Mud Baths: Mudbaden Sulphur Springs

Name/Title

Mud Baths: Mudbaden Sulphur Springs

Entry/Object ID

49.10.9

Description

Mud Baths. Three men each receiving a mud bath. Mudbaden Sulphur Springs, Mudbaden, Minn. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" black and white photo.

Context

Jordan Sulphur Springs Sanitarium and Shakopee’s Mudbaden Sulphur Springs Resort became famous for their sulphur-saturated mud baths. Opened in the early 1900s and billed as health resorts, they attracted both patients and vacationers hoping to restore their health and happiness. The popular resorts provided their unique treatments for nearly fifty years. Southern Minnesota was brimming in mineral springs. In addition to Owatonna, they were known to exist from Cannon Falls to Big Stone Lake on the western border. People who were ailing had few medical options in the nineteenth century and many took holiday to seek restoration at mineral springs and mud baths. “Taking the waters” was thought to correct iron deficiency as well as other more serious ailments. With growing industrial pollution in large cities, people felt better with a treatment of cool mineral drinks followed by a sulphur mud bath. The forerunner of spas, Minnesota’s abundant mineral springs attracted health-seekers from around the country.

Cataloged By

joan

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Print, Photographic

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Photograph

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Graphic Documents

Nomenclature Class

Documentary Objects

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Create Date

July 6, 2010

Update Date

October 13, 2026