern for the needy, and for sailors and ships. He was made Bishop of Myra as a young man, but was exiled and imprisoned, under the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. I had no idea our 'Santa' sacrificed so much for the better of mankind! He was released and continued to serve God for the remainder of his life. He passed away December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his church in Myra, where his grave is adorned with 'Manna', a sweet, honeylike substance, that, according to the Bible, was provided by God to the Israelites during their travels in the desert.
Manna is described as being a 'fine, flake-like thing' resembling frost on the ground. It has the appearance of coriander seed, and if not collected before the sun came up, it would melt. The Israelites would gather the manna and beat it into cakes that they had to eat the same day. Any leftover manna cakes would breed worms and extract a bad odor.
This manna formed in St. Nicholas' grave, and, I think, because it is said to have healing powers, the manna has kept St. Nicholas alive to continue his unselfish journey of giving to the children, and the needy. His story has been passed down through generations all over the world. And, we continue to celebrate and treasure this patron and protector.
"Please make it snow this year so i can make a snowman and have snowball fights with my dad. Also take some of my toys and give them to the children who don't have a mum and dad like i have."
"Where do you buy the nose polish for Rudolph's nose? I'd like to get some too and try it."
"My mom says you are watching me? Do you have eyes in the back of your head like she does?"
"Last year I heard your sleigh bells jingling. Grammy said you had a very nice chat over egg nog and cookies.
"I'm sorry I was naughty this year but I can't help it if I get a really bad case of the grumpies!"
"Please be sure to help the children and family's who don't have homes or peace. Please stop the wars and killing in the world too. Thank you, Your little cookie putter outer Kassy."
Weren't those letters something? I posted them as they were written. And, I couldn't have said most of these things any better. We all want World Peace, and we want our children and those in need to be helped, in order that they may eventually be able to help themselves. We also want to see that our Seniors are taken care of...good medical care, affordable medications, LOVE and RESPECT!!! After all, they're the ones that got us this far!
***
Dear Santa,
I thought I saw you late one Christmas Eve nite when I was a little girl. My family was asleep, and I thought I heard something (I still do)! So, in the dark, I got out of my bed, in my flannel gown (of course), and crawled on hands and knees to the doorway and into our small hallway. Still crouched down, rocking back and forth, trying NOT to lose my balance, I peeked around the doorway into the dark living room. There was our 'pink' Christmas Tree with it's silver icecicles glistening around the pink and red ornaments, so nicely hung by my mother. I really wasn't interested in what was under the tree, but, would I get to see you? Alas, you must have been outside, but I swore I could see little 'Rudolph" standing under that 'pink' tree winking at me. When I blinked my eyes, he was gone. You know, Santa, I don't even remember what you brought me, and, it doesn't even matter...
...because I SAW RUDOLPH!
And that was good enough for me!
Thank You forcoming into our lives!
Love, Suzanne
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE KARDKORNER!
This is the Christmas card I made this year at the KardKorner, using a photo of our Christmas Tree from last Christmas. I converted the photo into a coloring page, and painted the red Cardinal that you see in the tree. There is an angel in the center of the tree top, and I painted her yellow. I also did away with some of the distractions that were in the photo. And the red ribbon at the top of the card is real...hot glue ROCKS! This was a fun and rewarding project, since I love to make my own cards.
"Forever true your color...and forever true is my wish for you, my dearest readers, to enjoy this glorious Holiday Season!" Please stop by and say Hello!
Oh yeah...be sure to watch the kids around the light sockets!
A touch of Autumn in Fort Worth, Texas! Here, here... I offer up my fall collage with Cherry Laurel, Pecan tree leaves on the ground, Chinaberry, Crepe Myrtle, and Pansies in the background.
Hi everyone! You too, Laura! Well, I've got a few fall photos that I can honestly say came from MY YARD! Actually, most of my fall photos have come from my yard and neighboring yards. So, what do we have here? You see the photo in the lower left corner? I'd like to bring your attention to this gangly shaped tree called the 'Chinaberry'. This tree is actually on the fence row, but on the inside of my neighbor's house (who, by the way, chooses not to trim it back). It began as a sprout that was probably carried in by a bird about 15 years ago. These trees grow fast! And when it puts on it's leaves in the spring, they loom over our house, but they have a lovely, shimmery, and flowing appearance. Then, in the fall, the leaves just DROP to the ground, whilst the berries are forming. The berries later turn yellow, and then brown, but do stay on the tree for most of the winter.
