The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-10-06

The public bath of the American city Is not
run to make money. In most instances it is
entirely free. As might be supposed the most
elaborate bath is found in New York city. 1t
was a long time building, but it was finally
completed at n cost of 100000. 1t was thrown
open to the public for the first time during the
past summer. II is located on Rivngton street,
near the water front, situated in decidedly
crowded portion Of the city. 1t has capacity
of about 5000 baths per day, allowing each
bather twenty minutes. There are sxty.seven
spray baths--one third each for men, women and
boys. The bath compartments are so arranged
as to secure absolute privacy, the size OF the
stalls permitting of ample space for dressing.
and the care Of the clothing. Hot and cold
water are provided and applied by stationary
sprays, the temperature OF the water being reg.
uated so that there can be no danger from
scalding II warm water exclusively is desired.
The sanitary arrangements such that there
can be no danger from contamination, while alb.
solute cleanliness can at all times be assured.
Chicago was the first American city to have
the all-the. year round public bath. 1t was
structed in 1893. 1t was free to anybody and
everybody who might wish to avail themselves
OF the privilege, there being no charge for soap
or towel. 1t was n cheap building, erected on
leased land at a cost of only $4,000 or $4,000,
containing seventeen showers, together with one
tub bath. 1t was also provided with family
quarters Tor the superintendent
Three years ago law passed by the
New York state Legislature which called for
the erection and maintenance of free public
baths in the cities OF the first and second class.
Before the act became law Buffalo lad a free
public bath in operation. substantial brick
building was erected upon n site nearest to
those who would be apt to Use it most. Health
Officer Wcnde under whose supervision it was
constructed, careful to see that IL was
built and equipped with due respect for the
laws of sanitation 1t is model of its kind
and size. 1t is provided with sixteen spray
baths and one stationary tub, and also with 4
place for men, or women either, to wash, dry
and mend their clothes. Each bathcr is pro-
vided with towel and an individual piece Of
soap. Certain hours set aside for the mon
and certain ones for the women. The structure.
including the site, cost less than Sl5,00O and it
costs less than $1,000 year to run it. A soc.
ond bath. double the capacity Of the first, has
recently been opened, bit after similar plan.
A year or so after the Buffalo bath was opened
Brookline, Mass. followed suit, but with an
improvement. This city has an admirable en-
ample. and apparently the only one so far on
this side OF the water, of an indoor public bath
with swimming facilities Besides shower
and tub bath this institution. which cost about
$4,000, contains a large swimming tank and
an extra one Of smaller size for learners There
but two days in the week are free
Then, in 1903, came the Dover street bath in
Boston, built by the city at q cost Of Ss6,OOO,
and standing, so far as appointments go, in quito
another class from those mentioned Aside from
its lack OF a swimming pool, it is the finest
public bath in this and perhaps in any country.
There is charge to users Of one cent for soap
and one cent for towel. There are also indoor
bathing facilities in Boston in connection with
the ciys outdoor gymnasiunHat the Charlesbank
and its three indoor g!1nnasiums. One of the
new public school buildings has a swimming
tank attached.
In the same ycar-ls0s-thc Public Bath asso.
citation Of Philadelphia also opened in that
city, at cost OF $3l 900, the Gaskc street bath,
which has public washho,lsc annexed. Patrons
are charged s cents for towel and soap.
During the present year citizen of Baltimore
presented to the city council Of that city nn
indoor BATH completely equipped, which he had
has already under way project for the con.
struction OF an all-theyear.round bath. 1t has
appropriated $4,000 for the purpose, which sum
will not include the site Rochester has Just
completed and put in operation the past sum-
mer bath similar to that Of Buffalo. Sya.
cuse and Troy will probably comply with the
law requiring baths in cities OF the second class
In New York, some time next year, as plans
are preparing for them at the present time.
Utica, n. Y, which will be classed among the
cities Of the second class after jan I, 1901, will
doubtless he ready to do likewise. Camden,
n j., is preparing to build public bath next
year.