Woodmen of Union Building facts for kids
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Woodmen of Union Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 501 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, Arkansas |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1923 |
| Architect | Bailey, W.T. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Part of | Pleasant Street Historic District (ID03000532) |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000616 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 27, 1997 |
| Designated CP | June 20, 2003 |
The Woodmen of Union Building is a special historic building in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It stands four stories tall and is mostly made of brick. This building was very important for the African-American community.
It was built in 1923-1924 for the Supreme Lodge of the Woodmen of Union. This was an African-American group that helped people. The building was like a community center. It had a bathhouse, a hotel, a hospital, a bank, and even a large theater!
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's Story
The city of Hot Springs became famous for its natural hot springs. People believed the warm water could help them feel better. By the late 1800s, Hot Springs was a popular place for both medical treatments and fun vacations. A railroad built in 1875 made it easier for many more people to visit.
The Woodmen of Union Group
In 1919, a group called the Supreme Lodge of the Woodman of Union bought the land for the building. This group was a social club, a union, and a fraternity for Black men. They wanted to create a place that would serve their community.
The Woodmen of Union Building was finished in 1923. It was officially opened on January 17, 1924. Many African-American men from all over Arkansas came to the dedication. J.L. Webb, a leader of the Woodmen of Union, was the person who imagined and created this amazing building.
What Was Inside?
The building was truly a hub of activity. It had many different parts:
- A hospital with 100 beds and a school for nurses.
- A hotel with 75 rooms and a bathhouse.
- The Woodmen of Union Bank.
- A huge auditorium that could hold 2,500 people.
- A printing plant that used electricity.
- Offices for the leaders of the Woodmen of Union.
The auditorium was a famous place for entertainment. Big names like Count Basie and Duke Ellington performed there.
Changes Over Time
In 1950, another group bought the building. This was the National Baptist Association, U.S.A. They renamed it the National Baptist Hotel and Bath House. They also made improvements to the bathhouse.
However, in the 1970s, laws changed, and public places became open to everyone. This meant that the National Baptist Hotel started to have fewer visitors. It eventually closed its doors in 1981.
The building was bought a few times after that, but plans to fix it up didn't work out. Today, it remains an important part of Hot Springs' history.
