Dillons Russian Steam Baths Ladies Only
Monday, February 3 at 2pm
Monday, February 3 at 2pm
And now for something completely different! We will be visiting Dillons Russian Steam Baths in Chelsea on Monday, February 3 from 2-4pm. Usually men only, Dillons opens its doors to women only on Mondays. Dillons was a popular stop on the BOLLI Jewish Chelsea tour with Ellen Rovner. Now here is a chance to "emerge" ourselves in the experience. This excursion is restricted to BOLLI female members only -- no guests.
Founded in 1885, Dillons Russian Steam Baths, besides being the oldest in the United States, is also the oldest continuing business in Chelsea. Dillons grew out of the ancient traditional shvitz (literally Yiddish for "sweat), tracing its roots to Russia and Eastern Europe. If you had a male relative who grew up in Chelsea, it would be safe to assume they visited Dillons on a regular basis.
The cost is $34 per person for a two-hour visit. People may also purchase, for additional fees, a massage or a platza treatment. The platza is an oil rub, given with a small broom made of leaves from oak trees soaked in hot, soapy water, which is brushed all over your body by the masseur. Dillons has plenty of showers, a small snack bar and a large lounge for relaxing. We’ll supply some snacks and beverages for our group and then depart fully refreshed for an early dinner after our shvitz. Parking is available nearby.
For more info, visit the website at dillonsrussiansteambath.com.
Our group will pay the entry fee individually at the site. However, we need to alert Dillons to the number of attendees ahead of time. Please email judylbernstein@gmail for more information, including whether you are interested in dinner.
From their website:
Heat, warmth, and water have always had a therapeutic value on the body. As you take the heat from fiery hot granite rocks in Dillon’s steam chamber, you become downright immobilized and all tension stress leaves your body. It’s nearly 180 degrees on the upper benches. Just dip a sponge into a cold bucket of water and ring it over your head.