In 1895, a New York State law was enacted, "making the establishment of public baths mandatory for all first- and second-class cities in the state." As a result, NYC began to construct permanent bath houses, primarily in dense lower-class residential neighborhoods, and by the early 1900s, there were at least 14 (likely more) such structures open throughout Manhattan. Dreaming of a bathroom that whisks you back to the glamour of old New York? Even in the sleekest modern apartment, you can create that perfect vintage vibe without a complete renovation. New York City's public bathhouses thrived from the mid-to-late 19th century to the 1970's.
See vintage photos of the city's sanitation stations in their prime. OldNYC shows 40,000 historical images from the New York Public Library's Milstein Collection on a map. Find photos of your apartment, work, or favorite park!
Many people stuck with colorful tile and old plumbing fixtures that are commonly found in New York apartments bemoan the dated look. I understand. But hear me out: before you take a sledge hammer to your vintage bath, consider that its Pre-War charm may represent an architectural heritage that could be integral to the historical era of your home, especially if it dates to the 1920s.
The public bath, in effect, gave rise to the urban swimming pool movement, drawing children from dangerous piers and swimming holes and into carefully monitored (if incredibly crowded) water environments. In 1888, New York installed several outdoor baths within the city, imposing 20 minute time limits on swimmers to keep the water clean. The Bathrooms of Old New York On the enormous, ornate, and extremely impractical bathtub in his family's old.
By the time indoor toilets arrived in New York City, they were far from new. The first patent for a flushing lavatory was issued in 1775 to Scottish inventor Alexander Cumming. From 1939: Joseph Wyler on the enormous, ornate, and extremely impractical bathtub in his family's old.
See how one NYC homeowner transformed a dated bathroom into a prewar beauty. Discover the golden accents restored its classic charm.
