In the Fairview News, 1928, an article had the heading, “New Community Swimming Pool Will Be Built on 2nd Hay Creek.”

Development of the proposed swimming pool for Fairview and vicinity was in the article. A plan was brought up and discussed before a Commercial Club meeting. A committee was appointed to find a suitable place. Jim McCowan drove to Henry Dore’s place about two and one-half miles from town and on second Hay Creek. He found a site that could make an ideal swimming hole and asked Mr. Dore if it could be purchased or rented. Mr. Dore was so glad to be of assistance in making the project a success that he offered the creek and adjoining land for use.

Jim McCowan drove Mr. Harper, government reclamation surveyor, to the site a few days later. Harper estimated the amount of water needed and how the dam would be built. It was said that a pond of fresh water about 25 feet wide and 50 feet long could be built with little expense. The pool floor had a gradual slope from a shallow depth to the base of the dam. Tommy Cashman was given the contract to build the dam, and work would begin shortly. Businessmen started a subscription list around town, which paid for the construction of the dam.

It was hoped with this new swimming pool, possible accidents and deaths from children swimming in the irrigation canal would stop. This was a great worry to the town’s people for a number of years and they hoped the younger people would be attracted by fresh, clean water with recreational spots. The Commercial Club hoped to fence in the irrigation canal within the city limits.

Five years later, in 1933, the Fairview News headline was, “Fairview Community Designs Modern Swimming Pool; Country-side Invited.”

Plans were being finalized with the opening of a public swimming pool for the people of Fairview and vicinity.

The project was instigated by the Commercial Club for the benefit of the Boy Scouts who would have full charge of the pool. This was a community project, and the Commercial Club gave the necessary funds to make this a healthful and convenient swimming pool. The Montana-Dakota Power Co. and the Fairview Coal Co. donated the tank and water. This helped save on the expense immensely and made the pool a reality.

A 60x60 concrete tank previously owned by the Montana-Dakota Power Co. and located near their plant at the north end of town was secured for the pool. The tank held 150,000 gallons of water. The tank was cleaned and fenced in. Soft, clean water was pumped from the Fairview Coal Co. into the tank at the rate of 22,000 gallons a day, and there was a change of water every six to seven days.

The water was tested and determined fit for drinking by the state board of health and was pumped daily into the pool from the Coal Co. The water being encased by four sides of concrete, together with the dark bottom, made it appear at first site to be dark in color. But when it was scooped up with hands the water was very clear. The patrons were assured of the cleanest and purest water in this pool.

Bathhouses and toilets were constructed, and benches were placed around the pool for the convenience of visitors. The dressing rooms had plenty of room for changing clothes, and board floors were laid down to ensure clean rooms. When the pool was ready it was planned to have lighting for evening swimming, which was convenient for those in the country and surrounding areas unable to utilize it during the day.

The pool venture was paid for by the sale of tickets representing contributions from each individual using the pool. Adult season tickets were $1, family tickets were $2 and children’s tickets were 50 cents. The pool was open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and locked and policed to prevent bathing other than during hours provided.

In 1934, with the opening of a new swimming season, a new filtration process was installed. Several other minor changes were made to improve the pool and aid in its sanitation. Boy Scouts still maintained the pool and kept the equipment in great working order. The ticket sales helped pay for the expense of the pool and also went into the Scout funds.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Information compiled from Courage Enough and the Fairview Times.