What’s in a name?
The history of our Countryside Revised in the a name of its villages
CRYSTAL SPRINGS
[picturs at bottom]
by Mrs. Milton Shaw published June 13, 1929.
Men drilling for Oil Near Deer Lick release Gushing “fountain of Youth”, which made crystal Springs Noted as Health Resort. Fires destroyed Sanitarium but flow still continues many using Water for Medicinal Purposes.
Long years ago while Western New York was an almost unbroken wilderness, the pioneer settlers observed that a certain deer lick in big stream Vallied between Keuka and Seneca lakes attracted to it the deer from a large region of the surrounding country. Here the hunters built bough houses to take advantage of the excellent opportunities for hunting. Soon it was noticed that gas was bubbling from the ground in the vicinity of the deer lick, and in Nov. 1864, a number of men living near organized a company, erected machinery and sank and iron tube about fifty feet into the earth to the solid rock below, preparatory to drilling through the rock in search of oil. When within seven feet of the rock a heavy volume of water burst forth from an opening 25 feet deep in the solid rock and continued to flow, putting an end to all hopes of drilling further at this point.
Crystal Springs Discovered.
Thus, by mere accident was discovered a wonderful spring of “Crystal Water” flowing at the rate of 18 gallons per minute from a depth of 75 feet, more valuable than the oil as it was found to be mineral water beneficial medicinal properties. The place of its discover soon became known as Crystal Springs.
The history of Crystal Springs during the next 25 years reads like a fairy tale. The water was analyzed and found to be of great medicinal value, a palatable drink, unequaled for bathing and was used with great success in treating diseases of the skin, liver and kidneys. News of its powers spread and people from afar flocked to the" fountain of Youth” as the wild denizen of the forest did in ancient days.
In 1867 Messer's, Wright and smith erected a large hotel which was opened to the public in July 1868, and soon proved too small to accommodate the scores of invalids seeking the benefit of the healing waters. A sanatorium was next built and put in charge of Dr. Alex DeBora of New York City, a physician of great skill. Soon collages were built in the groves; graveled walks, arched bridges and latticed summerhouses were up everywhere. A private park was fitted up by Frederick Furnan of Waterloo filled with small ponds and islands, and miniature villages on the banks. There were large squirrels which ate from his hand while living and rested in his squirrels burying ground when they died. There was an Indian wigwam and a rustic cabin filled with curiosities which he delighted to show to the school children who visited him at every opportunity. Always coming away wit joy in their hearts and a penny in their hands.
Ruins and Spring Remain
The popularity of the place continued to grow for a number of years boarders being lodged in the farmers homes when the hotel overflowed. Then because of mismanagement and several fire loses, it gradually declined until today the only visible signs of its onetime grandeur are the outlines of the foundations of the buildings; a few pained stones in the Furness Park; stumps of the trees which once supported large wooden swings and rustic seats, perhaps bearing some carvings still, these, and the wonderful, indestructible spring which still pours forth in a sparkling stream, its medical properties unimpaired with age.
It is surround now by a sheep pasture, but an open road leads to it and it is still a “Fountain of Youth” to numerous people from many places who come many times each season to fill their jugs.
The promoters of 50 years age were 50 years ahead of their time. Had they had the advantages which good roads and automobiles of the personal day would have given them, Crystal Springs would now be a rival of the world's famous health and recreations resorts.
