What a pleasant way to spend a bit of time on our way to Dallas.
We had a lovely day. It was warm and sunny yesterday (although I never thought I would consider 65 degrees as warm)
Our campground was lovely, and the weather was a nice change!
Hot Springs National Park
All the bathhouses and 47 natural hot springs are right in the middle of town!
Historic Bathhouse Row had several bathhouses that used the hot water directly from the springs in town. ‘Bathing’ used to be medicinal and required a prescription from a Doctor. Today the Spa use is extremely popular.
There are two remaining Bath Houses in operation, and one has been in operation since 1915. The Fordyce Bathhouse was built for extreme luxury and opulence. 95% of the building is Italian Marble, and has lovely stained glass windows. Today it is the National Park Visitor Center and tours of the building are available.
This fountain in one end of the lobby dispensed hot mineral water.
The other end had a similar fountain with cold water.
The bathing ritual included individual rooms with 'certified attendants'
to monitor temperature and pressure.
They would sit in the "Vapor Bath" box on the right with all the steam and
towels wrapped snuggly around their neck.
The one on the left is a sitz bath and sometimes used with mercury to treat STD's
(oh my goodness - are you kidding?)
After all that heat, they needed a 'cooling room'
After the bathing, you went to the 'needle showers'
17 shower heads and high pressure fine jets of water.
(in the 1800's!)
Lovely stained glass in the women's rooms
The men's rooms were so much more elaborate!
This stained glass ceiling has 8000 pieces.
Too bad we couldn't see the water running in this fountain
(in the men's room)
People were pretty convinced that the bathing was curing most ailments.
The Medical room always had an attending doctor, but the practices are pretty frightening!
So, you sit in the tub of hot water, and hold on to a leather strap with electrodes
that are controlled by this box. This is supposed to be a 'stimulating' bath experience!
Fortunately, it was low voltage.
This table was used for various treatments.
One of which was a cleansing colonic.
The tour guide hoped that this didn't take place
when the room was filled with other people!
Mercury Rubs - OH!!
Upstairs rooms - very elegant.
Beautiful and impressive tile work
Even a gymnasium.
after the tour---
The green box in the yard covers one of the 47 natural hot springs
(to keep it from contamination)
The waters here go straight to the brewery.
This brewery if the first brewery in a US National Park
and the world's first to utilize the thermal spring water
as the main ingredient.
The beer was great, so was the bratwurst!
And then- the famed hot springs!
Pools ranging from 95-104 degrees.
A good soak.
Nice day!
Very pretty sights in town
only problem-weather was freezing cold,
especially after a hot bath. (104 degrees)
