The Crystal Plunge

Text on the reverse side of this image reads, "First Plunge in Santa Monica...South Ocean Ave. & Pico Blvd. 1887." From the 1880s through the 1920s, Californians "plunged" into large covered pools just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. These bathhouses were filled with ocean water that was heated via glass rooves that caused a greenhouse effect. They provided suits, showers, and other amenities.