City Directories and History: The Laurens County News, stated, “The medicinal properties of the water carried the endorsement of prominent physicians from all parts of the country; thus, it soon became a financial asset.” Vol. 1, No. 47, dated Thursday, May 24, 1900, carried an ad dated 1892 (identical ad still being used in 1900) recommending Harris Lithia Springs water as an excellent tonic. The original opening date could not be ascertained but we do know that prior to 1892 the mineral spring was opened on the property of J. T. Harris in Waterloo Township.
The spring flowed into Cane Creek. Daily, wagons hauled the water in five-gallon demijohns to nearby rail points to be shipped by express throughout the Southern States under the label of “Harris Lithia Water.” Additional enterprises included the Harris Springs Bottling Works and a large hotel to accommodate guests from as far away as the State of New York. A Mr. Leatherwood managed the hotel. Gingerale, strawberry, lemon, and sarsaparilla were the soft…….
(Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC)
The Rock Hill Record reported on Sept. 10, 1908 – “It is reported that the Harris Springs Hotel in Laurens is having financial difficulties. The hotel was leased for the season to Mr. Henry Z. Rees. It has been discovered that Mr. Rees has not paid rent or some of his employees. Mr. Rees has left and President Pettus of the Harris Springs Co., is now managing the company.”
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CONNECTING THE DOTS – GLENN SPRINGS RESORT / BOTTLING CO
CONNECTING THE DOTS – PIEDMONT SPRINGS RESORT
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