White Memorial Swimming Baths
Now known as the Muswellbrook White Memorial 50m outdoor pool at the Muswellbrook Aquatic and Fitness centre.
The White Memorial Pool, named after the Hon. James Cobb White MLC and the White family, who were instrumental in the construction of the first swimming pool in the Upper Hunter, known then as the White Memorial Swimming Baths, was officially opened on December 7, 1929 by Mr James White Jnr (Jas) and, to celebrate, the Muswellbrook Amateur Swimming Club (MASC) held its first carnival at the “baths” with record entries of 287 competitors over 24 events, the biggest carnival of its kind ever held in any country centre at the time.
The baths were embraced by the community and the 1929/30 season saw the construction of the MASC clubhouse, at a cost of £230, funded by debentures from club members. The donation of a piano and purchase of punching balls and boxing gloves ensured that the clubhouse was well utilised. As well as swimming carnivals, recreational swimming, night bathing and night swim carnivals, the clubhouse hosted euchre parties, concerts and dances.
Interest waned and the pool did not open for the 1934/35 and 1935/36 seasons. After extensive negotiations by the Baths Committee the pool was handed over to Muswellbrook Municipal Council for future maintenance and administration. Council undertook repairs and the White Memorial Pool reopened on December 18, 1937 to great fanfare by Miss Ruth White, daughter of the late Hon J.C White. A free entry day was declared and residents from surrounding towns flocked to the “baths”. Honorary life membership was bestowed on Mrs Dutton Miss White and Messrs James, Allan and Bruce White on the day.
Acknowledgement – thanks to: The History of Muswellbrook Amateur Swimming Club and The White Memorial Swimming Baths 1928-2003 - Valerie and Karen Bray From Muscle Brook to Muswellbrook – A Brief Chronological History. Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Historical Society Inc (Both Available at Muswellbrook Library)
Acknowledgement – thanks to: The History of Muswellbrook Amateur Swimming Club and The White Memorial Swimming Baths 1928-2003 - Valerie and Karen Bray From Muscle Brook to Muswellbrook – A Brief Chronological History. Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Historical Society Inc (Both Available at Muswellbrook Library)
Acknowledgement – thanks to: The History of Muswellbrook Amateur Swimming Club and The White Memorial Swimming Baths 1928-2003 - Valerie and Karen Bray From Muscle Brook to Muswellbrook – A Brief Chronological History. Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Historical Society Inc (Both Available at Muswellbrook Library)
Acknowledgement – thanks to: The History of Muswellbrook Amateur Swimming Club and The White Memorial Swimming Baths 1928-2003 - Valerie and Karen Bray From Muscle Brook to Muswellbrook – A Brief Chronological History. Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Historical Society Inc (Both Available at Muswellbrook Library)