Stivers Springs

Moses Stivers took out a full-length column in the Vincennes Western Sun to extol the virtues of his ‘resort’ known as Stivers Springs. “The natural beauty of the locality in which the stylish springs is found is great and the arrangements for the reception of visitors sufficiently convenient. . . The buildings are erected at the South end of a section of land which rises on a level with the West, interspersed with native Groves which clothed with native beauty rise from the springs and the borders of the little stream which waters the valley below.” (Now I ask you; has anyone, other than John King, ever described the area north of Lukin in such glowing terms?)

Moses continued : “The use of mineral waters as a remedial agent dates back to the remotest antiquity. Man has instinctively discovered that certain warm spring waters will not only keep the body vigorous and preserve health, but they will also cure diseases. The experience of thousands of years at mineral waters, both natural and artificial, prompts the conscientious physician to send the patient on whom ordinary medicine ceased to act beneficially, to the springs and watering places, and induces people to travel thousands of miles to be healed by famous waters issuing from the bowels of the earth.”

Apparently, Moses felt that the some in the medical profession (or general public) did not feel altogether satisfied with the efficiency of the water and he had the water tested for chemical compounds and published the results.  To see these results and the type of cases Moses claimed had been cured go here 

 He concluded the article by stating that the springs were located between Bridgeport and Sumner south about 1 1/2 miles and transportation would be furnished to and from the railroad station. The hotel on site would furnish ample accommodations for $5 per week. Those who wished to stay in tents could very much reduce their expenses, and at the same time have all the advantages of the springs and grooves.