I think we now refer to the "Turkish Bath" as a Sauna. A quick check on the internet shows that Turkish baths are a Turkish custom, but not exclusive to Turkey. Many middle eastern countries and even here in North America, many cities hosted these public baths. The helicopter view of 132 North Warren Street places it next to St. Michael's P.E. Church. Be advised that this was 132 North Warren Street in 1913. Perhaps the number of the buildings has changed over the years.
Tom:
ReplyDeleteI hate to correct such a prolific researcher, and writer. However a "Turkish Bath" was not like the sauna of today. The Turkish bath, like it's couterpart the Russian Baths which was located on North Clinton Ave, across from Crane Pottery, were "wet" steam rooms, with cold dosing pools, and maseuers who actually washed you with Eucaliptus Leaves ( they had a theraputic value). Saunas which evolved from Scandanavia, are dry wooden boxes with dry heat, and no rub down table.
I don't remember the Turkish bath in this article, but did in fact go to the Russian Baths with my employer Abe Orland, a cattle dealer who I worked for as a teenager. Being a Polish imigre, Abe, believed in going to the baths once a week to open the pores and cleanse your body.
I worked on his farm in Burlington.
He would pick me up at 4:30 in the Morning in South Trenton, we drove to Burlington Twp. Took care of the horses, and Cows, ate breakfast which consisted of a slice of heavy black Russian Rye, a thick slice of cheese, and several shots of Vodka, (he not me)
Than drop me off at Jr. 4 where my fellow students took a wiff of my shoe residue, and gave me a wide path.
Hard work, little money, but great memories.
Best wishes for a joyus, and Blessed Christmas.
Mike Kuzma now of Virginia
MIKE: DON'T EVER STOP CORRECTING ANY ERRORS THAT YOU FIND ON MY POSTS. I DON'T PROFESS TO BE AN EXPERT, AND I APPRECIATE YOUR VERY WELCOME CORRECTIONS TO ANY INCORRECT INFORMATION YOU, OR ANY OF MY VISITORS SEE IN MY POSTS. YOUR ADDED INFORMATION RELATING TO THE SAUNA vs THE TURKISH BATH ENHANCES THE GRAPHIC AND MAINTAINS HISTORIC ACCURACY.
ReplyDeleteTOM GLOVER