The Piedmont Baths, an aquatic theater and pleasure palace, were mired in tragedy.
Now the site of the Lake Merritt Whole Foods, the Piedmont Baths were mired in tragedy when they operated at the turn of the century.man named E.G. Paine’s 14-year-old son didn’t return home on the night of Sept. 16, 1909, he knew in his heart that something was gravely wrong.
He recalled that his son, Rollin, was last seen with his older brother, George, at the Piedmont Baths: Oakland’s lavish saltwater natatorium nestled on the corner of Bay Place and Vernon Street. At the time, it was common knowledge that the ornate bathhouse was more than just a spa: It was a cultural jewel, a spiritual promise and an industrial monument to the burgeoning city of Oakland.
Built on the cusp of the Victorian era, the saltwater palace was so opulent, local newspapers touted that the aquatic theater “would delight the most aristocratic king.” For a quarter, fashionable patrons could indulge in banquets at its in-house cafe, swim in medicated baths or jump off sky-high diving boards into its 120-by-70-foot enameled swimming tank. On weekends, locals could pay to see “fancy swimming” and high diving, live music, “break-neck” trapeze acts and 100-yard maiden races.
Just a few years later, in 1901, 22-year-old business student James Ferguson and his three friends piled into the bathhouse at 8 p.m., jumping off stands and springboards into the clear saline water. When they noticed Ferguson flailing his arms and shouting for help from the deep end of the tank, they ignored him. “He’s joshing,” one said.
These incidents were hardly isolated. The bathhouse, haunted by the specter of catastrophe, saw many more tragedies unfold over the next few years — and they mainly involved children.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oakland police identify 23-year-old man shot and killed in deadly September dayElijah Henry, 23, was one of two young men killed in separate incidents on Sept. 23 in Oakland.
Read more »
Oakland police chief details plan to stop city's deadly violence - but it could be controversialChief LeRonne Armstrong tells ABC7 News that the only way to stop the murders is to get the guns off the streets. But the way he plans to do that promises to be controversial.
Read more »
Another cheese recall: 13 more cheeses you need to throw out nowWhole Foods Market issued a recall for Zerto Fontal, while One Europe expanded its massive recall, adding 12 cheese products to the list.
Read more »
Whole Foods Shopping Tips and Tricks You Need To KnowYou get paid if you bring reusable bags?!
Read more »
What are the six most expensive homes that sold in Piedmont and Oakland the week of Sep. 26?A house in Oakland that sold for $2.1 million tops the list of the most expensive real estate sales in Piedmont and Oakland in the last week.
Read more »
Farm to table: NE Ohio nonprofit works to positively change the way we think about foodBen Bebenroth and Steven Baker work each day to better connect students with nutrient-dense foods you can grow on your own at home.
Read more »