The Formal Opening of the New Water Filtration System at Pelham Reservoir on August 1, 1894

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Until the late 19th century, citizens of the Town of Pelham and the Village (later City) of Mount Vernon obtained their water from wells and, in earlier days, streams.  As the population of the region grew, however, the quality of local well water degraded and concerns arose over the ability of subterranean water to satisfy the ever-expanding need for water in the ever-growing suburban region.

The Village of Mount Vernon was first supplied with water by the Mount Vernon Water Company, which was originally incorporated January 28, 1882, by "33 then leading and representative citizens of Mount Vernon."  Initially, the company sank an artesian well and pumped the water into a standpipe to supplement local water supplies.  Soon, it became apparent that such a system would not suffice.  Moreover, other nearby communities including the settlements known as Pelham Manor and Pelhamville were also beginning to look for a larger, more-reliable water source.  To make matters worse, in 1886 the area was in the midst of an extended, severe drought.

The Mount Vernon Water Company was succeeded by the New York and Mount Vernon Water Company, incorporated January 23, 1886.  The controlling interest of this company was in New York City.  The New York and Mount Vernon Water Company arranged for local property rights along the Hutchinson River and dammed the river to create what came to be known as Pelham Reservoir (sometimes referenced as the "Pelhamville Reservoir").  On Friday, August 6, 1886, water began flowing into the newly-constructed Pelham Reservoir.  From there, the water began flowing throughout Mount Vernon through two miles of new water mains sealed with tar.

Local residents were unhappy.  The water was yellowish.  It tasted "tarry."  Many believed that it did not match the quality or purity of the clear artesian well water to which they had become accustomed.  Complaints were loud and many.  Soon the Pelham Reservoir water system changed hands and became the property of the New York City Suburban Water Company.

Among the many ways the New York City Suburban Water Company addressed complaints over the quality of the water was the design and construction of a massive, state-of-the-art water filtration system by which water was cascaded over filter beds to be aerated and to have particulate matter removed.  

The filtration system was a modern marvel for its day.  Shortly before its formal unveiling, a local newspaper described it as follows:

"The lower section of the old reservoir has been dammed off with the exception of a narrow way along the bed of the creek on the eastern side.  The remainder of the lower section has been thoroughly cleaned and divided into three 'filter beds.'  Two of those are to the south, the other lying directly above.  They now present the appearance of three well-kept tennis courts, nicely evened off.  Each is divided from the other by a handsome dam of cobblestones, a walk having been constructed along the top.

These filters are about four feet deep.  They consist of eighteen inches of sand and under this four layers of gravel.  Below this gravel is a system of piping which carries the filtered water into a central 'well,' from which it is pumped into the city mains.  These filters are so arranged that they may be used separately or together.  Their combined capacity is estimated at 5,000,000 gallons daily.  The present city consumption is a little under 1,500,000 gallons in the same time.  The filtration desired is secured by the water, which is let in to a depth of two feet, flowing over and through the several stratas of sand and gravel.  The system is one similar to the one employed at Lawrence, Mass., which was established there by the State Board of Health.

The method by which these filters are to be fed is both novel and picturesque.  The southern one lies below a cascade over rocks and masonry, which form a basin at the bottom to break the fall of the water.  Over this a stream of water will be kept running continually, dashing over the rocks below with a beautiful effect and at the same time the water receiving the benefit of the resulting aeration.  The other filters are to be fed from pipes ending in a fountain."  [See full text of article with citation and link below.]

Once construction of the filter beds was complete, both the New York City Suburban Water Company and the communities surrounding the reservoir including Pelhamville and Pelham Manor were justifiably proud.  On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 1, 1894, the New York City Suburban Water Company hosted a formal opening of the new water filtration system.  

A crowd of a "large number" of local residents gathered at the Pelham Reservoir shortly before 4 p.m. that day.  Festivities began at 4:00.  A major stockholder of the company, a "Mr. Mahoney," delivered opening remarks and introduced Mayor Edward F. Brush of Mount Vernon.  The Mayor remarks were brief but pointed.  He pulled no punches and recognized the failings of earlier efforts to deliver pure potable water from Pelham Reservoir.  Yet, he focused optimistically of the future and made clear his hope that the future "would be free from all disputes between the citizens and the company."

