A Legacy That Spans Centuries
The Healing History of Mt. Clemens Mineral Water
First Well Drilled for Salt
1865
The earliest known well in Mt. Clemens was drilled to extract brine for salt production. However, due to the high cost of separating salt from the dense mix of minerals, the effort was abandoned.
Healing Power Discovered by Dorr Kellogg
1870
Dorr Kellogg, a local mill operator, bathed in the warm, sulfur-rich water and reported noticeable relief from his symptoms. His experience inspired local businessmen to invest in a commercial bathhouse.
The Original Bath House Opens
1873
With momentum from Kellogg’s discovery, Mt. Clemens opens its first official bath house—The Original Bath House, marking the beginning of the city’s transformation into a wellness destination.
A Global Spa Capital: Turn of the Century
Late 1800s – Early 1900s
Mt. Clemens becomes internationally known for its healing waters. The city boasts nine major bathhouses and over thirty hotels, catering to thousands of visitors each year seeking 21-day therapeutic cures.
At its peak in the early 1900s, nine major bath houses operated simultaneously in Mt. Clemens. Over the full span of the spa era, a total of eleven bath houses were built—each contributing to the city’s reputation as a global destination for natural healing.
Celebrities, Cures & a Local Legend
1920s – 1940s
Famous guests like Mae West, Clark Gable, Jack Dempsey, and Babe Ruth visit.
A local story claims a rheumatic horse stood under a dripping water tank and experienced healing—drawing medical interest in the spring’s properties.
Medical Adoption and Hospital Expansion
1924
Henry Ford Macomb Hospital incorporates mineral baths into treatment plans. A 100-bed addition is built with support from the community. The hospital becomes a leader in water-based therapy between Detroit and Port Huron.
The Spa Era Ends
1940s – 1970s
The Great Depression, rise of internal medicine, and suburban expansion bring the bath house era to a halt. Most wells are sealed. Only one remains operational.
Susan Gans Begins Her Mission
1996
Real estate professional Susan Gans enters the health and beauty field and begins developing topical mineral-based remedies using water from Mt. Clemens’ last remaining well.
Vitl Waters is Officially Launched
2009
Susan founds Vitl Waters, formerly known as AcheAway®, and begins creating creams, soaks, and therapeutic blends. Her products reach local hospitals and homes alike.
Scientific Verification
2015 & 2017
Independent lab reports confirm the water’s mineral strength and purity. Tests reveal 125 pounds of solid mineral residue from just 65 gallons of evaporated water—demonstrating unmatched mineral density.
A New Torchbearer
May 2022
Susan Gans passes away. Her business associate of over 20 years, Lois Lombardo, becomes the owner of Vitl Waters® and the last mineral well. She vows to keep the mission alive.
The Return of the Community
2023 – 2024
Lois begins monthly open house events, inviting the public to reconnect with Mt. Clemens’ healing legacy and fill bottles directly from the historic well.
Rebirth of Bath City