On April 25, 1907, occupants of the women’s annex at the Soldiers’ home in Grand Rapids were compelled to take a bath once a week, but some occupants objected to the commandant’s stand for cleanliness.
Those who didn’t bathe at least once a week risked not having meals at their home or eat at the restaurant near the home. Residents also objected to a nurse attendant being at the bath with them.
One 75-year-old woman spent each Sunday and Monday in the city to avoid that bath and change of underwear.
Source: The Detroit Free Press