Edward P. Dismuke (1860-1957) came to Mineral Wells about 1900. He and Cicero Smith built a recreational lake west of town in 1904, complete with picnic areas and a scenic railroad. When they dug a well for drinking water they discovered a new supply of mineral water. After first selling the water in the Dameron Hotel, Dismuke opened the famous Mineral Water Company in 1913, dispensing the water and other products from a drinking pavilion. The famous Mineral Water Company wells are the only ones in town still accessible to the public. (1990)