How better to enjoy finals week?
Bernar’r Macfadden was a very eccentric man. His Castle on the Hill, the Dansville Physical Culture Hotel, served as a shining example of his health advice. The inventor of Grape-nuts and push-ups, Bernar’r (originally named Bernard; considering this name unmasculine he respelled it with the roar’r of a lion) considered fresh air, the outdoors and a raw diet essential to the promotion of health. Besides vigorous exercise, the hotel also offered the latest in music and theater, and lectures religious and secular, to contribute to its patients’ mental health.
This brochure from about 1938 shows the hotel open and in use, and describes the various healthful activities taking place within.
The hallways let in plenty of fresh air and warming sunlight
Stairwells made entirely of wrought iron.
Lonely chairs are everywhere
The scary part is, I didn’t notice the painted “LIZ” there until after I took the picture. It doesn’t show up off camera!
Evil feeds on hearts that bleed
The Great Hall. This was the dining hall, and probably the theater as well.
Exit through the lobby… don’t forget to check out!
I had to leave some good photos behind, see it all here