During the late 1950s or early 1960s, another swimming pool was built. Called the Harry Howland pool, it was located at the southeast corner of the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, near Broadway and 17th Avenue North. It was smaller than the Island Park pool. I worked there several summers as "basket boy." Patrons of the pool were given metal baskets in which to put their clothes. I stored and retrieved them and cleaned the locker rooms three times a day (after morning swimming lessons, at dinner time, and at closing). Good summer job. I was too young to take the Red Cross Life Saving course required to be a Life Guard.

Harry Howland Pool has since been replaced. If you have pictures of the Harry Howland pool or the new Island Park pool, please send an email.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the depression of the 1930's, the Federal Government's Works Progress Administration built many public facilities. One such edifice was Fargo's public swimming pool in Island Park. The pool was designed by Fargo architect S. Marius Houkom (1891-1980). In the postcard to the right, we are looking southeast at the building's entrance. On the entrance level were the men's and women's locker rooms One then walked upstairs to the pool. There were two high diving boards and two low diving boards. There was also a quite large concrete bleacher on which to watch the activity. This swimming pool has since been replaced by a new facility.

Fargo, North Dakota

Island Park (cont'd)

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