Back in Time (Pic of the Week)
Posted in Health, Photography, Pic of the Week on Jun 1st, 2007
Note: If you do not see a banner of a bird above, and are viewing this in June 2007, then force a reload in your browser.
This is the gym where I shot this week’s Wordless Wednesday picture, on the third floor of the Fordyce Bath House in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I knew much less about composition and framing when I took these pictures.
I played around by converting them to black and white and adding some film grain. In the end I just couldn’t take away those rich browns.
(Click any photo to enlarge and sharpen.)
Besides the photographic opportunities, the history of a room like this gets my imagination churning. Did most of the people who came to the bathhouse’s grand opening in 1915 believe that a good soak in the mysterious hot springs would do more good than a sweaty workout in this gym? A precursor to modern health clubs, it was reported to be the largest gym in Arkansas at the time, and the Fordyce was called, “the most practical, complete, and luxurious bath house in the world.”
Imagine legendary boxer Jack Dempsey delivering rhythmic flurries to that speed bag. Apparently he worked out in this gym and, coincidentally, his birthday’s this month. (I have little interest in boxing, but found this an interesting nugget.)
The rest of the Fordyce? Only in the state capitol building have I seen more marble under one roof. Just astounding.
My wife and I can’t find my favorite shot from this room. Pop, if you’re reading, um, scan in that 11×14 and e-mail it to me, okay?
I need some help. I can identify most of this equipment and what it does, but the piece near the back left of the room (top pic) that looks like a tilted fence has me flummoxed.
Sources:
The Official Site of Jack Dempsey
Arkansas Memory Project: Fordyce Bathhouse
Hot Springs National Park Sights Page
Wow, beautiful new banner picture! (another great example of “depth of field” too)
Not sure what that piece of equipment is… sorry.
Have a great weekend Mark!
Cool history. I’ve never been to Hot Springs, although I’ve seen tons of amazing photos of the place. Clearly a photogenic area.
I’m thinking that thing must be used for an invigorating round of Klingon-style battle. Clearly.
Oh…I like the new banner too. Neat combination of the bird with the harsh barbed wire.
Mark, I hate to admit where my mind is at today.
Your new banner first (like, instantly) brought to mind Goldie Hawn’s very fine ass of the early 1990s. I’ll leave it to you to decipher exactly why. I don’t think it’s terribly difficult if you’ve seen the right movie.
I also can’t make much sense of that fence thing at the back of the first picture. I think it’s just leaning up against the wall, and should lie flat on the floor, but that doesn’t help me figure out what it is.
Dave - Yes, it is a good example of that. You have a nice weekend, too, at the car show (or is that next weekend?).
MG - Klingon weapon. Definitely.
Simon - Well, I guess it’s forgivable considering the where you’re headed tonight. But, thinking about Goldie Hawn’s assets in that movie doesn’t require an apology.
I have no clue what that is, but you should do whatever possible to figure it out. Because otherwise, I will have to live with questions forever.
Where’s the picture that mom and dad have? That’s probably the one you’re speaking of regarding the scanner.
In fact…if you ever find that, I want a copy. Tuck that away in your Christmas list portion of your brain.
You know how much I love boxing, so I’m a big fan of this entry.
Jack Dempsey worked out there? Awesome. Maybe he knew what that bizarre curved thing was. :-) “Yes, that’s a flumoxer. It doesn’t do anything, but it looks cool.”
I like the result of this picture .. very easy on the eyes after all the color modification :) .. and wow @ wide space in that room.
Charles - Dempsey worked out there at least a few times, probably just when visiting the town.
I’m searching everywhere I can for that photo. If I don’t find it, then I’ll have to somehow use Dad’s copy to make another.
Nabeel - I didn’t do anything to manipulate the color, but I’m glad you like the photos.
Hey there Mark! I am finally back to my commenting! These are great pics…I love the colors of the woods, metals and the leather on the equipment…..
Have a great week! :)