I found out that this is actually an invasive weed...brought to us from Asia in the 1700's, and, surprisingly enough, it is disease and insect free. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/266
In Fort Worth, we see sprinklings of Chinaberry everywhere, offering much needed shade in the summer. We have even planted a few of the seeds in pots and watched them grow. They grow fast in the pots, but stop growing at a few feet and need to be transplanted into the ground for better success. The article I read states that Chinaberry grows along Florida's road sides, and in forests and marshes, their rapid growth replacing vegetation in those areas. The Chinaberry does bloom in the spring, and the blooms are said to be fragrant, but I have never indulged in the fragrance myself. According to the link in my previous paragraph, the fruits are poisonous to humans and other mammals-well, I've never tasted the berries, but I've considered cutting some clumps, drying them out, then spraying them silver and gold, or bronze to use in Christmas arrangements! I think that would really add to a tablescape, don't you? I guess I'd have to include a little card saying, "Look, but don't sample the berries"!
The article also states that the leaf debris adds alkaline to the soil that can be advantageous to species that thrive in alkaline soil-it's a good thing there's not much else around this tree, because the leaf droppage is major! Below is a upview that Karo captured showing a massive amount of the berries at the top of the tree. Berries anyone?
There are berries on every branch of this tree!
photo by Karo * November 29, 2011
***
HEY! Who does this guy remind us of? Nooo...not Elvis!
Michael Delaney * Mark Twain Impersonator and Defender
since 1998
This man recently spoke to the Junior class at Bozeman High School in Montana about Mark Twain's writings. I believe he is from Missoula, Montana. He defends the writings of Mark Twain. A new version of 'Huck Finn' was published, just this year, eliminating the 'N'.....word, replacing it with the word 'slave'. Although, Mr. Delaney does agree that the racial slur 'N' word is offensive, he's not sure that the 'slave' word is totally appropriate either. And, I think his reasoning makes a lot of sense.
He quotes:
Slave is almost the right word, but it is inadequate to bring to mind “an owner who is content to work, beat and starve another human being to death,” he said.
“The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug,” he said, using a favorite saying of Twain’s.
For the last 126 years, people have been trying to ban and/or censor the 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. This is an American classic, written by an American, who lived through these times, and was intelligent and gutsy enough to share his thoughts with the world. I know, I know...I said all of this in a previous post this year that I named Dear Mark Twain...We're Not Gonna Let Them Mess Up YourWork! (written on January 6, 2011). But, I'm glad to find a person such as Michael Delaney, who works to keep these writings alive! And, Delaney's right...every time the book was banned it was worth another 25,000 sales!
November 30th marks the 176th year of Mark Twain's birth. I want to thank Mr. Twain for his contributions to our American heritage, and,
FOR BEING SUCH A TROUBLEMAKER!!!
Let's keep it going...Happy Birthday Mark Twain!
Mark Twain * November 30, 1835 ~ April 21, 1910
"It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid
than to open it and remove all doubt."
~Mark Twain
I guess it's time to close...I'm sure I've said enough. Thank you, my fond readers for stepping across the web to see what I'm up to. Aren't the seasons just flying by? Halloween, Thanksgiving, and now, Saint Nick is preparing for his flight in just a few short weeks.
And, then, YAH!!! The New Year 2012!
Please be safe and happy!
Thanks to:
Mark Twain, of course
Mr. Michael Delaney
My Husband Karo
Google
Yahoo
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle
The Christian Science Monitor
The Fall Ball
Summer steamed in with its almighty drought,
Lending not much desire for rousting about.
Yay! Autumn's appeared...she answered our call!
Put your dancin' boots on, and join the Fall Ball!
I just stopped by to share photos of a few of the Veterans in my family.
As you all know, Veterans Day is recognized on November 11, 2011. Armistice Day was already being observed on November 11 as a dedication to World Peace, and in 1953, Stephan Riod of Emporia, Kansas encouraged the beginning of the expansion of Armistice Day. His desire was to celebrate ALL Veterans. Consequently, President Dwight Eisenhower signed Veterans Day into law on May 26, 1954.
