ADVERTISEMENT FOR A SUTRO BATHS SWIMMING RACE FEATURING AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION CHARLES CAVILL

(SUTRO BATHS). Located in San Francisco, Sutro Baths was the largest indoor swimming venue in the world when it opened in March 1896. It was owned by San Francisco mayor Adolph Sutro (1830-1898). Sutro Baths burned to the ground in 1966.

An advertisement for an August 30, 1896 swimming tournament at the newly-opened Sutro Baths in San Francisco. The headliner of the event was Charles Cavill (1870-1897), a member of the noted Australian Cavill family of champion swimmers. This was Cavill’s first American appearance; he would drown in California the following year. Prominent American swimmers were also featured. The poster is in good condition with several water stains and chipping to the margins.