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Guide No. 185:

Gill Well Bath House Agreement, 1905

Overview of the Collection
Repository:

Dallas Municipal Archives
Office of the City Secretary
1500 Marilla Street, 5D South
Dallas, Texas 75201
Creator: City of Dallas
Title: Gill Well Bath House Contract
Dates: 1905
Quantity: 0.25 linear inches
Abstract: Agreement between the City of Dallas and James G. Mills concerning the use of natural hot spring water for commercial purposes.
Identification: 91-030
Language: Records are in English

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of a copy of an agreement between the City of Dallas and James G. Mills concerning the use of natural hot spring water for commercial purposes.

In 1903 Alderman C.A. Gill authorized the drilling of a test well in Oak Cliff to determine if artesian water could supply the city's needs.  The idea proved unfeasible, but in 1905 Dr. James G. Mills entered into an agreement with the city to use the "Gill Well" water from the hot mineral springs to develop a bath house complex similar to those found in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  According to the agreement, Mills was expected to build a bath house, sanitarium, or pagoda, as well as public fountains that would allow citizens to remove water from the site free of charge.  The baths, pools, and fountains, built at Reverchon Park, operated until the 1930s when minerals clogged the pipes and forced the closure of the site. The well was plugged and the area is now covered by a manhole cover in the middle of Oak Lawn Avenue.    


 

Index Terms
Dallas -- Texas -- History

 

Detailed Description of the Collection


Box Folder
 Title, Date
1 1 Agreement between City of Dallas and James Mills regarding gill well,1905