The Gilded Age Treatment

Today, Henry Flagler’s former Alcazar Hotel is the home of the magnificent Lightner Museum and its world-class collection of late 19^th century Americana. Although the museum now has the hushed atmosphere of a library, in its heyday as the Alcazar it was far from quiet. The Alcazar was a place for fun and rooms at a more economical rate that at the opulent Ponce de Leon Hotel across the street. In fact, 123 years ago this month workmen were feverishly putting the finishing touches on one of the Alcazar Hotel’s many amenities  -- a health center complete with Russian baths, Turkish baths and a steam room to be enjoyed by some America’s wealthiest men. 

Combined with the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, casino, bowling alley and archery range, the Alcazar was perfect for entertaining the well-heeled gentleman of the Gilded Age.  Although preserved just as it was when it opened on February 22, 1889, the health center is often overlooked by museum visitors.  Those who do wander in can’t help but be amazed by the array of bizarre devices that apparently were part of the “treatment”.  There are tubs that seem less than inviting, a metal scaffolding that emitted steam and the control box for a Russian bath complete with an array of valves, faucets, gauges and hoses with a variety of probe-like instruments attached. 

Some of the uses of these seemingly medieval devices have been lost to history.  It’s obvious, however, that the marble benches arranged on three levels were perfect for relaxing or recovering from the “treatment”.  Make sure the Lightner Museum is on your “must see” list for a visit to St. Augustine.  And don’t forget to see the steam room – you’ll be enlightened, amused and perhaps a little disturbed.