Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
New Life for Old Bathhouse
In 1935, this land was undeveloped acreage surrounding Greenville's outdated reservoirs. By 1937, it had been converted into a state park. Because boating and swimming in Lake Placid were the main attractions, a bathhouse was built overlooking the water.
Starting in 1999, Paris Mountain State Park Friends began raising over $100,000 to renovate the old bathhouse into a modern Park Center. Local businesses, notably BMW, also made generous contributions.
Ready to welcome you with family-friendly exhibits, the building's rehabilitation maintains its historic character, especially its stacked-stone walls and geometric interior beams. Exterior enhancements include this stone pathway, reminiscent of structures built decades ago.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 34° 55.617′ N, 82° 22.15′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker can be reached from State Park Road. Marker is on the grounds of Paris Mountain State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2401 State Park Road, Greenville SC 29609, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Welcome to Paris Mountain State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Come On In, the Water's Fine! (within shouting distance of this marker); "Mom, Can I Have a Nickel?" (within shouting distance of this marker); What's So Special About this Bridge? (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Open to the Sky (about 600 feet away); The Dam for Reservoir 2 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barracks in the Woods (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sulphur Spring (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Original Water Filter (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bull's Eye! (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.
More about this marker. It is the 1st marker in the park's Wayside Marker's Trail.
Also see . . .
1. Paris Mountain State Park. Paris Mountain State Park is a park located north of Greenville, South Carolina. (Submitted on June 22, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Paris Mountain State Park Historic District. Paris Mountain is significant for its association with the establishment and development of a system of state parks in South Carolina. (Submitted on June 22, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. The Bathhouse Complex
The bathhouse complex is adjacent to the main park road and is located on a steep hillside above Lake Placid. It consists of the bathhouse, the swimming area, and extensive landscaping.
The dominant feature of the complex is the bathhouse itself. Constructed by the CCC in 1936, it is rectangular in plan and one story in height with its front elevation facing the lake. It is a frame building sheathed in rough rubble masonry, with a solid concrete foundation. the roof is a lateral gable type with a shed roof extension that covers an open porch running the full length of the front elevation. The porch roof is supported by large rough cut native stone pillars. Originally, the porch included a low rustic wooden rail, however, this was replaced with a low stone wall sometime around 1943. Roofing material was originally wooden shingles, but is now composition shingles. The gable ends are enclosed and covered with painted wood shingles. A stone drinking fountain, identical to the one located in the Shelter #1 Complex, is also located on the porch, and forms part of the stone wall.
The main alteration to the bathhouse occurred in 1945 when a square rubble stone addition was added on the west side and connected to the main structure by a breezeway. This addition, which was used as a concession building, also incorporates a lateral gable roof, with gable ends covered in wood shingles. The architectural style and construction of the concessions addition is identical to the original core structures.
The bathhouse and swimming area are surrounded by extensive landscaping that includes an intricate network of paths, steps, drains, and low stone walls. The original landscaping done by the CCC was completed by 1940, and was later expanded by park management between 1943 and 1948. Original features include the french gully drains, a stone drinking fountain located on the hillside above the bathhouse, and a rhododendron lined path located to the east of the bathhouse. A brick path encircles the bathhouse and appears to be part of the original CCC landscape work. Two paths once extended downhill to the swimming area, however, these were replaced in 1943 with an elaborate system of rustic stone steps and low stone walls. Finally, in 1948, paved walkways were added that connect the bathhouse to the main park road. (Source: National Register nomination form.)
— Submitted June 22, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,752 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 22, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.