Brief History of Balatonalmàdi
From 1493 to 1945 

First of all, in a 1493 Latin called document, which is about the sales and purchasing of grapes: “in promontorio possesionis Zarbereny in loco Almàdi vote sitam” Almàdi’s mentioned in this format. However, Almàdi’s also mentioned in two happening documents, twice before Mohàcs, and on both of these occasions, both are about grape vineyards. In memory of the later writings, Almàdi is constantly mentioned as a grape vineyard, later also as a mountain village. Its landowner was Veszprémi Kàptalan, to whom the grape owners paid a tenth. The owners could freely buy and sell the grapes, but of course with the corporation’s knowledge, since the landowner had to be able to pay the tenth.
Almàdi existed in an independent mountain community since 1848 and from 1849 lots its independence, and attached at that time the Austrian administration. According to the published county meeting, on July 15th 1869, which was a decision according to the local government, who represents its law received at but tax wise it became dependent only in 1877. At the end of the 1880’s, the filoxera virus entirely wiped out the grapes. By this happening, there was more property to build cottages on that land; respectively they can use the land for something. This process didn’t end after the new grape settlement. The occasionally more catastrophic moon sized grape vineyard, often the old cellar-press house buildings transformation gave the possibility to have cottages for winter usage as well. The division of the properties plot happened because of the demand and its introduction gave its reason.
According to the writings, the bathing life started in 1874 in Almàdi, not to mention this was the first, official opened season. Brenner Lőrinc, Veszpréms master builder, at the same time is Almàdi’s grape owner, and in 1877 he built the first of the eight bathing cabins, near the eternal nightlight, the property that’s near the harbor. We have to remember, that at that time the Balatons water and settlements were the land owner’s property. In 1883 this little structure was beginning to take shape by Almàdi Fürdő Rt, who constantly enlarged it until 1926, until its demolition, when there were already 130 cabins meant for the guests.
During the settlements development and the bathing places formation, when the two Almàdi corporations were taking shape; the Almàdi Bath Corp. was founded in 1883, and after this liquidation, the 1918 established Balatonalmàdi Bath and Builder Corp was established. Their function took between 1883 and 1939, a very difficult time in which during Almàdi grew dynamically despite the crisis and economy. During the function of both joint-stock companies, a lot of things were built, such as personal vacation homes, and also other homes. From all those buildings, not a lot are left today for us to see.
During the spring of 1899, the Almàdi Bathing Corp. and the National Hungarian Kneipp Association made an agreement with a Kneipp Organization establishment happening in Almàdi. The decision was fast and active, and in July 10th, 1899 it opened, and after a short period of time it became a popular appliance “Therapeutic House”. Kneipp’s type of water treatment was introduced, Rickli’s type of sun and air bath, also the Lahmann type of healthy eating. With these types of introduced diets, Almàdi’s medicinal baths became popular and in 1899 would formulate Almàdi’s Bathing Rights, and in 1904 Almàdi Medicinal Bath’s law and order was published.
In 1918, Balatonalmàdi’s Bath and Building Corp. took its shape. In 1922 a large-scale, modern “Grass bath” started to be built which was completely done in the season of 1926; including more than 500 cabins, and was known as the biggest beach on Balaton’s northern coast. However in 1943 it was being demolished and a new beach was built in its place, and was finished in the season of 1944. Today, its known as the Wesselényi beach, which over time was increased in size and renewed completely.
In the first years of the 1880’s, Almàdi’s residents were already extremely into sports. The most recent documents are about the shooting of pigeons. Later on the season couldn’t of ended without one or two swimming and other athletic competitions. A letter proves, that tennis was already a beloved sport in 1896. At this time, there were two courts available for the cottages guests, when they were getting the courts ready, or respectively when the amateur competitions began, we aren’t quite sure. The real, competition type of tennis life truly began in the 1930’s, during the summer there were international competitions and home championship games in Almàdi, the nicely built six, competition size, perfect quality crimson colored slaggy court.
The Balaton Yacht Club Almàdi’s Class was formed in 1913. Their first “club house” was a little house near a ship harbor, a simple peer, and a few square meters, which the picture postcards show. It was initiated in 1925, a rented property, the new clubhouse. The building was taken over by the government and currently owned by Videoton. Sailing sport wasn’t as important a role in Almàdi as it was for example in Balatonfüred or in Siófok. According to people’s opinions, they considered Almàdi to be a family oriented, kind, relaxing environment for tourists and travelers, and therefore the sailing life was fitted perfectly in such an environment.
During the first few years of the 1930’s in Almàdi, “Balaton championship” events were planned, including home and visitors as team members, but first of all in the tennis sport. Starting from 1933, the yearly planned event called “International Sport Week” and the following sports were given a home by Almàdi; tennis, fencing, and sporting with horses. During the second half of the 1930’s, Almàdi reached the middle European cup in tennis. According to the press in 1934, 500 althletes were Almàdi’s guests.
In 1940 some of the international and national sports tournaments were rescheduled and also sporting events, and in the 1930’s interest grew. Its reason was the in Almàdi there was an age limit, and an international place was available. However, what was truly missing was one or two hotels that can keep a big capacity of guests, and it was mentioned years ago, but there was never a volunteer for this opportunity. Balatonalmàdi Bath and Building Corp. 1939 happening liquidation, and the war years limit made it harder, well, they respectively took it back, just like the sporting events, and the building opportunities.
Hopefully, with this brief, yet specific history of Almàdi and its settlements history overview, the picture postcards that are seen in the book should all be linked to Almàdi.