Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1916 — Swimming Holes. [ARTICLE]

Swimming Holes.

Memory goes tracking back through the years to the old swimming hole. This noe was on the “current side’’ of a great river, and the nadir of one of its majestic bends. Huge elm and oak trees grew on the bank and shaded waters whose limpid depths held such delights as nowhere else have been experienced. The smooth rock bottom of the river was ever washed clean, while the white sand of the bit of beach along the shore was firm and grateful to the foot. This ideal spot was not easy of ac cess, but the enterprising youth of the village found ample recompense in its joys for any exertion, even on the hottest day, required to reach it. Those who swam there, now grown gray, look at the homes that have invaded their happy land with some thoughts of sorrow.

The old swimming hole is only a cherished memory. its wonderful freedom, in all ways appreciated by a healthy boy, is contrasted with the modern swimming hole, provided by a great city, mindful of the needs of its growing citizens. In this case it is a huge tank, set on the slope of one of the fine hills in a city park, surrounded by beautiful trees, a wellkept lawn, and provided with all the appurtenances needful to the complete enjoyment of the boldest swimmer or most graceful or daring dive*. It is a wonderful pool and the shouts of glee that come up from its surface these hot evenings testify most forcefully to the appreciation of old and young of the privilege. The new swimming hole is typical of the newer life into which the race is merging its existence, the urban rather than the rural. It is a regular step in the orderly progress of man’s evolution, but its well appointed, and equally regulated delights will never take the place of that splendid swimming hole nature provided for the use of boys, many of whom are now grandfathers.— Omaha Beet