At 4:20 p.m., the young daughter of notable New Rochelle resident Joseph Stephenson, named Agnes, stepped to a key and turned it to release water into the filtration system.  Once again, a local newspaper described the moment Agnes Stephenson turned the key:

"[She] turned the key, which released the water into the pool at the head of the beautiful cataract, which has been constructed.  Six minutes later the pool was filled and the first water trickled over the brim and started on its journey over the rocks.  Soon these were covered with the foaming sheet of water and the system was in full operation.  The effect is a very pretty one and this new pleasure spot should be visited by all.  The system and its workings were fully described in the last issue of The Chronicle."  [See full text and citation of the article below.]

Once the filtration system was in operation, the crowd retired to the pump-house where "refreshments were served" and the "entire affair ended as it commenced, a complete success."

The Town of Pelham, it seemed, would have drinkable water at least for the next two decades or so. . . . 

Undated Photograph of Pelham Reservoir, Ca. 1902, Showing Filter

Beds in the Distance on the Left as Well as the Pump House in Which

the Reception Was Held on August 1, 1894.  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.

Detail of 1910 Map Showing Pelham Reservoir and Filter

Beds. Source: Bromley, George W. & Bromley, Walter S., Untitled

Map Bounded by Town of East Chester, City of New Rochelle, Pelham

Station, Clarefmont Avenue and Central Boulevard in Atlas Of Westchester

County, Vol. One, p. 17 (Philadelphia, PA: G. W. Bromley & Co., 1910).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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I have written on a number of occasions regarding the history of the Pelham Reservoir and its use as a water supply for the surrounding region.  See, e.g.:  

Fri., Nov. 24, 2017:  Hutchinson River Parkway Detritus Was Used to Fill Much of the Pelham Reservoir in 1925.

Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

Wed. May 27, 2015:  A Portion of the Pelham Reservoir Dam Was Destroyed in 1896 to Save the Filter Beds.

Tue., May 26, 2015:  1921 Report of Inspection of the Pelham Reservoir Water Supply System.

Mon., May 04, 2015;  Pelham Manor's Efforts to End Use of the Pelham Reservoir for Drinking Purposes.

Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

*          *          *          *          *

"Citizens Now Have Filtered Water.
-----
The New Filtration and Aeration System of Our Local Water Company Went Into Operation Yesterday Afternoon.
-----

Yesterday afternoon, the formal opening of the new filtration system of the New York City Suburban Water Company at the Pelhamville reservoir occurred.  A large number of the residents of Mount Vernon had accepted the invitation of the company to be present on this occasion and see the water flow over the new course.

It was a few minutes after four when Mr. Mahoney, a stockholder in the company, welcomed the guests in the name of his colleagues and that of the company.  In a few words he introduced Mayor Edward F. Brush, who responded in a happy vein.  His remarks were short but appropriate.  He did not cover over the faults of the company in the past, but spoke of the future, which he hoped would be free from all disputes between the citizens and the company.

It was twenty minutes after four when Miss Agnes Stephenson, daughter of Mr. Joseph Stephenson of New Rochelle turned the key, which released the water into the pool at the head of the beautiful cataract, which has been constructed.  Six minutes later the pool was filled and the first water trickled over the brim and started on its journey over the rocks.  Soon these were covered with the foaming sheet of water and the system was in full operation.  The effect is a very pretty one and this new pleasure spot should be visited by all.  The system and its workings were fully described in the last issue of The Chronicle.

Later, refreshments were served in the pump-house and the entire affair ended as it commenced, a complete success."

Source:  Citizens Now Have Filtered Water -- The New Filtration and Aeration System of Our Local Water Company Went Into Operation Yesterday Afternoon, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 2, 1894, Vol. XXV, No.. 1648, p. 2, col. 5.

"Improvements to Our Water Supply.
-----
Three Filters That Will Purify the Water Before it will be Distributed.
-----
The Chronicle, Through Its Representative, Pays the Water Works a Visit of Inspection.
-----

A visit to the Pelhamville reservoir of the water company reveals many changes and improvements during the last few months.  What formerly looked to a large extent like a mud hole now bears a very attractive appearance and when the improvements are entirely completed, the place will partake largely of the aspect of a park.

The lower section of the old reservoir has been dammed off with the exception of a narrow way along the bed of the creek on the eastern side.  The remainder of the lower section has been thoroughly cleaned and divided into three 'filter beds.'  Two of those are to the south, the other lying directly above.  They now present the appearance of three well-kept tennis courts, nicely evened off.  Each is divided from the other by a handsome dam of cobblestones, a walk having been constructed along the top.

