By: Kevin Grace
In 1917, the noted journalist and philologist H.L. Mencken published an article in the New York Evening Mail concerning the history of the bathtub in the United States. According to the Baltimore writer, known as much for his satire and acerbic wit as he was for his political reporting, Cincinnati was home to this tub. Mencken asserted that America’s first bathtub was introduced on December 20, 1842 by Adam Thompson who lived, in all places, Cincinnati, Ohio. Made of mahogany and lined with lead, the vessel was introduced by Thompson to his guests at a Christmas party, described how it worked, and invited the partygoers to take a dip. Four of them took him up on his offer, and the next day the invention was widely reported in the press. Continue reading

Have you read the latest Stephen King novel? Are you excited for the Gone Girl movie and want to reread the Gillian Flynn best seller? Now you can check out these popular titles and more in Langsam Library courtesy of the 
UC’s
New lounge furniture provides more varied study options.


July 28th marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I. In commemoration, UC Libraries has created an exhibit on display on the 4th floor of the Walter C. Langsam Library. “The Great War: Poems, Movies, Music and Literature Inspired by World War I” showcases the collections of UC Libraries.