Public Baths

April 22, 1910 Pilsen's own Bathhouse opened to the public. Below is the article published:

I'm not sure what's going on with this building now, it appears to be out of use. I would love to get a look inside!



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ELEVENTH WARD TO BATHE; CITY BATHHOUSE IS OPENED.

Institution Named After Dr. Simon Baruch of New York, Initial Promoter, Who Is Present at Dedication.

The Eleventh ward became the possessor of a municipal bathhouse last night and the several hundred residents who attended the opening at 1011 West Twentieth [Cullerton] Street had the novelty of seeing and meeting the man for whom the bath was named. Dr. Simon Baruch of New York, initial promoter of such institutions.

The philanthropist found himself well known, even in the Eleventh ward of Chicago. In which he had never before set foot. Over the entrance to the $23,000 structure is placed his picture, and as he entered last night in company with Health Commissioner W.A. Evans, Henry C. Lytten, and others, he was hailed by juvenile shouts of “dere’s da guy whose mug’s over the door.” It pleased him greatly.

Ald. E.F. Cullerton, Ald. Frank Danisch, and Dr. George C. Hunt, medical inspector in charge of the public baths introduced the speakers. Dr. Evans pointed out that Chicago had twice as many municipal baths as New York and Dr. Baruch said that Dr. Gertrode Waltington of Chicago had persuaded the city to adopt his plans in 1868, while he vainly pleaded with Gotham mayors for appropriate for ten years. Chicago’s good hygienic condition was due, he said, to a “health department which worked in his shirt sleeves and not in silk hats.”

The baths, which are all showers, will be opened today.
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