Writing and
photos © Copyright 2003 by Lin Stone
Design and Layout © Copyright 2003 by
Browzer Books
As the building had settled over the years, the mural on the left has cracked. By raising the support columns just three-fourths of any inch in the center, the mural was brought back together again. On the other side of the walls from that rural before the racing began, the crack was opened wider to allow freer movement in that section as the support columns were being raised.
The artist who did the murals in the front foyer signed his name as J. W. Zelm. The Hot Springs Park Service spent many hours of research and has now traced down that name and has invited his grand daughter and others to come for a private visit. Click HERE for more pictures and information.
Looking for something? Find anything on this site as well as on the web using our search engine below.
|
The Lamar bathhouse was named after Secretary of the interior Lucius Q.C. Lamar. It was built in 1923 and operated until 1985. It was erected on the site of an 1888 Victorian wooden structure of the same name. It is a two-story reinforced concrete construction with classical revival columns of symmetry corners. The sun porch windows have tutor arches that evil English association's. Neckerchief tiles were used in the entrance and lobby murals. Originally the Lamar front veranda was open to the air. Naturally that was before air-conditioning. There is still one letter left in the mail box, the postmark is dated 1895. The Lamar is unique in that the women's entrance was on the right. All the other bathhouses have the men's entrance on the right. All the walls had lead based paint, and all the lead had been encapsulated. All the paint has now been stripped and the Lamar is being readied for a complete renovation so that it looks as good as new, and will actually be even better. The building will then be leased out to private enterprise. The cooling rooms were used to help people acclimatize to the cooler environment they would face outside. If they had simply walked on out they might well have collapsed on the sidewalks. That would not have looked healthy so close to a health spa. In the cooling rooms they were given lots of water to drink, and a place to sit down or recline and rest. |
|
The ceilings in the Lamar were 12 feet high. Most of the inside walls were faced with marble instead of tile. Even the stairs were faced with marble. The marble was selected for its beauty and color. The marble used here came from Georgia.
Where tile was used, that to was selected for its beauty and uniqueness. The tile in the Lamar was produced in the Tiffany tile process developed by one of the Tiffany Brothers. These particular tile were produced by the Huebech Mfg Co. in 1918. The concrete used in the walls was over a superior quality, and is still holding fast today.
Upstairs charge resting area in gymnasium. The gymnasium was simply furnished. For example it had little more a punching bag and hanging rings.
What is left of the Lamar now? On November 26th of 2003 I took 23 pictures of the Lamar interior, which are yours to see full size in a FREE ScreenSaver. Click HERE to download. Here are some samples in thumbnails.
|
|
LEFT: It was suggested
that your valuables be left in these safety deposit boxes behind the desk
in the front foyer.
RIGHT: Porcelain tubs were the norm in the Lamar. This steel tub was long enough for a tall woman to lie down in full length. |
 |
 |
The masonry cement used for
binding was of high quality and is still working today.
Good, quality blocks were also used. |
 |
 |
LEFT: When rust gets its hold, the
deterioration begins in earnest. The biggest problem a bathhouse has
is the hot, moist air lingering on in every room.
RIGHT: The Tiffany Style process of creating tile has been lost, but what was used here has stood the test of time. |
 |
 |
LEFT: Marble steps
leading down to the basement.
RIGHT: Old motors and old commodes found in the basement.
|
 |
Make SURE your family has all
the insurance protection it needs.
Compare what you have to pay now
with the family-friendly values we find.
See for yourself if your savings don't
average 46% better than what you expect..
Health insurance rates are skyrocketing out of control. A few minutes of your time can be worth thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your health insurance policy. Let us help you find the best rates that offer you affordable and family friendly coverage. Click HERE to find a train load of savings on every kind of insurance policy you need. Low cost, family friendly, bargain rates, and even downright CHEAP policies and it won't cost you a penny to see if we are spot on RIGHT! Free quotes for individuals, children, family, self employed, small group, travel, temporary, international, seniors, catastrophic, home, auto, farm and ranch. Save your money. Get the friendliest Arkansas Vacation quotes on all your insurance needs.
