Before the WPA built Fargo's first swimming pool in the 1930's, everyone swam in the Red River. Although few would consider it today, it was commonplace before the swimming was built. The most common place for swimming was near the foot bridge across the river in Island Park. In the picture to the right, one can see the foot bridge to the left and a four level diving tower which was on the Moorhead side of the river.

The picture was taken in 1936-37 of the famous Water Pageant put on by the Fargo Park Board. The divers are: Bill Yeoman and Fred Henning (top level); Gordon Wong on the next level down; Jack Askew and John Weed on the tier second from the bottom; and Beverly Stengland and Betty Altringer on the bottom tier.

The bottom picture shows the crowd enjoying the show. The photographer is standing on the Moorhead side of the river looking toward Fargo at about the present location of the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater. Note the sign that says "We are not responsible for accidents" !