Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
“We Bathe the World”
| — | Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2024
1. “We Bathe the World” Marker
Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Publicity Director Alta Smith created one of the Spa’s best-known promotional concepts. The image of the Earth’s globe resting in a bathtub visually represented the town’s slogan during the 1940’s and 1950’s, “We Bathe the World.”
Erected by City of Hot Springs.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women.
Location. 34° 30.484′ N, 93° 3.264′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. It is on Central Avenue (State Highway 7) just north of Market Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is embedded in the sidewalk, beside a streetlamp post. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Confederate Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Ouachita and Central Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); The Malco Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Honus Wagner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The National Humane Alliance Fountain
this page online
Also see . . . Alta Smith (Garland County Historical Society facebook).
(By E. Robbins, GCHS, ED, Garland County Historical Society) Excerpt: This photo, from 1931, shows Alta Smith, publicity director for the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, taking a trip in the Autogiro; flying over Hot Springs as a passenger.(Submitted on January 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)In 1924 Alta Smith brought her boundless enthusiasm and tireless work ethic back to Hot Springs after working for the national YWCA. She became the publicity director of the Chamber of Commerce and remained in that position from 1924 to 1963. She brought Hot Springs to the notice of the world and was the creator of the iconic Hot Spring's slogans “We Bathe the World” and “Where the World Bathes and Plays” along with the image of the world in a bathtub.
She authored award-winning booklets about Hot Springs that were distributed all over the country. Smith produced thousands of stories,
photographs, and programs about Hot Springs and helped countless writers produce stories of their own. A great networker, she cultivated contacts everywhere—her friends included editors and writers from all over the country.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 20242. “We Bathe the World” MarkerLooking west; Central Avenue is behind the vehicle. The marker is embedded in the sidewalk, beside the streetlamp post.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
