It was the biggest event that Dublin had ever seen. Over 5000 people attended.
There was a band concert, a baseball game and a beauty contest along with numerous speakers. It is amazing how the city of Dublin had gathered such support not just in town, but in so many surrounding communities.
The dedication of the new Dublin swimming pool was a game changer for the city. It happened on July 5th 1954 at Dublin City Park.
One would think that a project that big would have started in the offices of the city’s leaders. But that is not what happened. Accountants and managers didn’t understand the dream.
What it took was feisty first grader, Judy Robbins. She came to first grade one day and told her teacher Mrs. Grace Nichols that Dublin should have a swimming pool so young people would have a place to enjoy themselves in the summer. Her enthusiasm qualified her as the spokesman for the enterprise.
Judy and Mrs. Nichols went to the elementary principal Fannie Bolinger to ask about her idea. Mrs. Bolinger gave her permission to continue her work. Judy gathered up jars and labeled them with “Who wants a swimming Pool?” They were taken to the other classrooms in the elementary school. What would take thousands of dollars to complete, started with pennies and nickels from children’s lunch money.
Her idea started taking hold when in the fall of 1953 the mayor and city council passed a bond for $5000 that was needed to fund the city’s part of the project. To fund the rest, individuals and community organizations started gathering donations. Judy added her collection, a total of $27.38. The fund needed $7000.
When people in town would gather and talk, the big question was “How much is in the swimming pool fund?” The idea was capturing peoples imagination.
Another question was where they should locate the pool. Some thought that it should be in the city park. Others thought that it should be located just north of the football field so that the showers in the locker room could be used for football and for the pool. That question ended up being put before the voters. Voters decided 4 to 1 it should be in the city park rather than having the city and the school district sharing facilities.
Everett E. Colborn who held a lease on a the portion of the park not used by the city agreed to release needed land when necessary.
Soon two major projects at the park were started in the spring of 1954. One was putting up lighting for the baseball fields, the other was the excavation of the pool. County Commissioner Son LaBaume and the city of Dublin donated equipment to excavate the pool. Local men donated their labor and made a big difference in getting the project done. Engineers said the pool size would be 35 x 90 with a 10 foot deep end.
Surprising, is the number of communities outside of Dublin, who donated to the pool. They provided vital support in making the project happen. They included: Highland, Bunyan, Alexander, Lingleville, Proctor, Harbin, Shiloh, Purvis, Roch, Live Oak, Bowman’s Ridge, Green’s Creek, Clairette, Carlton, Hazledell, Cottonwood,
The Dublin Progress June 25, 1954 headline stated “$6900 in swimming pool fund as efforts are made to finish drive.” They were almost there with the funding needed to have the expenses paid off by the July dedication of the pool.
The July 9, 1954 Dublin Progress headline was “Pool Opening Was The City’s Biggest Event.” Thousands attended this event that had sparked the imagination of so many in the community. Bill Gaines was the event master of ceremonies. He introduced Mayor Hoffman and of course Judy Robbins. Hoffman unveiled a cornerstone at the building which housed dressing rooms and the pool’s concession stand. Miss Judy Robbins who is credited with sparking the idea of a swimming pool, cut the ribbon which opened the pool to the public. It had been 2 years since she started the funding for the pool with her elementary school classmates. Who says that lunch money can’t do amazing things?
The creation of the pool goes beyond a fun place in the summertime. It is also a place to learn how to swim and how to be safe in the water. It gives a place for junior and senior life saving courses. It also provides a place to exercise and be healthy for young and old alike.