05/29/2026
from the LHC Huffman Photographic Archives: Waterbed Paradise
C.1982 The Bryan Times
Waterbeds were invented in San Francisco in 1968 by Charles Hall. Because of the timing, they quickly became associated with bohohippie culture, the “summer of love,” and the era’s interest in unconventional living. By the 1980s, waterbeds had gone mainstream, and nearly one in four mattresses sold in the United States was a waterbed. Their popularity declined in the 1990s as problems with them became an issue. Waterbeds were highmaintenance and impractical. A water filled mattress was extremely heavy and could strain floors, and leaks were common and sometimes catastrophic. Without chemical treatment, algae could grow inside of a mattress. Many rental properties eventually banned them due to the risk of water or structural damage. New technologies like memory foam, replaced waterbeds, because they offered the comfort without the chaos. This photo is of Bryan’s Waterbed Paradise, grand opening in 1982 at 1219 West High Street in the Plaza West Shopping Center. They offered the newest in waterbed products and accessories. From left to right are Robert Johnson, Chamber secretary; Linda Davis, store manager; Terry Dingee, owner; Mayor Bill Runkle, LuAnn Beck, Retail Merchants president; and Woody Woolvine, Chamber president. Did you own a waterbed? Tell us about it in the comments.
