The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-29
YATATORIUM IN RICHMOND.
Mr.. Schmidt at the Head Of n Project Which
Promises Well.

II you are a pubic-spirited citizen and want
TO exhibit your public spirit, now Is the time.
If you don't maledictions fast and furious
will fall on Your head; if you do, we will have
a natatorium.
This is Just the status Of the case in nut
she'll and you have your choice. .,
You can do the public a benefit or be parsl-
monious and. like Vanderbilt, let the pubic
be fingered" :;
The whole story about the natatorium Is
this. Two years ago Mr.. Herman Schmidt pc
came imbued with the excellent idea that
cleanliness is next 10 godliness, and acting
upon the suggestion he began the building OF
"a natatorium on Adams, just below Cary,
While this was being done he made 1t his
especial business 20 visit the celebrated Dath
houses OF this country and Europe anG get III
formation as 10 the best manner t. conduct
such place.
With these valuable facts in his possession
he returned TO Richmond. but winter coming
on. he abandoned the project
The scheme thus started has Land dormant Tor
over year. Tut with cOmmendable enterprise
he has now started the ball rolling again. ana
if the citizens rally around him hlchmOnd
will enjoy natatorium by June LIST.
Mr.. Schmidt. when he began ihe scheme.
wished 20 conduct it by himself, but IS now OF
the opinion that the bath-hOuse would do
The principal reason for tins IS that by a
stock company more people Will be interested,
and 10y their interest others VIII come IN
II Mr. schmidt manages the place by himself,
lie az most will only be able to command a
certain class Of custom, which, though excel
lent. would not be large enough to support the
natatOrum.
Acting upon the idea Mr. Schmidt yester-
day gave Mr.. George Crutchfeld his views on
the subject and made an arrangement 10y
which Mr Critchfeld will solicit subscrp-
tons - the stock.
1t is not known at present how much Is
needed. but Mr.. Schmidt says there ought ID
be from rs 900 q go 900 in the scheme
He Is also undecided as 10 the price of each
share his idea being that If enough persons
If moderate means are interested, 10 put the
stock down at SO share.
By tins move persons IN moderate clrcum-
stances could have a personal interest IN the
scheme and thus carry ont the prime object
Of Mr.. Schmdt's views
As regards the price for the use Of the bath
house. Mr.. Schmidt said Yesterday that the
charge would be from ten 10 twenty-five
cents that his idea was that at certain times
~ tine afternO N. when the boys Were out on
school. o. le; them splash around m the huge
tub al ten cents a head that during the
morning tie ladies' can use the house, and IA
the evening the place would be reserved tor
men,
Mr Schmidt las but the foundation and
the pool walls of the natatorium.
Connected with the pool are large culverts,
which viii make tie pool in every way
healthy.
from one Of those pines will he constant
flow ~ water fr M the reservoir from another
VIII fOw lot water. TRAIT will render the heat
IN the pool about eighty degrees.
This warm water flows from Mr.. Schmidts
Ice plant until 10 nearly reaches the natato-
rum and then low- INFO smaller ipcs.
These connect with the pool nj ali sides,
thus giving % constant stream from all parts
of the mpass.
By this scheme the water is kept heated at
all points and renders it agreeable either IN
summer or winter
OF course an experienced swimming master
Will be in charge of the pool. and there is but
very slight danger of anyone getting
drowned.
On the contrary people will have a chance
g. swim learn O. swim and exercise as well.
aud VIII also be carrying out the tenet that
inspired the Chiuaman when he opened the
laundry next 10 the church.
As o. the stock Mr.. schmidt within the
past few days, has met with very encourag-
Iag success.
Several big men with money have as
sured him of financial aid. aud If the people
Will take hold of the scheme as they should
Richmond will be enjoying the benefits OF a
hrst-class natatOrum by June.