Excelsior Springs, MO – The Friends of the Wells committee, a dedicated group focused on preserving the city’s historic well system, is making significant progress in their restoration efforts. The committee has recently been working to raise funds for the testing and potential restoration of two of Excelsior Springs’ iconic mineral wells, with the aim of reviving the city’s rich mineral water heritage.
According to their website, “The Friends of the Wells have initiated a Soda Well and/or Lithia Well Restoration Project.” This project’s first step is to conduct water quality testing and inspection of Soda Well No. 1, located behind the Hall of Waters, and Lithia Well No. 1, next to Willow Spring Mercantile on East Broadway. Lithia Well is the proposed site of Lithia Landing, a new outdoor gathering space for downtown. The testing will determine whether these wells can be returned to use.
The primary goal of the committee is to identify a well with potable mineral water, which could be restored for drinking and possibly spa bathing at the Hall of Waters. This initiative is not only aligned with the community’s historical identity but also with the 2010 strategic plan that identified the need for additional destination activities to serve the tourism population. Revitalizing a mineral water well would enhance the visitor experience, potentially providing an economic boost to the city through heritage tourism.
Thanks to generous community support, the committee has successfully raised the necessary funds for well testing. They plan to hire Preferred Well Drilling, a company based in Cleveland, MO, to scope both Soda Well No. 1 and Lithia Well No. 1. Once the results are available, the Friends of the Wells will decide on their next steps, with the hope of revitalizing the city’s mineral water tradition and restoring the famed water bar at the Hall of Waters.
In addition to these restoration efforts, the committee recently completed repairs to the historic Crystal Lithia pagoda, which suffered damage during a spring storm. Partnering with Excelsior Springs Job Corps Carpentry students, the committee was able to restore the pagoda on Saratoga Ave. with minimal costs, as labor was provided by the students.
Looking forward, Dennis Hartman, chairman of the committee, has written an in-depth book detailing the history of the wells throughout downtown. The book will soon be available for purchase, with proceeds going back to support the Friends of the Wells’ ongoing projects.
For updates on the well testing and other restoration efforts, follow the Friends of the Wells on Facebook or visit their website.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
