Chaffee's historic Harmon Field pool marks 75th year

Editor's Note: Jim Whistler's name has been corrected below. He previously was referred to in this story as Tim Westler.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- This year, the historic Harmon Field Swimming Pool in Chaffee is celebrating 75 years after undergoing a face-lift during the offseason.

On Saturday, a season opener for the above-ground pool was hosted by the Chaffee Parks and Recreation Department with free swimming all day as well as a barbecue and music for the swimmers' entertainment.

About 215 swimmers attended the opening Saturday.

Construction on the pool began in October 1937, according to Southeast Missourian archives, at an estimated cost of $31,000.

The pool was built with Works Progress Administration labor.

The pool officially opened June 11, 1940. On its opening day, WPA Col. Marvin Casteel of Jefferson City, Missouri, delivered the address.

Seventy-five years later, Jessica Swinford is thrilled Chaffee still is using this piece of history. Swinford, a member of the Parks and Recreation Board, has worked with the Harmon Field pool since she was 15. She said seeing the pool repainted and looking better than ever this year has been special for her.

"We're very proud of it, and it's such a historical part of the community," she said. "It's just wonderful that it's still up and going."

Two years ago, Jim Whistler, also a member of the parks board, completed a study of above-ground pools -- often called Bintz pools, named after Michigan engineer Wesley Bintz, who patented the pools' design nearly a century ago -- and found Chaffee's was one of just eight still in operation nationwide.

Swinford wasn't sure whether that number had changed in the past two years, but she estimated nearly 200 had been built in the 1940s.

"It's really unique," Swinford said. "We've had to do a lot of work with it, giving it a face-lift as well as painting this year."

In honor of the anniversary, Swinford said admission to the Harmon Field pool will be 75 cents per visit, adult or child, all summer long. Season passes are available for $80 for a family pass of up to six people. Individual season passes are $40.

The pool also holds private events and adult swims. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 573-887-3875.

"We all understand that we won't make much money this summer," Swinford said. "And while it's always nice to be profitable, the park board is OK with it. Parks are for enjoyment moreso than income."

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

pertinent address:

11988 State Highway 77, Chaffee, Missouri