The story of Mudbaden continues... Looking for part 1? Check out last week’s blog post!
Mudbaden is Born
In 1910 construction began on a new building at Rosendahl Sulphur Springs. This facility was 124 ft long and 24 feet wide including a porch, steam heat and hot and cold water in every room. It would accommodate up to 70 patients at one time. In 1911, as business continued to prosper, O.J. Rosendahl and Dr. Larson officially purchased the land and facilities from original owner Ole Rosendahl for $30,000. The name was again changed – this time finally, to Mudbaden Sulpher Springs
Destination Mudbaden
Promotional postcard from Mudbaden from around 1915. SCHS Collections.
Dr Larsen and O.J. Rosendahl were far more business-minded than Ole Rosendahl had been. Once they took over ownership, advertising and promotions soared. In 1910 a booklet was created and sent to every practicing physician in Minnesota, many in neighboring states, and past patients. This pamphlet heavily promoted the health benefits of sulfur mud treatments. Local newspapers were dotted with advertisements promoting the health benefits of a visit to Mudbaden – and the fun and relaxation that could be had with a vacation to the resort's modern facilities.
From this time on Mudbaden was promoted not only as a medical facility, but as a recreational experience and tourist destination. Along with sulfurous mud baths, Mudbaden hosted banquets, dances, parties and picnics. They even had their own baseball team.
In 1912 a convenient new rail station was built along the Omaha line 100 feet from the front door of Mudbaden. Trains began to run regular daily routes to and from the facility.
Mudbaden could not have been built at a more apt time. In the early 1900s, health and science were all the rage. Cursory knowledge of germ theory and the scientific method as becoming more widespread, and the public was clamoring for new “scientific” cures that would relieve the suffering from old ailments. Not only this, but with new health practices, a greater percentage of the US population was reaching old age – meaning that Mudbaden’s advertised cures for rheumatism (arthritis) were suddenly in higher demand. In 1912, the proprietors of Mudbaden claimed that patients came from "Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota as well as many other states reaching to the Pacific and Canadian provinces”
New Ownership and Expansion
Mudbaden lobby around 1920, from the SCHS Collections
Dining room at Mudbaden, around 1910. Photo from the SCHS Collections.
In 1913 Dr. Larsen bought out O.J. Rosendahl’s half interest in Mudbaden and continued to build, adding new summer cottages and electric lighting. Then, in 1914, Dr. Larsen sold his interest in the sanitarium for $100,000 to a corporation organized under the name Mudbaden Sulphur Springs Company. Heading up this venture were Joseph Kehrer ( a well-known seed salesman and druggist in Jordan), E.J. Schmidt and P. G. VaBlarcom of Fond du Lac Wisconsin, and James E. McGrath. Dr. Larsen maintained an interest.
The new owners began plans for construction of a modern building of steel, concrete and brick at a cost of $100,000. Patient capacity was increased to accommodate 200. With construction underway, Mudbaden was once again sold - this time to the E.G. Pauling & Co financiers of Chicago.
Resort
Construction at Mudbaden, 1915. From the SCHS Collections.
In 1915, the new facility was completed. It was 242 feet long making the total length of the sanitarium 425 feet. There were four steam heated sun porches and two open verandas. The main lobby and dining room were massive, well lit halls. The lobby boasted two fireplaces and a high ceiling beamed with quartered oak woodwork. At either end of the dining room were mullioned windows. Diners were served from a large modern kitchen, and adjacent to the dining room was a 40x70 ft amusement hall. Though the stated purpose of Mudbaden was still “health”, the feel of the facility was more in keeping with luxury resorts of the day
When the new building was completed in 1915, a daily bus service began that connected Jordan, Minneapolis and Mudbaden. Transport from the Twin Cities cost only 75 cents each way.
Find out about the health services offered at Mudbaden, and the future of the resort in next week’s blog post!
Written by Rose James, SCHS Program Manager