Holyoke's Early Bath Houses (The 1899-1902 Builds)

The concept of building several bathhouses or indoor swimming pools in Holyoke took hold in the late 19th century. The pools would provide children and early teens with recreation and a safe summer swimming environment. There were many tragic accounts of unattended or youth drownings in the Connecticut River or the canals. The hope was to steer the youth to these swimming pools, where swim lessons and supervision would be provided.

The first bathhouse, the Ward 6 Bath House, was constructed in 1899 on the northeast corner of Sargeant and Commercial Street. the pool was in a 38' x 59' building made of wood. It contained a 20' x 50' pool called a basin. The basin had a floor and walls constructed of concrete. The pool depth ranged from 2' to 4  1/2'. The pool area was surrounded by 34 dressing rooms, which could be locked to secure personal effects. The pool capacity was estimated at 50 patrons at a given time. The contract was awarded to L. T. Beaulieu for $999.

In May 1901, the bid of F. J. Curley of $1,385 was accepted for the construction of the Ward 2 Bath House. Alderman Potvin proposed an alternative site for the bathhouse on the west side of Canal St., between Adams and Jackson St., but this suggestion was deemed too close to the third-level canal. An estimated 10,000 people used the facility in 1901. 

In April 1902, the school board requested that the land on which the Ward 2 pool was located be used for an addition to the Sargeant Street School. The pool had been open for one season.

In April 1902, $1,600 was budgeted for each planned Ward 4 and Ward 1 bath house. The Ward 1 pool opened on July 16, 1902, and the Ward 4 pool on July 17, 1902.

Bath house matrons and keepers were selected annually for each facility. Male and female swimmers were assigned separate days.

The Ward 1 bath house keeper reported that 51,325 people used the pool in 1904. 

The property on which the Ward 2 bath house was located was purchased from Holyoke Water Power. Two adjoining houses were purchased from private parties. The land purchase ended the Ward 2 pool house effective the last day of the summer swim season, September 2, 1905.

On May 9, 1906, the bath house would be moved 200 feet from behind the Canal Street Gasometer to the south of it. Louis A. Turgeon was awarded the contract to move the Ward 1 Bath house. The Ward 2 bath house was abolished.

The bath houses were maintained by the Board of Public Works through 1915. In 1916, the Playground Commission successfully petitioned to care and accept responsibility, care, and assume liability for the three remaining bath houses.

The history of Holyoke's four turn-of-the-century bath houses:

Ward 6- 

Constructed in 1899 (northeast corner of Commercial and Sargeant Street)

Status- purchased in 1917 by the city from Holyoke Water Power to extend the City Yard

Ward 2- 

Constructed in 1901 on the south side of the Sargeant Street School on South Bridge Street

Status- purchased in 1905 by the city for the new Morgan School building adjacent to the Sargeant Street School

Ward 1- 

Constructed in 1902 on Canal Street on Holyoke Water Power land, first behind the Gasometer and then authorized on May 9, 1906, to be moved 200 feet south on this lot. 

Status- auctioned in 1917

Ward 4- 

Constructed in 1902, near the corner of Fountain at the beginning of Walnut Street

Status- demolished around 1920

Ward 7- 

The plan for a bath house on Madison Ave. extension was rejected by residents in 1908.

Status- n/a

The Ward 1 Swimming Pool "The Bath House" (1919-1978)

By 1917, all four bath houses built at the turn of the century had closed, been little used (Ward 4), or been demolished. Discussions resurfaced in 1918 about adding pools for the enjoyment of the city's youth. 

W.E. Howes was selected as the architect of the building, which likely would be built on the south side of the former East Dwight Street School School at the northwest corner of the intersection of Center Street. Construction began on the new Ward 1 Bath House in 1919. 

The construction contract was awarded to John J. O'Neill, general contractor, Sullivan & Carmody, plumbing, and P. J. Moriarty, heating apparatus.

Although incomplete, the Bath House opened on July 13, 1920. It relieved youngsters from the heat and provided an activity during summer vacation. 

Plans were under consideration to make it a year-round facility. The building would not impact the future use of the neighboring former school, which was presently used for returning war veterans. 

On Friday, July 15, 1920, over 900 used the pool, 300 at a time, overwhelming the filtration system. This led to a change of only 30 being allowed in the water at any given time, allowing the filter to maintain clean water.

The pool was shut down within a week of opening. Later, the project was completed over budget by about  $12,500, which created discussions about responsibility in City Hall. A loan of $10,000 needed to complete the project with improved filtration and additional lockers and showers could not be pursued until 1921. 

Plans were under consideration to make it a year-round facility. The building would not impact the further use of the neighboring former school building. 

On Friday, July 15, 1920, over 900 used the pool, 300 at a time, overwhelming the filtration system. This led to a change of only 30 being allowed in the water at any given time, allowing the filter to maintain clean water. The pool was actively used for swimming and events involving children from the entire city.

The pool continued in use for over about 55 years. In 1978, the Parks & Recreation Commissioner requested the building be demolished and replaced with a park. The bath house was razed by Associated Wreckers in mid-1978. The area was replaced with a park with equipment for children's use.

Citations:

Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; publication dates are shown.

Sanborn Map Company, 1915; Republished 1956

                   Ward 1 Swimming Pool, "The Bath House," shown in the in the blue rectangle