The Swimming Pool

There was never any question about what children did for entertainment when the school year ended in Gallipolis.  I was very fortunate that my home was right across the street from an Olympic size swimming pool that was constructed during the Depression years to create jobs for men who needed an income.  Like clockwork, on Memorial Day, the pool would open to the public.  Daddy paid for our season tickets and we could go swimming from 1:00 to 6:00 every day.  Obviously we rarely stayed the entire time but when we got home during the first weeks of June, I know that I often had terrible sunburns and even blisters.  There was no sunscreen to protect us so my Mother applied homemade concoctions to help relieve the pain. 

In the mornings, there would be scheduled classes from beginners to life saving techniques.  I took everything that was offered.  I learned how to dive, how to swim underwater for long distances, and how to compete in relays.   What fun!   

The photo shows a fountain that was built in the middle of the area where children could play safely.  We would make up games near this fountain and actually try to find coins left nearby.  In the middle of the afternoon, the life guards would whistle that we had to rest.  There were no beach chairs, just towels on a cement area.  No one complained about inconvenience!!!  

We usually had a nickel to spend at the concession stand. My favorite treat was an orange popsicle because it lasted longer.  Both of my sisters had the opportunity to be lifeguards at this pool during their highschool years and even between semesters from college.  

I began to notice that I preferred to do other activities when I became older but I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without this wonderful pool.  Today the pool is no longer used.  Yet, memories are strong as I reminisce with my sisters about how swimming preoccupied our summers!