[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 86 (Thursday, June 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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     THE AMERICAN SPA: HISTORIC BATHHOUSES OF HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

 Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, on May 29, 2003, the National Trust 
for Historic Preservation named Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National 
Park, AR, one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
  I come to the floor today to applaud the National Trust's efforts to 
preserve these bathhouses. I also want to bring the dire condition of 
these historic sites to the Senate's attention and urge my colleagues 
to support my and Senator Lincoln's work to provide critical funding 
this year to save the eight bathhouses in Hot Springs.
  During the early 1900s, a variety of bathhouses were built in Hot 
Springs, AR, to accommodate the thousands of travelers who sought the 
curative waters from 47 natural thermal springs. These bathhouses were 
elaborately constructed with remarkable architectural design, including 
stained-glass skylights and patterned mosaic floors and walls. The 
bathhouse provided restful baths and services--some peculiar and 
bizarre--that inspired the resort nickname ``The American Spa.'' In 
short, Bathhouse Row shaped America's ``Golden Age of Bathing'' and was 
internationally renowned, with the likes of Babe Ruth and the infamous 
Al Capone visiting the resort.
  Arkansans have long known what the National Trust for Historic 
Preservation has announced to the Nation: that these one-of-a-kind 
historic treasures are on the verge of disappearing due to neglect. 
These amazing buildings are literally falling apart. But the story for 
the bathhouses doesn't have to end there. We have a plan that works for 
both preservationists and budget hawks. Reasonable Federal investment 
into reconditioning these buildings will be leveraged by private 
leasing agreements. Once restored, private ventures will breathe new 
life and usher a new generation of use into Bathhouse Row for all 
Americans to enjoy.
  Lastly, I think that it is important to note that Congress has 
recognized the national importance of Hot Springs for 171 years. On 
April 20, 1832, the Congress had the foresight to establish Hot Springs 
Reservation--making it the oldest park currently in the National Park 
System. On March 4, 1921, Congress changed the name to Hot Springs 
National Park.
  Today, Congress has the opportunity to act again in support of Hot 
Springs. I believe that our predecessors in Congress intended for the 
park to protect Bathhouse Row and the unique glimpse that it provides 
into our Nation's social and historic past.
  I urge my colleagues to support funding in the fiscal year 2004 
Interior appropriations bill for Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National 
Park.

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