The Small Town Swimming Hole

Do you remember your swimming days of the past? I grew up in a small town and the country. No access to a swimming pool. I never did become a good swimmer, but some of us in the North Country spent a few summer days at the “Post.”

The “Post” had to be the Poplar River—funny how you don’t remember some things. As I recall this was part of the US/Canadian border. I know that it did not involve going through Customs so I am assuming the river was not an issue. I must see if I can make my way up there someday to refresh old memories. This area was not only a summer time recreation spot, but provided a good place for ice skating parties in the winter.

Back to swimming—remember removing Blood Suckers from yourself after a dip in the water. This little critter also showed up if you decided to try the irrigation ditch for a cool off, or you might get Duck Itch from a dip in the reservoir.

In later years a bus was commandeered to take youngsters to Glasgow for swimming lessons, as I am sure happened in other small localities. Do you remember the pool of years ago, with the wading pool in an area before getting to the main pool? I never gave a thought to maintenance and how long those structures would last. (Joys of being young) but we progressed to our present swimming pool and are now in need of a new one. How the time goes.

Swimming is one of those sports that can continue a life time as well as being a life saver. Let’s support a new pool in Glasgow so our youngsters do not remember Blood Suckers or Duck Itch. On second thought, maybe we don’t want to deprive the young of some of those memories, but a good pool is GOOD.