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.
