November 21, 1904, the first Black Water bath house officially opened for business. This led to expansion and incorporation of many other businesses and activities in the village and town.
The reservoir of mineral rich “black” water was discovered at a depth of about 1000 feet while drilling for natural gas in 1891. At first considered a nuisance, the testimonies of workers as to the benefits of soaking aching limbs in the water led Frank Westcott, owner of the drilling operation, to have the water analyzed. It was found to be stronger than the water at the
nearest black water spa in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The first of several functional wells was drilled in 1903 by Westcott. The curative values were soon confirmed and entrepreneurial efforts began capitalizing on this new discovery.
The first small frame bath house was soon followed by the opening of two more bath houses in the village. The first building burned down in 1909 but was quickly replaced by a larger frame structure on the same site. Expansion on this site in 1914 included a brick structure which still stands today. Another bathhouse, the Park Hotel and Baths, was located across from the Original on West Main St. A bath house was added on to an existing hotel on Exchange St. near the railroad depot.
Alden was presented as a resort, a get-away from the hectic, noisy city by Buffalo newspaper media. The curative effects of the black water were prescribed for many maladies including rheumatism, kidney troubles, skin disease, nervousness and that “run-down feeling.” In 1918 the Buffalo Times reported that “many thousands of baths have been given, curing an
innumerable number of people”.
Transportation to Alden was a major contributing factor in the Bath House business. The Erie Railroad passed through the village and provided easy access for travelers from far and near.
Bus routes to and from Buffalo were increased and local busing was provided within the village carrying patrons to and from the bath houses.
Besides the bath houses several other hotels benefited from the large influx of visitors. Boarding houses and even private homes were in high demand to accommodate the many bath patrons.
Local farmers and merchants benefited greatly as the need for food and other supplies grew. Employment grew substantially, providing jobs for local and nearby residents. The list of jobs for the bath houses alone was extensive—from yard boys to masseurs. As both residential and business properties expanded, property values increased and real estate transactions abounded.
The need for a weekly newspaper was soon evident. Local merchants needed a way to promote their businesses. The Alden Advertiser published its first issue in 1914. A major increase in monetary activity prompted local businessmen to found a local financial institution and the Alden State Bank opened in 1916. A modern drug store was opened in the village as well, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors. The newspaper, bank and drug store remain in operation today, all for more than 100 years.
Advances in medical science, the travel ban of World War II and the lack of entertainment in the village brought about the demise of the Black Water Bath industry in the mid 1960s. The Empire Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1949 and never rebuilt, the Park Hotel was sold in 1965 and the buildings were demolished. The 1914 brick Original Bath House still stands and is still a place of healing—St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church.
The “can do” spirit fostered by the Black Water Bath industry helped Aldenites accept the Wende State and Erie County Correctional Facilities, and the Erie County Home and Infirmary into the community. Without that spirit, Alden might still be a “Sleepy Hollow” rather than the thriving community it is today.
credit to Karen Muchow, Alden Town & Village Historian.