The threat of a winter storm didn't keep devoted fans of historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs from attending the Architects & Blueprints VIP Gathering at the Cultural Center inside the Ozark Bathhouse. The event was a kickoff party by the Friends of Hot Springs National Park for its capital campaign to raise funds to restore the Maurice Bathhouse.
Several artifacts from the bathhouse were on view at the party, including a stained glass ceiling panel restored by The Friends, along with the head of Bacchus (god of wine, the theater, madness and ecstasy), an architectural element. Both come from the Roycroft Den on the third floor of the historic building.
The Maurice was built in 1912 and is the last bathhouse to be restored and reopened. The group plans to restore three areas of the bathhouse to National Historic Preservation standards: the porch, the lobby and the den.
The first pledge of $5,000 came from the Morris Foundation, headed by Dorothy Morris of Hot Springs. Those making donations of $500 or more will receive tickets to the Hammers & Hard Hats Workers Party at the Maurice on May 22. For more information, email friendshsnp@gmail.com.
High Profile on 01/31/2016