In the 1930s, in conjunction
with the W.P.A., Mr. Lindsey Swofford, mill paymaster, had a large pool
built in the company pasture behind the upper
cemetery which became known as The Boy Scouts Swimming pool and was
very popular. It was a beautiful place. The grounds were covered by
grass, like well kept lawns. Several concrete picnic tables and benches
were scattered over the grounds. Read Glendale
Swimming Pool for more details.
The upper end of the pool was very shallow to allow children to wade in
the waters. A diving board was mounted on the dam. The sides and dam of
the pool were made of concrete. The bottom was natural gravel and dirt.
Fed by springs in the pasture, the water was clear as crystal and
almost as cold as ice water. Large bathrooms stood along side the pool
in which one was to bath before entering the pool. Though persons of
both genders were allowed to visit the pool grounds at any time,
separate days were assigned for the ladies and men to swim.
The Pentecostal Church in the community used the pool from time to time
to baptize their converts and members.
Mr. Gerald Quinn, who grew up in
Glendale, has furnished a
number of photos of the pool as it exists in recent times.
Unfortunately, all that remains are the ruins of what once was a fine
facility. They are shown below.
Stone steps leading down to
the pool area.
Remains of the concrete and stone picnic tables and benches.
Another view of the remains
of the concrete and stone picnic tables and benches.
Another view of the remains
of the concrete and stone picnic tables and benches.
This tree grows in the bottom
of what was the swimming pool.
The dam at the deep end of the pool. One of the sides can be
seen overgrown by bushes and trees.
Another view of the dam at the deep end. The holes in the dam
had to be closed so that the pool would fill.
Different view of the dam at the deep end.
