Decorah Municipal Bathhouse and Swimming Pool

Located next to the Luther College campus, the Decorah Municipal Bathhouse and Swimming Pool is unique not only in Decorah but in all of Iowa as well. Built in 1938, it is significant for both its Moderne-style design and association with the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided part of the funds to built it. The WPA was one of several agencies the federal government created during the Great Depression to boost economy. The bathhouse is the only WPA building of its kind remaining in Iowa and the facility has operated continuously since it opened. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

The idea for a swimming pool was first proposed in 1935. In July that year, the city applied for funds from the WPA for 45% of the cost; the rest would be paid through municipal bonds. Both unskilled and skilled workers were hired for the project. The WPA hired most of the unskilled workers and the city was required to hire the skilled workers and the supervisors. Construction of the bathhouse and pool (the pool required a large number of skilled workers) began in late summer of fall of 1936 and was completed in 1938. It was a state-of-the art facility for its time and has been well maintained.

The WPA helped build public works projects (recreational facilities, schools, dams, courthouses, roads, etc.) with local governments across the country and thereby provided of jobs to people who desperately needed work. The bathhouse facility represents this collaborative effort.

"Decorah Municipal Pool and Bathhouse on the National Register of Historic Places." Driftless Journal. February 21, 2012. https://decorahnewspapers.com/Content/News/Lead-Stories/Article/Decorah-Municipal-Pool-and-Bathhouse-on-the-National-Register-of-Historic-Places/2/13/27560.

Vogel, Robert C. "Decorah Municipal Bathhouse and Swimming Pool." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. January 30, 2012. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_IA/11001057.pdf.