The Smith Pool at Winter Island was built in 1934 as part of a Public Works Project. The creation of the pool was initiated when Salemite Ida Smith donated $20,000 in the memory of her late husband, J.C.B. Smith, who owned concessions and attractions at Salem Willows Park. The saltwater pool ultimately cost $300,000 and was paid for with a mix of donations, federal grants, and city appropriations. Workers labored around the clock to open the pool for the summer of 1934.
On July 15th, 30,000 people from around Essex County attended the pool’s dedication. Multiple activities were offered during the celebration including performances by expert divers, children’s sports, and a Hawaiian surfboard demonstration. At the time the J.C.B. Smith Memorial Pool was thought to be the second largest in the country.
During World War II, the pool was closed due to safety concerns. Attempts were made but ultimately the pool never reopened after the war. In 1999, the 16 acre site became part of Salem State’s Cat Cove Marine Laboratory and Hatchery, which was used to instruct marine biology students for more than 20 years. It is now operated by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
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Digitized Archives
Winter Island Photographs and Ephemera
Salem Willows Photographs and Ephemera
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