These filters are about four feet deep.  They consist of eighteen inches of sand and under this four layers of gravel.  Below this gravel is a system of piping which carries the filtered water into a central 'well,' from which it is pumped into the city mains.  These filters are so arranged that they may be used separately or together.  Their combined capacity is estimated at 5,000,000 gallons daily.  The present city consumption is a little under 1,500,000 gallons in the same time.  The filtration desired is secured by the water, which is let in to a depth of two feet, flowing over and through the several stratas of sand and gravel.  The system is one similar to the one employed at Lawrence, Mass., which was established there by the State Board of Health.

The method by which these filters are to be fed is both novel and picturesque.  The southern one lies below a cascade over rocks and masonry, which form a basin at the bottom to break the fall of the water.  Over this a stream of water will be kept running continually, dashing over the rocks below with a beautiful effect and at the same time the water receiving the benefit of the resulting aeration.  The other filters are to be fed from pipes ending in a fountain.  

The grounds around the dam and pump-house are all graded and seeded.  Walks are being laid out and the vicinity will soon be a pleasant park and an ornament to the city.

Within a short time formal opening ceremonies are to be held, when the water will be turned on for the first time."

Source:  Improvements to Our Water Supply -- Three Filters That Will Purify the Water Before it will be Distributed -- The Chronicle, Through Its Representative, Pays the Water Works a Visit of Inspection, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 26, 1894, Vol. XXV, No. 1647, p. 1, col. 5.

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The Sad Tragedies that Marked the Opening and First Week of Willson's Woods Swimming Pool in 1928

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"The Pelham youngsters are assured of a clean

and safe place to bathe at Willson's Woods."

-- The Pelham Sun, July 6, 1928.

After numerous drownings in Pelham Reservoir during the first two decades of the 20th century, Westchester County decided in the 1920s to develop "Willson's Woods Park" at Pelham Reservoir and to construct an amazing "one-million-gallon" swimming pool and recreational facility with the most modern safety features and recreational amenities.  With construction of the Hutchinson River Parkway at about the same time, Westchester hoped to turn the region into a recreational mecca to supplement the beautiful parkway intended, initially, for world-class recreational automobiling.  

Westchester County acquired Willson's Woods in 1924.  The area was named after a former owner, Charles Hill Willson, who became wealthy after founding the Willson & Adams Lumber Company.  The twenty-three acre park is one of the oldest in the Westchester County Park system.  

In 1927, Westchester County began construction of a major swimming and recreational facility in the new park.  It was a one-million-gallon swimming pool with a two-story Tudor Revival style bathhouse and dance hall.  The facility reportedly cost about $500,000 (about $7,000,000 in today's dollars) to construct in 1927 and 1928, shortly before the stock market crash in 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression.

It is only possible to understand the importance of the two projects to establish Willson's Woods Park and to build Willson's Wood's Bathing Pavilion and Swimming Pool if one also understands the intent behind the construction of the adjacent Hutchinson River Parkway at about the same time.  The Parkway was not intended, at the time, to serve as the broken and overburdened major transportation artery that it is today.  Rather, the "park" was intended to be an automobile "parkway" -- something all of Pelham and the surrounding region expected to be an impressive recreational centerpiece of the region.  The entire region expected that the Parkway and its associated local parks, paths, and recreational facilities would become the envy of the nation and a centerpiece of the affluent suburban life of leisure in the New York metropolitan region.  Obviously, "we wuz snookered."  

Yet,looking back lovingly at our history without hindsight, Willson's Woods Swimming Pool was built in 1927 and 1928.  It was scheduled to open on June 29, 1928.  Heavy rains in the last weeks of June that year, however, delayed some of the final work required to complete the facility and a roadway leading to it.  Thus, the opening and dedication ceremonies were rescheduled for Wednesday, July 4, 1928:  Independence Day.  

On the appointed day, many Pelham public officials attended the opening ceremonies.  The Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, Hon. James F. Bert, delivered the keynote address.  Additionally, officials of the Westchester County Park Commission participated in the program.  At the conclusion of the remarks, a large crowd of bathers crowded into the massive pool.  According to The Pelham Sun, the "majority" of swimmers that day (and, it turned out, for a long time to come) were Pelhamites.  

