Sotarian Spring was described as flowing from the highest ground and at the highest point of any of the Waukesha springs. It was discovered on the property of Harry and Minnie (Burrows) Dreyer at the corner of Hartwell Avenue and Fulton Street. The purity of the Sotarian Spring water, free from surface drainage and sewer contamination, and its healing powers were touted.
Within the boarder of Fulton St., Hartwell Ave., Lake Street and what was State St. but is Lincoln Ave. today, Mineral Spring Block was developed into a springs park in 1884. The park was around for about 17 years and included a deer farm near the spring.
Water from the Silurian spring was marketed as a "health water" for the first time in 1871, making it one of the oldest spring water sites in the city. The park around the spring was beautifully landscaped, with walking paths for visitors. Other amenities at the Silurian Spring park included a bath house, bottling plant, casino, and theatre. After falling into disrepair, the original 1880's springhouse was torn down and replaced in 1927 with a cement enclosed structure, still on the site today. A replica of the 1880's Silurian Springhouse was built and is located along the Fox River Trail, on Bank Street.
The Crystal Rock Mineral Spring was located north of Silurian Spring Park. The Crystal Rock Company bottled healing waters and other drinks between 1903 and 1913. Today the copper dome covered spring is located under a concrete bunker north of the playground in Waukesha Springs Park. It is unclear where Hartwell Springs was located, but it was mentioned as another spring in the park in a Freeman article from March 19, 1952.
Located on the west side of Hartwell Avenue near Arcadian Avenue, Glenn Rock Mineral Spring was owned by Mayor Michael Glenn and his wife, Katherine from 1906-1912. Water from the spring was bottled on the property and shipped to locations outside of Waukesha. Today, Glenn Rock Motors is on the site of what once was Glenn Rock Mineral Springs.
Located off of Arcadian to the west of the railroad tracks between Hartwell Ave. and Caroline St., Prairieville Spring was built on the property of John McDonald Randles and was sometimes referred to as Randles Spring. This spring was used by local residents, patrons of the Prairieville Hotel, and the neighboring lumberyard. The spring was eventually demolished and La Casa de Esperanza is in that location today.
Named in 2010 after a fire chief, this spring is located on the site of the former Arcadian Spring reception house.
The Arcadian Mineral spring was opened in 1884 by James K. Anderson. It was located at the corner of Arcadian and Hartwell Ave. at the foot of the hill, where a gas station now stands. Arcadian spring became a popular attraction in Waukesha during the late 19th century when people would travel to Waukesha to partake in its abundant natural mineral springs. Arcadian was eventually bought out by Roxo, another Waukesha spring business. The original Arcadian spring was eventually closed and torn down, but Roxo continued the Arcadian name for a while. Roxo would go on to become one of the longest lasting spring businesses in Waukesha.
After selling Arcadian Springs in 1891, James K. Anderson turned his attention to the development of Lithia Spring. The name, Lithia, comes from an analysis of the time that determined that the presence of Lithia in the water was considered to be at medicinal levels, thus able to help with ailments.
More commonly known as Hickory Grove, a water analysis attributed to John G. Gredler for water from Hickory Grove Spring in the Waukesha Freeman in August of 1884 is the only mention of the spring found to date. Using an 1872 plat map showing the location of the Hickory Grove Brewery, the general location of the springs is thought to be on Main Street to the east of Hartwell. Residents have speculated on the purpose of a mysterious cave or tunnel found near Fuzzy's bar, reported in the Waukesha Freeman in 2015, and one idea is that it was beer storage for the Hickory Grove Brewery.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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Following along Hartwell Avenue, this tour explores 10 of the spring sites on the east side of the city. James K. Anderson, well known in the springs era, was involved with Silurian, Arcadian and Lithia Springs.
