Brush Lake was formed by the glaciers that moved through this area. During the latter part of the 19th century the Village of Fountain Park was built up around it as well and was known as the 'Coney Island of Champaign County.' Fountain Park had its own post office, hotel, church and railway station. An artesian well was found to have high mineral content and therefore had 'great medicinal value'. Eventually a total of 7 artesian wells were found; the water was bottled, labeled under the brand of 'Zymo' and shipped out daily via rail. A recreation and health center was also constructed and aptly named, 'Electro-Magnetic Springs'. The railway station became the hub of activity in this area which was now known as the Mid-West's leading health resort. Excursion tickets were sold in Chicago, St Louis and Pittsburg as people flocked to the healing waters of Brush Lake. In 1900 much of the village of Fountain Park was destroyed by a fire and never quite regained its former glory. During WWII Brush Lake became a swim club for women who now found themselves newly employed as the men were sent off to fight.