*** My Grandfather, Joseph Henry Berry, of Kansas City, Kansas, served in WWI:
***
My father, Leo E. Berry, of Kansas City, Kansas served in WWII:
S SGT US Army
Leo E. Berry
July 11, 1922 ~ June 4, 1983
***
My father in law Benjamin Weaver Trammell, of Bridgeport, Texas
served in our US Navy in World WII
Benjamin W. Trammell
February 22, 1921 ~ August 16, 1995
***
Here's Bennie drying out his laundry!
I think this was around 1944
***
And, 'Glory Be'!!! My mother is also a Veteran!!!
Sgt. Alma Gabriel WACSI * 1946
Lucknow, India
The WAC(I)s were a part of the British Army. Mom was in the Steno group doing secretarial work. She was eventually transferred to work for a Brigadier General. And, later, was transferred to the recruiting office to help transfer young soldiers anxious to return home. That's where she met my dad!
***
My stepfather Robert Jones served in the US Marines
***
My uncle Donald Berry served in our US Navy in the 1950's
***
My nephew James D. Berry served in Korea in the US Army in the 1990's
So, there we have it...or, do we?
Elvis Presley served in the US Army
March 3, 1958 ~ March 5, 1960
***
Thank you, my dear readers, for coming along the short road with me to remember those of my family, who traveled the long road, to protect our country and countrymen. Truly, they are not forgotten!
Please stop by whenever you can and say hello!
Thanks goes out to:
My Grandfather
My Mother
My Father
Karo's Father
Robert Jones
Uncle Don Berry
James Berry
And (of course) Elvis Presley
Thank you Google
Thank you Yahoo 'all of the family photos in this post are the property of KardKorner'
***
At this time, I would like to honor and thank our Veterans of all time, for their service on behalf of our precious United States of America!
"The Nation will remain the 'Land of the Free' only so long as it is
The lovely picture above is that of one 'Miss Sadie Hawkins". This, uh...character originated from Al Capp's Li'l Abner comic strip in November of 1937. UGGH! Sadie was the ugliest, homeliest, and the most "un-sought-after" (I can't say woman) specimen in Dogpatch.
At the age of 35, Sadie was still a spinster, and her dad was tired of waiting for someone to come 'a courtin' for her. He was beginning to think he would be stuck with her forever (don't know where her mom was). Anyway, he was a well liked citizen in town with some clout, and planned a day for all the spinsters of Dogpatch to catch a husband. He lined up the unmarried girls, with the bachelor boys in front, and said, "When I fire this 'ere gun, you get to runnin', and whoever gets caught has to marry the girl!" (Could that have been the beginning of what we know as 'shotgun' weddings???) Heh heh!
Anyway, Sadie did catch a guy-bless his heart!
Sadie Hawkins day caught on in real time! Since 1939, high schools and colleges alike hold events and festivities, empowering the women to go after their man! Al Capp did not intend for this to become a 'true' annual occasion, but it's popularity soared, Mr. Capp's popularity also increased, so, even in the comic strip, it became an annual November event.
Li'l Abner proposed to Daisy Mae in 1952
Sooo, as Jimmy Soul sang in 1963,
"If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life,
never make a pretty woman your wife."
Needless to say, 'Sadie Hawkins' day did become a, sort of, holiday-rather, an annual event in America. There are Sadie Hawkins dances, where the girls can ask the guys to dance, or, even take them out to dinner and a movie...sort of a role reversal event. My husband, Karo, said they had Sadie Hawkins day each year at his school.
We had a smilar event at our high school in Kansas City. And it was called 'Twirp Week'. It usually occurred in the spring, and we girls were allowed to wear jeans for a week to school. And, as the 'role-reversal' tradition goes, the girls carried the boys' books to classes, bought them cokes, took them home from school, and asked them on dates. At the end of the week, we had a 'Twirp' dance. So the girls had to ask the boys for the date to the dance. Well, I wasn't dating anyone at my school, but got approval to bring a date from another school. So it was pretty good fun!
Here are some Twirp Week activities at my school in 1966
A tug of war between the girls and the boys...and, the girls won! Can't see the boys on the other end-were they really there? And, the girl in the next picture lived on my street. I guess they were running in and out of a box obstacle course. Oh well, I suppose that was lots of grins!