At the time of opening of the wonderful facility, the Pool Director who supervised it was Lyman Jordan of Chester Park in the Village of North Pelham.  He managed a large crew of lifeguards who were led, in turn, by Albert Abkarian from the Village of North Pelham.  He was a Cornell University student who served as Captain of the lifeguards.  Three lifeguards were on duty at all times Monday through Friday.  An additional two lifeguards were added on Saturdays and Sundays.  

Though the pool was open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily, no additional swimmers were admitted to the facility after 8:00 p.m. each evening.  A particularly notable feature of the new facility was that it was lit with electric lights for "night bathing."

The admission price to Willson's Woods Swimming Pool on weekdays was 35 cents for adults and 15 cents for children.  On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the admission price climbed to 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children.  To encourage youngsters to use the facility, there was no charge for children under twelve on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

At its opening, the pool had the most modern safety features then available.  According to The Pelham Sun:  

"The most modern safety devices have been installed in the pool.  Where the depth changes from four to ten feet a line of red lights will gleam from the bottom of the pool.  A guard rope will also float across surface of the water at this point.  For night swimming powerful electric lights have been installed along the base of the diving pool.  In the bathhouses a fully equipped First Aid station has been installed.  Compete life guards will be on duty at all hours when bathing is permitted."

The facility also was an impressive marvel of architecture and functionality.  There was an immense, "splendidly designed entrance through which one gets the first glimpse of the shimmering water in the immense pool beyond."  The main bathhouse had two wings, with dressing rooms that opened off the main entrance in both wings.  The second story of the bathhouse included a tea room and a dance floor.  Upon opening of the facility, weekly dances in the second floor ballroom became a feature of the facility.  The facility was able to accommodate fifteen hundred people at once.  

Huge chlorination tanks provided support for the one million gallons of water, all of which was "frequently filtered and changed to insure perfect sanitation."  At the time of opening, a major playground adjacent to the pool was still under construction, although it was finished the first season.  Smith Brothers Contracting Company of the Village of North Pelham was heavily involved in grading for the project and in completing the roadway to the pool "in record time."  

The natural wooded setting of the new pool in the midst of what then remained of "Willson's Woods" made the facility "one of the most attractive places in this section of the country" according to one news report.  The pool itself was massive.  It was 235 feet long and 135 feet in width.  Its depth ranged from one foot to ten feet.  For two hundred feet, its depth was only four feet, allowing hundreds of young people and even non-swimmers to frolic in the water on hot days "in perfect safety."  At one end of the pool, there was a ten-foot deep area marked for swimmers and swimming competitions that ran the width of the pool (135 feet) and was thirty-five feet wide.

At the time of its opening, the facility became a major recreational destination for Pelham.  Since then, generations of Pelham youngsters and their families have enjoyed a respite from summer heat in the Willson's Woods Swimming Pool just as many Pelhamites did when the pool first opened on July 4, 1928.

That hot, sunny Independence Day, bathers crowded into the pool immediately after the last remarks during the opening ceremony.  A major swimming competition was scheduled in the pool later that day.  

One certainly can imagine the peals of laughter, the squeals of joy, the splashing, and the chatter of the crowd.  The pool was filled with Pelhamites, as well as citizens of Mount Vernon and the surrounding region enjoying the sparkling new facility.    

The lifeguards, of course, were vigilant.  The crowd was massive, however.  It seems that even with the "most modern safety features then available" as well as a team of well-trained lifeguards considered to be among the elite of "college athletes" from Cornell, Notre Dame, and Colgate, things could still go awry.

Only hours after the bathing pavilion and pool first opened, tragedy unfolded and "clouded the opening" of the new facility.  In the midst of all the joyous confusion, the body of nineteen-year-old Wilbert Hogan of 647 South Sixth Avenue in Mount Vernon was found at the bottom of a shallow portion of the pool.  The new lifeguard crew of college athletes, led by Pelhamite Albert Abkarian, recovered Hogan's body.  Medical examination failed to reveal whether the poor young man suffered heart failure "or died through some injury received in diving."  

A most joyous occasion was marred by a terrible tragedy and became part of the history of Willson's Wood Swimming Pool, summer home of generations of Pelham youngsters.  Yet, tragedy was not yet over, it seems.

