Jung's Bath House & Steam Laundry
Jung’s Bath House & Steam Laundry was a place of necessity, relaxation, and community. In an era before indoor plumbing was commonplace, bathhouses weren’t just a luxury—they were essential. And in a town filled with travelers, merchants, and underground businesses, Jung’s was a hub of daily life beneath the surface.
Jung is said to have held the laundry contract with the Santa Fe Railroad, ensuring fresh laundry for train passengers when they stopped in Ellinwood. Before the Ellinwood water tank was installed in 1909, laundry was a grueling task—workers had to fetch water from the well next door, pumping bucket after bucket and carrying them over to the laundry.
A bath at Jung’s cost 15 cents for fresh, hot water, but for those looking for a bargain, used bath water was available for just 5 cents. A sign still hangs today, advertising this unique deal. Jung continued to work in the Underground until the late 1920s, when most underground businesses ceased operation due to the downturn in the economy.
Though the bustling days of Jung’s Bath House & Steam Laundry have long passed, its history remains an essential part of Ellinwood’s underground legacy. Visitors today can step into the preserved space and experience a glimpse of a time when every drop of water was hard-earned, and a warm bath was more than just a luxury—it was a necessity.