*** And, finally...The Dance! *
What fun! Our 'Twirp' Dance was in my high school gym with a live band and good dance music. I drove my old 1953 Plymouth with my date and another couple to the dance. We had a great time, and the two boys, who weren't even from our school, enjoyed the evening!
So, ladies! If you're feeling a little 'twirpy' on, or around Sunday, November 13th, JUMP out there, grab a man, and swing him around the bush a time or two!
Thanks so much for coming by and joining me in a dance or two from the past! I appreciate all my readers, and 'blogmates'! Don't forget to stop and say hello!
And, if you're in the USA and Canada, don't forget to walk backwards 1 hour in time!
Tonite...or, in the morning-whatever! November 6, 2011
Also, coming up is the Beaver Moon on November 10, 2011 when the beavers are preparing for winter. Beware, beavers! Hunters are setting traps...they want your fur before the hard winter sets in, when some of the swamps freeze over. Hurry, and build your dens!
"Darkness Falls Across the Land...the Midnight Hour is Close at Hand."
The Baker Hotel * Mineral Wells, TX
photo by Suzanne * October 15, 2011
***
"Creatures crawl in search of blood...to terrorize y'all's neighborhood."
The Baker Hotel * Mineral Wells, TX
photo by Suzanne * October 15, 2011
I did take the two photos above...and then I recreated them in conjunction with my 'mind's eye'. Karo and I decided to take a long drive out of Fort Worth, about 50 miles west into Mineral Wells, TX last Saturday. We had both been there before in the 1980's and early 1990's, but not in some years until now. I bet you can guess why! I'm ALWAYS after a story!!! And they stay backed up in my head, so I have to jump on them when the time is right-and the time is right for this one!
This Halloween, I wanted to do a story on a 'haunted' place a little closer to home. I had been by the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells a few times, and you can see it off in the distance as you head into town from Millsap and other small neighboring towns. Man! It sticks out like, not a sore thumb really...let's just say, you can't miss it! Mineral Wells is the home of Fort Wolters US Army Camp from 1925 to 1946. After years of changing statuses from Air Force base in 1951 to US Army Primary Helicopter School in 1956, Fort Wolters is now used as an industrial park, a Texas Army National Guard training center and summer camp, and accomodates a branch of Weatherford College.
Ok, Ok...enough about that.
This is it! The Baker Hotel!
Look anything like my opening images? NAH!!!
photo by suzanne * October 15, 2011
So, can you take a little history? I promise, I'll try to be brief.
The Baker Hotel was a magnificent and huge hotel-built by wealthy hotel owner, Theo Baker. The construction took about 3 years, completed in 1929, at a cost of $1,250,000.00. Quite a chunk of cash, eh? There were only about 7,000 residents in the town of Mineral Wells-what was he thinking? There were 460 rooms, two complete spas, and it is reported that it sported the first Olympic-size swimming pool in the United States. We weren't able to get a photo of the pool, but we captured the old fountain in front of the pool.
Fountain with pool behind at left
photo by Karo * October 15, 2011
And here is an old photo of the entire
pool and fountain. The fountain on the right spills out into
the large pool. Fabulous!
This hotel generated much revenue and employment opportunities to the city of Mineral Wells. And, it was guested by many celebrities to boot!
And, yes my dears...even the Three Stooges!!! haha
Now, we must move on...so much to do, and so little time.
"You hear the door slam and realize there's no where left to run...
You can feel the cold hand, and wonder if you'll ever see the sun."
Oh, Man! Get a load of this!!! What the...?
You know, I had to touch the wall and the scroll work
around the door-this is the original stuff!
This was around back, and, yet, they didn't scrimp on the decor!
these 2 photos by me * october 15, 2011
Incinerator? is that how you spell it Laura? Or....?
I felt an eerie warmth in this area, and detected a
slight aroma of coal. Karo said they could have used
coal to heat this hotel with. Yeah...OK!!!
"And grizzly ghouls from every tomb,
Are closing in to seal your doom."
By the early 1940's, with the growth of Fort Wolters, which was the largest infantry replacement base in the country, The Baker Hotel flourished-a 'resort', if you will, right in the middle of town. The hotel enjoyed military guests along with celebrities and civilians. One of the big attractions to The Baker was the mineral water and baths. You see, earlier, in 1914, a hotel was built over a mineral spring in town. It is said that an emotionally challenged woman (known around town as the 'crazy lady'), would drink from a mineral spring, and it made her feel better, thus re-arranging her behavior. They built a hotel over this spring and called it the "Crazy Water" Hotel, that burned to the ground in 1925...they did rebuild it, and it still stands today.
