The area of Mineral Springs, in Reading, has a fascinating history.

A textile mill was established there in the very early 19th century, but it soon failed.

The Mill became a hotel, and the natural springs on the site were newly-touted as a remedy for a wide range of ailments and disorders.

In the mid-19th century, many notables visited the hotel and the springs.

This hand-tinted photograph was made about 1906.

Published by the Hugh C. Leighton Company of Portland, Maine, the postcard was printed in Germany.

The figures of persons, not sized to scale, are clearly added to the photograph – a century-old version of PhotoShop.

The park declined significantly in the years following the taking of this picture.

Remains of the Mineral Springs stop on the Mount Penn Railroad can still be seen, however.

The postcard was mailed from Reading on August 20, 1908, and signed by “Swope”.

It was addressed to G.K. Lefever of Lancaster, RR 4; there was no receiving postmark.