The first bath house in Mt. Clemens, called the ORIGINAL, was constructed in 1873 and marked the beginning of the city's fabulous bath era, the city later to become known as the "Bath City of America," and famous around the world.
In 1870 a Mount Clemens flour mill proprietor, Dor Kellogg, had cured his severe case of eczema by bathing in the salty mineral water, and a local physician, Dr. Abner Hayward, had started prescribing bathing for his patients suffering from rheumatism. Interest in the curative powers of the city's mineral waters continued, and as a result Dr. Henry Taylor, another Mount Clemens physician, built the first bath house so that the mineral-rich waters could be pumped from the wells into large tubs.
Always known as the ORIGINAL, Mount Clemens' first bath house was located in the southeast corner of what is today known as McArthur Park. Financed by contributions from the citizens of Mount Clemens, a Mineral Springs Company was formed with Dr. Henry Taylor, his son, Dr. Henry Taylor, Jr., and E. W. Lewis as guiding lights. In 1877 the ORIGINAL was taken over by Seth D. North of Hancock, Michigan, and Charles R. Johnson of New York who added 46 tubs. The 1901 Cutter's Guide gives credit to North & Johnson for providing the capital to develop the mineral baths. For many years, the ORIGINAL was the only bath house in town. Baths were given for 50 cents without an attendant and 75 cents with an attendant. The arrangement of the building was strictly for the comfort of the guests and later, around 1880-81, was connected with the Avery House and Hotel Egnew by enclosed and heated passageways for the convenience of patrons. The Messrs. North & Johnson were the proprietors of the ORIGINAL with Mr. Frederick G. Kendrick the business manager.
The ORIGINAL continued to prosper until it burned to the ground on August 23, 1883. It was promptly rebuilt and reopened on January 15, 1884.
This new facility could handle 500 baths a day with its 58 tubs. Up to July 1, 1893, 750,000 had been given.
In 1899 the entire complex consisting of the ORIGINAL and the two adjoining hotels ( Avery and Egnew) was sold by North & Johnson to the ORIGINAL BATH AND HOTEL COMPANY, whose officers were Fred G. Kendrick, president; Silas B. Spier, secretary; and George A. Skinner, treasurer. In January of 1902 fire again claimed the building. This time it was rebuilt as the NEW ORIGINAL BATH HOUSE AND SANITARIUM and was connected to the Egnew Hotel. Dr. Richard Leuschner was the medical director and Mr. H. O. Henderson the proprietor whose other hotel experience aided in catering to the comfort and pleasure of the guests.