On Thursday, July 9, 1928 -- only five days after the initial pool opening -- tragedy struck again.  A little before 7:00 p.m. that evening, 58-year-old Olive N. Vander Roest of 214 Second Avenue in the Village of North Pelham was bobbing, swimming, and enjoying the fresh, cool waters of the pool.  She hopped out of the water, likely dabbing herself with a towel and heading toward the dressing rooms.  

Mrs. Vander Roest felt ill and entered the bathing pavilion bathhouse.  She suffered a hemorrhage and died "a few minutes later."

News reports immediately announced that, wiithin five days, there alreaady had been two deaths at the new "Willson's Woods Swimming Pool."  Thankfully, such reports had little impact.  As the ocean waves of life washed over Pelham and Mount Vernon in the decades since, all in Pelham and the surrounding region have looked to Willson's Woods Park as a place of respite.

Today's DeMatteo Pavilion at Willson's Woods Swimming Pool.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Pool Area of Willson's Woods Swimming Pool.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

March 4, 1926 Architectural Rendering of Willson's Woods "Bath House."

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Early Construction of Willson's Woods Swimming Pool

on November 7, 1927.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"It Will Be A Glorious Fourth Of July At Opening of Willson's Woods Swimming Pool On Parkway
-----
Pelham Will Share Benefits Of Half Million Dollar Bathing Pool, Which Will Be Opened To Public Wednesday.  Many Protective Devices Will Assure Safety Of Swimmers.  Westchester County Park Commission Sponsors New Recreation Facilities
-----

It will be a real Fourth of July Declaration of Independence from the discomforts of summer heat that will be issued Wednesday morning when the Westchester County Park Commission opens the new Willson's Woods Swimming Pool, just across the Hutchinson River Parkway from Pelham.  Brief and informal ceremonies of dedication have been planned.  The Hon. James Berg, Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, will make the dedicatory address.

Although the new swimming pool is situated entirely within the City of Mt. Vernon, its close proximity to the Pelhams will make it a local institution, and the youngsters as well as the grown ups of Pelham who enjoy aquatic sports will find much to their liking there.

Finishing touches are being put on the half million dollar bathhouse and swimming pool.  It was anticipated that the place would be ready today but the heavy rains delayed completion of concrete paving and other parts of the work.  Smith Bros. Contracting Co. of North Pelham, are constructing the roadway from East Lincoln avenue to the bathhouses.

The natural wooded setting of the new swimming pool makes it one of the most attractive places in this section of the country.  The pool itself is of the most modern type, measuring 235 feet in length by 135 feet in width.  Its depth ranges from one foot to ten feet.  For two hundred feet of its length the depth is no greater than four feet making it possible that many hundred youngsters and non-swimmers can frolic in the water in perfect safety, while for swimmers there is a thirty five foot wide by 135 foot long pool which is ten feet deep, that will provide ample room for enjoyment of the more strenuous aquatic sports.

(Continued on page 3)

Willson's Woods Pool Will Open Wednesday
-----
(Continued from page 1)

The most modern safety devices have been installed in the pool.  Where the depth changes from four to ten feet a line of red lights will gleam from the bottom of the pool.  A guard rope will also float across surface of the water at this point.  For night swimming powerful electric lights have been installed along the base of the diving pool.  In the bathhouses a fully equipped First Aid station has been installed.  Compete life guards will be on duty at all hours when bathing is permitted.

The bathhouse and power station group is constructed of tile and stucco.  Entrance is through a splendidly designed entrance through which one gets the first glimpse of the shimmering water in the immense pool beyond.  The dressing rooms open off the main entrance in both wings of the building.  Accommodations have been provided for fifteen hundred persons.

On the upper floor of the bathhouse a tea room and dance floor has been installed.  Weekly dances will be the feature of this part of the park.  

At the easterly side of the pool the [illegible] has been installed.  Huge chlorination tanks will accommodate one million gallons of water which is required to fill the pool.  Water will be frequently filtered and changed to insure perfect sanitation.

There also will be an immense playground arranged in the park adjacent to the swimming pool.  Work of grading this playground has already been started.

A small admission price will be charged at the swimming pool."

