My mom and dad grew up in Bethune and McBee, SC. My mom grew up in a very special house, "The Big House", as some people call it. It has always been Big Springs to me. My family lived in it for a short time. Big Springs has lots of history. It was a hotel with swimming pool that was filled with the artesian well springs on the property.


McBee S. C. April 3, 1914
Big Springs Resort Co.,
Bethune, S. C.—

Gentlemen:
I can heartily recommend Big Springs water for rheumatism, chronic indigestion, Bright’s disease and other kidney and bladder troubles, as I have seen it tried in a good many instances and have noted beneficial results. I believe if this water is used for a reasonable length of time it will produce a permanent cure in such
cases.

Yours truly, J. D. Ingram, M. D.

In addition, the former proprietor of Big Springs explains some more of its benefits: Big Springs water should be used to bathe the affected parts (external) as well as drank [sic].Recognizing the inability to do this successfully at the home, there (are) now large swimming pools for the pleasure-seekers, where the sick or well can have any kind of a bath needed or wanted. This is something that but few health resorts have, but this Spring, as the name implies, flows over 300 gallons per minute ample for all needs, with a temperature of 57 degrees. You don’t need ice in this water. Indeed, more recent measurements reportedly showed

the spring to flow at least 300 gallons per minute, if not more. It was enough to easily fill a 100,000-gallon swimming pool that was enjoyed not only at the turn of  the century but even into the early 1960’s. In the late 1940’s, then-governor Strom Thurmond and his wife Jean visited and enjoyed the pool fed by Big Springs. The high rate of flow for this spring is unusual, however, as most of the springs in the State average less than 10 gallons per minute. While most springs flowat a constant rate and have been flowing for centuries, if not longer, many springs have decreased their output during dry times, and some have dried up entirely. On the other hand, there are still many springs that are seemingly unaffected by drought.

                        Early nineteenth century swimmers at Big Spring mineral-springs resort in Bethune

My Beginning

I am a southern girl from South Carolina born in southern California. My dad was in the AirForce and we traveled around the United States when I was a little girl. I do have some stories to tell. I have a rich history that I hope to share with those that care.