*** Back to the Baker ***
Entrances to the bath houses. And, can you see all the broken windows upward?
photo by suzanne * october 15, 2011
In the 1950's, mineral water cure-alls began to fade, and with it, Mineral Wells, TX popularity. Well, the FDA started cracking down on 'miracle tonics and waters', and brought into society antibiotics and other preventive medicine. As a result, people started heading for more professional methods of healing. In 1952, Mr. Theo Baker retired and left his empire to his nephew, Earl Baker, who declared he would keep the hotel working until his 70th birthday. This came to happen, and in 1963, Earl Baker closed the doors of the hotel, but a group of civic leaders re-opened it in 1965, with little success of re-vamping it's former profitableness. The Baker Hotel closed for good in 1970. Then, in 1973, the Army closed Fort Wolters, resulting in yet another setback to the economy of the town.
It has been said that there were stories of ghosts and hauntings long before The Baker Hotel closed. There have been teams of investigators visit the hotel and they have reportedly photographed hundreds of orbs that are said to be actual spirits of the dead.
A woman who stayed in a room on the 7th floor is reported to have jumped to her death from the top of the building. She is the most famous and flirtatious spirit to roam the Baker. A porter who worked at the hotel during the 1950's and 1960's is said to have seen the ghost of this woman on that very floor. It is rumored that the woman was possibly the mistress of the hotel manager, or Mr. Baker himself, and in distress from the affair, decided to end it all. They say you can smell her perfume on the 7th floor.
*** A picture taken of some high school journalism students on the 14th floor ballroom reveals what appears to be the profile of a blonde woman's head...no one in the group, nor the photographer had blonde hair, and the picture was taken in a darkened room.
*** One psychic claims to have counted at least 49 spirits in the building.
*** Another psychic said that he had picked up on "disgust and discomfort" on the west end of the 5th floor. He said the area was occupied by a large disgusting man who wanted everyone to leave. He also reports that he found suffering and disease in the area.
*** And, yet, another claim is that an old woman was seen in the southeast corner of the ballroom, sitting in a wheelchair saying, "I can't do it", "I can't do it".
*** One more ghost! A young man who worked as an elevator operator in 1948, became involved in a prostitution ring at the hotel. At the urging of his mother, he quit, only to return few weeks later, back to work. Shortly, thereafter, he died in an elevator accident...his body was cut in half! Supposedly, a couple of co-workers were cited for having involvement in this death-being paid to get rid of him. But a family member insists that it was truly an accident.
They say that a most of the spirits/ghosts in the The Baker Hotel did not actually die there. They are former hotel guests who simply returned after their death, because it was such a happy relaxing adventure. Some of the spirits were employees of the building. One was a helicopter pilot who attended basic flight training at Fort Wolters in the 1960's and was killed in a helicopter crash while at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. A lot of the guests of this hotel came to drink of the mineral waters and experience the baths, in hopes of reviving their youth and possibly curing their ailments.
Well, investigations continue, and some of the town's civic groups have tried to raise money to restore the old hotel. The city plans to buy the hotel ro $2,000,000.00. And the estimates to rennovate are around $50 million. Don't think that's going to happen soon! So, in the meantime, the ghosts are safe in their luxurious environment, and, we are left to wonder.
*** A special thanks to my wonderful husband, Karo, who, even tho he wouldn't let me crawl/roll under the gates at the back to get to the old bridge, that leads to the pool, happily drove me to Mineral Wells (some call it "Miserable Wells"! haha). We really enjoyed our time there. And, yes, I felt the force!!!
Thank you Mineral Wells, TX
Thank you Yahoo
Thank you Google
Much gratitude to the following sites for information gathered
And, now, my ghoulish readers, (I mean dear readers!), I have put together a little slide show of some more of the photos we took of the Baker Hotel for you. We actually took 102 pics, but don't worry, not all of them are on the slideshow. And, you will hear a #l, 'one-hit wonder' song that was co-written and performed by Bobby 'Boris' Pickett in 1962.
I'm sure you will recognize this peppy little tune!
