The Shower

The tubs in the Greenbelt community were not equipped with showers, as I pointed out before. A shower still being a convenience rather than an everyday alternative, these tubs came with only the option of adding shower hardware. However, these showers hardly represent the kind we are well accustomed to.

On top of the faucet itself, is a cap. If one were to remove it, a shower could be connected to it. This cap is located directly above a flow-control lever. If a shower was connected, a flip of this lever would direct the water either up to the showerhead, or let it continue to flow directly through the main faucet of the tub.

The pipes running from the faucet to the showerhead would not be concealed behind the wall (as illustrated at left), instead, they would be left revealed. This is done for a few reasons. The pipes are much more easily accessible for repair this way. Also, it leaves more options. For example, a popular alternative to a standard shower setup is a hand-held showerhead (as shown below and to the left). If one were to be added in Greenbelt, it would not be so fancy but would operate in the same fashion.

(As a point of interest, you can see the overflow drain in this picture--below the faucet. It is the same style as that in Greenbelt.The only difference being the
finish: this one is brass whereas the other is a chrome or "polished steel" finish.)

One current use of this shower style (illustration #95) is found right here at the University of Maryland. Many dormitory bathrooms install the exposed-pipe shower (minus the main faucet) due solely to the accessability and ease of repair. This style is practical in any place where neatness or a "clean" appearance is not necessary, and repairs must be made often (i.e. dormitory or other type of mass-person operation).

In September of 1937, when the community first "opened", most houses were rented, not purchased. Because of this, residents were reluctant to make many changes or improvements to their home. Times were still hard and things would not recover for another two years (the Great Depression ends, 1939). Money was scarce and this just added to the lack of importance of improving one's home.

World War II soon began and materials became scarce. There simply was no availability. It was not until about 1953 that people started to become homeowners and renovate their homes. Showers now began to appear; however, much could not be done due to the many rules and restrictions placed on the citizens of Greenbelt.

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