Source:  It Will Be A Glorious Fourth Of July At Opening of Willson's Woods Swimming Pool On Parkway -- Pelham Will Share Benefits Of Half Million Dollar Bathing Pool, Which Will Be Opened To Public Wednesday.  Many Protective Devices Will Assure Safety Of Swimmers.  Westchester County Park Commission Sponsors New Recreation Facilities, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 29, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 18, p. 1, cols. 2-3 & p. 3, cols. 4-7.  

"Youth Dies In Swimming Pool In Opening Day At Willson's Woods
-----
Body Of Mt. Vernon Youth Found At Bottom Of Pool.  Cause Of Death Not Determined.  Many Bathers Take Advantage Of New Facilities Offered By Westchester County Park Commission
-----

The unfortunate death of one bather clouded the opening of Willson's Woods Swimming pool Wednesday.  The body of Wilbert Hogan, 19, of No. 647 South Sixth avenue, Mt. Vernon, was found at the bottom of the pool a few hours after the bathing pavilion was opened to the public.  Medical examination has not revealed whether the youth was a victim of heart failure, or died through some injury received in diving.  The body was recovered by life guards.

Many Pelham public officials attended the opening ceremonies Wednesday morning.  The Hon. James F. Bert, mayor of the City of Mt. Vernon and officials of the Westchester County Park Commission participated in the program.  At the close of the ceremonies bathers were admitted to the pool for the first time.  During the week there have been several hundred bathers at the pool daily.  According to reports the majority are Pelhamites.

The pool is under the supervision of Lyman Jordan, of Chester Park.  He is assisted by an efficient life guard crew, composed of college athletes.  Albert Abkarian, of North Pelham, a student of Cornell University, is captain of the life guards.  Other members of the staff are Charles Johnson, of Colgate and Otto Streve, of Notre Dame.  Two additional life guards will be on duty on Saturdays and Sundays.  

The pool will open daily from 10 a.m.  None will be admitted after 8 p.m.  Bathers, however, will be allowed to remain in the pool until 10 p.m.  A battery of electric lights have been installed for night bathing.

Special provision has been made for the accommodation of youngsters, and there will be no charge for children under 12 years of age on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

During the week an admission price of thirty-five cents is charged for adults and fifteen cents for children.  On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays the admission price will be fifty and twenty-five cents.

The bath houses will accommodate fifteen hundred bathers.  Many bathers living in the neighborhood of the pool wear their bathing suits to the pool.  Bathers who wear their suits to the pool [must] also wear suitable outer clothing in crossing the parkway property.

Smith Bros. Contracting Co. have completed the roadway to the pool in record time.  Inclement weather had delayed work somewhat and the contractor was forced to crowd a large gang of workmen on the job in order to complete it within the specified time.

The Pelham youngsters are assured of a clean and safe place to bathe at Willson's Woods."

Source:  Youth Dies In Swimming Pool In Opening Day At Willson's Woods -- Body Of Mt. Vernon Youth Found At Bottom Of Pool.  Cause Of Death Not Determined.  Many Bathers Take Advantage Of New Facilities Offered By Westchester County Park Commission, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 6, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 19, p. 1, cols. 1-2.

"Youth Dies In Swimming Pool In Opening Day At Willson's Woods
-----
Body Of Mt. Vernon Youth Found At Bottom Of Pool.  Cause Of Death Not Determined.  Many Bathers Take Advantage Of New Facilities Offered By Westchester County Park Commission
-----

The unfortunate death of one bather clouded the opening of Willson's Woods Swimming pool Wednesday.  The body of Wilbert Hogan, 19, of No. 647 South Sixth avenue, Mt. Vernon, was found at the bottom of the pool a few hours after the bathing pavilion was opened to the public.  Medical examination has not revealed whether the youth was a victim of heart failure, or died through some injury received in diving.  The body was recovered by life guards.

Many Pelham public officials attended the opening ceremonies Wednesday morning.  The Hon. James F. Berg, mayor of the City of Mt. Vernon and officials of the Westchester County Park Commission participated in the program.  At the close of the ceremonies bathers were admitted to the pool for the first time.  During the week there have been several hundred bathers at the pool daily.  According to reports the majority are Pelhamites.

The pool is under the supervision of Lyman Jordan, of Chester Park.  He is assisted by an efficient life guard crew, composed of college athletes.  Albert Abkarian, of North Pelham, a student of Cornell University, is captain of the life guards.  Other members of the staff are Charles Johnson, of Colgate, and Otto Streve, of Notre Dame.  Two additional life guards will be on duty on Saturdays and Sundays.

