John Martin Smith - French Lick and West Baden Springs

After the 1897 fire, the ruins of the French Lick Springs Hotel were purchased by a syndicate headedby Thomas Taggart, who was at that time the mayor of Indianapolis. Taggart, an Irish immigrant,started his career as manager of the Baltimore and Ohio Hotel at Garrett. After two years therehe became manager of Union Station in Indianapolis. He was active in Democratic politics andwas elected Marion County auditor. This postcard is postmarked August 23, 1906.

Thomas Taggerts syndicate proceeded to rebuild a magnificent neoclassical edifice, which sparkledwith stained glass, gold leaf details, and faux marble columns. Several additions were built untilthe hotel became the largest in the state of Indiana, with over 700 rooms. This postcard is datedJuly 13, 1905. It shows the profile of the front of the original building with its twin towers. Themain entrance is on the right.

For many years the French Lick Springs Hotel was the site of many large conventions, includingthe National Governors Conference in 1923 and 1932. Its many amenities include two 18-holegolf courses. There are several horses and buggies and people on saddle horses. Equestrian activitieswere a popular pastime. The open porch extends across the front of the building. There wererocking chairs and swings for those lazy days of summer.

The original building had round towers at both ends. The towers were removed during alater remodeling.

These towers were later removed. There is a large group of people on saddle horses in front ofthe hotel. Over 50 miles of trails were marked for horse riding.

This view shows an addition built on the west side prior to 1915. It includes the slogan theHome of Pluto Water.

Another addition was built on an angle to add more rooms. Persons on horses are shown on theroad. A private railroad car is in the right foreground. Wealthy patrons arrived in their privaterailroad cars.

By 1932 the hotel had been enlarged many times. This was a Christmas greeting with a calendaron the back.

This postcard is postmarked October 13, 1934. It states, French Lick Springs Hotel with fivefamous 18-hole golf courses, riding trails, and tennis courts is ideally located for conventions.French Lick is but a few miles from the center of population of the United States.

This postcard is postmarked April 7, 1960, after it had become the French Lick Sheraton Hotel.The postcard states, French Lick Sheraton Hotel with two famous 18-hole golf courses, skeetand trap shooting, riding trails, outdoor and indoor swimming, and tennis courts is but a fewmiles from the center of population of the United States. Free Sheraton Hotels ReservationsVia Teletype. Phone: LD9-Teletype: French Lick 471. The Sheraton Corporation acquired thehotel in 1954.

This postcard is dated August 14, 1966. It is addressed to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Its messagestates, Sat. noon Hot. Hi! We came over here Thurs. & are really living it up! Didnt have oneof their mineral baths yet but have made a tour of the place very interesting. Jay is out playinggolf this pm & then we go to a dinner & dance tonite... Has been very warm since arrivingbut rooms are cool.