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Article: History's a charm at French Lick spa
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- August 15, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2004 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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French Lick, Ind. -- Sports fans know of French Lick as the
hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird. But during a period that
lasted from the late 1800s to the 1950s, the small Midwestern city
was as famous for its swanky visitors as its natural spring water.
Pluto Water, as it was dubbed, wasn't like the mineral water we're
accustomed to today. The sulfur-rich drink was more of a diuretic
than a refreshing thirst quencher. Hence, its slogan: "When nature
won't, Pluto will." Guests were encouraged to carry canes during
their morning walks. When nature called -- and apparently it called
quite often after a glassful of Pluto Water -- it was considered the
polite thing to place your cane on ...