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Circa 1889. "Bathing pool in the Casino." The swimming pool at Henry Flagler's Hotel Alcazar in St. Augustine, Florida, last seen here from the other end. Glass negative by William Henry Jackson. Detroit Publishing Co. View full size.
Taken in a similar aspect as the vintage shot from this post, here's recent shot (07/09) of that location (now known as the Lightner Museum):
I do believe that's an Iranian flag up there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Early_20th_Century_Qajar_Flag.svg
What are those codes on the left side with handles ?
I like the way the photographer caught the moment of impact when someone jumped in the pool (right below the railing) but if that pool's only 5 1/2 feet deep, the jumper probably hit the bottom with a thud.
I read somewhere that this pool was filled by an underground spring. The same source said that the pool was 12 feet deep and I don't see any depth marks greater than 5½, so I don't know how reliable the source is.
Here is a view of the pool today. You might want to leave your swimming trunks at home.
Didn't seaside hotels of this era usually have saltwater pools?
I once lived a few beaches up from this and didn't know it existed. This set of pictures makes me want to return to check out the hotel.
To the left above the 'yacht ensign' is the flag of Persia (with the lion, sword, and rising sun). To the right of that - well, it could be any number of countries in 1889, is probably Russia, which introduced its white-on-top tricolor in 1883. The Japanese flag on the left is easy to pick out, but the others on the walls, not so much.
I stood outside this building just last summer and admired the unique building; at that time I wondered just what the pool must've looked like that used to be inside. Now that I know I am indeed impressed!
seems to be a low priority for a high end hotel. I didn't notice the rust stains, peeling paint etc. on the first pic.
A wonderful and mystical space no matter WHICH way you're looking! Thanks!
When we visited St. Augustine the swimming pool area was being used as the museum's lunch room. It was fun then to imagine what it was like when it was a pool and even better now to see the pictures! Thanx.
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