The pool will open daily from 10 a.m.  None will be admitted after 8 p.m.  Bathers, however, will be allowed to remain in the pool until 10 p.m.  A battery of electric lights have been installed for night bathing.  

Special provision has been made for the accommodation of youngsters, and there will be no charge for children under 12 years of age on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

During the week an admission price of thirty-five cents is charged for adults and fifteen cents for children.  On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays the admission price will be fifty and twenty-five cents.

The bath houses will accommodate fifteen hundred bathers.  Many bathers living in the neighborhood of the pool wear their bathing suits to the pool.  Bathers who wear their suits to the pool much [sic; should be "must"] also wear suitable outer clothing in crossing the parkway property.

Smith Bros. Contracting Co. have completed the roadway to the pool in record time.  Inclement weather had delayed work somewhat and the contractor was forced to crowd a large gang of workmen on the job in order to complete it within the specified time.  

The Pelham youngsters are assured of a clean and safe place to bathe at Willson's Woods."

Source:  Youth Dies In Swimming Pool In Opening Day At Willson's Woods -- Body Of Mt. Vernon Youth Found At Bottom Of Pool.  Cause Of Death Not Determined.  Many Bathers Take Advantage Of New Facilities Offered By Westchester County Park Commission, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 6 1928, p. 1, cols. 1-2.  

"PELHAM WOMAN DIES SUDDENLY AT LOCAL POOL
-----
Mrs. Olive Vander Roest, Widely Known In Pelham, Victim of Heart Attach and Hemorrhage
-----
HAD BEEN IN BATHING
-----
Collapses After Coming from Pool and Dies In Short Time
-----
IN POOL SOMETIME
-----
LIved In Pelham Many Years -- Daughter of Late John T. Logan
-----

Seized with a hemorrhage while bathing last evening in the new Wilson [sic] Woods swimming pool, Mrs. Olive N. Vander Roest, 58, of 214 Second avenue, North Pelham, died a few minutes after she had left the pool.  Death was due to the hemorrhage and heart trouble according to Medical Examiner Squire who viewed the remains.

The death of Mrs. Vander Roest is the second death to occur at the new pool within five days, as Wilbert Hogan, 19, of this city, was drowned July 4 a few hours after the pool had opened.

According to a report made to the Mount Vernon police Mrs. Vander Roest was . . . bathing in the pool shortly before  7 o'clock.  She had been in the pool for some time.  She became ill and went to the pavilion at the bath house and died a few minutes later of a hemorrhage.

Gives Treatment

Dr. M. J. Mayer of Beekman avenue, who was at the pool at the time treated the woman.  The Mount Vernon hospital ws notified after the woman had become ill and Dr. Belsky responded with the ambulance.  

The Mount Vernon police were informed of the case shortly after 7 o'clock and Motorcycle Officer McDonald responded at the same time that the ambulance was called.  He reported that the woman had been seized with a hemorrhage in the mouth and died shortly after on the pavilion of the bath house.

The case was investigated by members of the Parkway police who where assigned to duty at the pool.
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Lived In Pelham

North Pelham, June [sic] 10. -- Mrs. Olive Vander Roest, 214 Second avenue, who died last night at Willson's Woods, the new Mount [sic] swimming pool, from a hemorrhage of the throat, was well known here.  

Mrs. Vander Roest, who had been born in New York city, had lived in North Pelham most of her life and was well-known in the village.  She was a daughter of John T. Logan, Civil War veteran, and was a widow.  

Mr. Vander Roest is survived by two sons.  Policeman George Vander Roest, of North Pelham and Edward Vander Roest, of Long Island City, and by one brother, Bert Logan, of North Pelham.

The funeral services will be held from the Church of the Redeemer and Rev. Brown will conduct the services.  The time and the interment will be announced later."

Source:  PELHAM WOMAN DIES SUDDENLY AT LOCAL POOL -- Mrs. Olive Vander Roest, Widely Known In Pelham, Victim of Heart Attach and Hemorrhage -- HAD BEEN IN BATHING -- Collapses After Coming from Pool and Dies In Short Time -- IN POOL SOMETIME -- LIved In Pelham Many Years -- Daughter of Late John T. Logan, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 10, 1928., Whole No. 11,778, p. 1, col. 1.  

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