Draft:Swim Day

Fairfield's Swim Day

Fairfield, Montana, is home to a historic swimming pool that has been a community centerpiece since 1932. Every year, the town celebrates "Swim Day" on the third Saturday in July. This event features a yearly theme and includes a variety of activities such as a parade, park entertainment, a golf tournament usually held on the Friday before, Trivia Thursday the day before, live and silent auctions on Saturday in the park, a street dance on Friday night in front of the Servicemen's Club, children's games on Saturday in the park, and button drawings on Saturday in the park.

History of Fairfield's Swimming Pool

The history of Fairfield's first swimming pool is a testament to community spirit and collaboration. As recorded in The Fairfield Times, nearly 90 years ago, the residents of Fairfield sought a place for a cooling summer plunge. The story begins in April 1932, with the Fairfield Woman’s Club spearheading the initiative to build a pool, aiming to prevent children from drowning in the drain ditches by providing a safe and designated swimming area.

The Initiative

On April 15, 1932, an article titled "TO PREPARE SWIMMING POOL" was published, announcing the community's plans to build a swimming pool in the canal northwest of Fairfield. The project, managed by A.W. Walker, involved numerous local men equipped with necessary tools, while the Fairfield Woman’s Club prepared a dinner for the workers. The motivation behind the pool was to provide a safe and convenient place for children to bathe and to prevent accidents in the drain ditches.

Construction Begins

Just a week later, on April 22, 1932, the article "SWIMMING POOL COMPLETED" highlighted the successful completion of the pool in just one day. Around thirty men and five teams worked tirelessly to excavate and prepare the pool, with the Fairfield Woman’s Club serving a hearty meal. The cooperation of the community was evident, and the pool featured varying depths to cater to different bathers.

Further Developments

By December 7, 1932, the pool had been significantly enlarged thanks to the generosity of L.C. Miles and the W.H. Puckett Co. Their donated services tripled the pool's size, ensuring clearer and warmer water, and the addition of two springboards. The Fairfield Woman’s Club and the community were deeply appreciative of this generous act.

Enhancements and Community Efforts

The work continued into 1933, with additional excavation, leveling, and graveling performed by volunteers under the supervision of A.W. Walker. On May 10, 1933, another significant effort by the community saw the pool fully shaped for use. The Fairfield Woman’s Club played a crucial role, providing meals and participating in the landscaping efforts.

Continued Support and Expansion

The Fairfield pool's importance was further underscored in subsequent years. Articles from 1949 detail ongoing community support, with Elmer Genger offering free excavation services for the pool. By 1960, the Fairfield Lions Club had taken an active role, contributing significantly to the pool fund and spearheading fund-raising efforts. The community's dedication was evident, as seen in various fund-raising activities, from white elephant auctions to pancake suppers organized by the Sunny Slope Jacks and Jills 4-H Club.

The Ernie Thorn Memorial Pool

In 1961, the Lions Club launched a campaign to establish the Ernie Thorn Memorial Pool. The entire community rallied behind the project, raising over $4,000 through various civic functions and private donations. The pool was to be constructed on the grounds of the City Hall, serving young and old alike.

Conclusion

The Fairfield swimming pool stands as a symbol of the town’s enduring community spirit and collective effort. From its inception in 1932, through numerous expansions and fund-raising campaigns, the pool has been a focal point for recreation and community pride. The contributions of individuals and organizations over the decades have ensured that the pool remains a cherished asset for Fairfield.

References

For more information, visit the original article on the [Fairfield Sun Times](https://www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/national/first-fairfield-pool-was-built-in-1932/article_9e3f1516-e5bf-11eb-ad26-1727dbb2430f.html).