The Fordyce
Bathhouse of Hot Springs

Writing and photos © Copyright 2003 by Lin Stone
Design and Layout © Copyright 2003 by Browzer Books

The lefthand side of the fountainsthe right hand side of the fountains.

Eagles protect the two fountains in front.
Hot water gushes out continuously.

To protect this historic building, No food or beverages are allowed inside.  
It goes without saying that any kind of tobacco use is also forbidden.

The Fordyce Hotel has a Renaissance revival style with Spanish and Italiante elements. It was erected on the site of the Palace bathhouse in 1915 by Col. S. W Fordyce. It is the largest and most ornate structure on bathhouse row. It has lavish terra-cotta window embellishments. The stained-glass and copper marquee was made with Greek design motifs. The limestone in the porch came from Batesville. This is now the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center. It  contains interpreting exhibits with a lavish interior featuring fountains and stained-glass ceilings.  

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This is the exercise room, with the focus on the back stretcher.  By lying on your stomach you could curve your back straight.  By tugging on the weighted ropes you could add gentle touches of strain to expedite the process.  Indeed, you could lift yourself completely off the floor.  For the truly brave you could turn your back to the wheel and repeat this interesting process on the other side.   The ultimate goal was to become as limber as a youth.  A clearer picture is included in the free ScreenSaver offered to you at the bottom of this page.  Meanwhile, note the gleaming hardwood floor.
With this submergible device one could be hoisted up and lowered into the hot water.  Once you are buoyed up by the hot water a physical therapist assistant could get into the water with you and assist in the flexing of muscles, or at least the relaxation of the whole body.
In the game room is found the simple elegance you would expect.  The pool table stands in the foyer just beyond.  Note the steam radiators.  The Park Service would not let the hot water from the Hot Springs fountains to be used for the radiators.  Consequently, boiler units in the basement converted ordinary, cool, water for heating the radiators, washing machines and dryers in all of the bathhouses.

gleaming glass doorknob

 This gleaming glass doorknob is symbolic of the elegance to be found throughout the Fordyce Bathhouse.  Everything here has been restored by the best artisans available to the Hot Springs National Park Service.  The tile, the lights, the chairs, everything here is either the original, or an authentic restoration of a similar entity.  

 

 The Fordyce Bathhouse Tour, by Sharon Shugart.  Click HERE to get started. 

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