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Articles in regional publications that pertain to a wide range of North Carolina-related topics.

A Few Still Drink The Magic Waters

Record #:
8043
Author(s):
Abstract:
At springs in Chatham County, mineral water pours from two pipes, one is for 'health' and the other for 'beauty.' Resort facilities sprang up around them for people seeking cures. In 1850 John Washington, descendant of President George Washington, drank regularly from the springs, and his kinsman built a home hear them. Because of the Washington Influence, the name of the area changed in 1926 from Ore Hill to Mount Vernon Springs. In 1837, William Bowen opened a health resort here and began advertising the springs. John M. Foust later bought the hotel-resort, made improvements, and draw visitors from all over the nation. While Mount Vernon Springs enjoyed its 'golden era,' soft drinks which were sold in many North Carolina and South Carolina cities were bottled here. In 1882, a post office and the Mount Vernon Academy opened. A newspaper called the Mt. Vernon Springs Star began publication the following year. After World War I, however, the crowds quit coming and the hotel closed in 1931. A few people still stop to drink the magical waters, although there are no signs left indicating which spring is for health and which is for beauty.
Source:
The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 53 Issue 3, Aug 1985, p15,38, il