Here is a
look back at wonderful summer days at Spec Pond Beach made possible by local
women’s clubs from 1957-58.
In 1957 there was no safe and convenient place close to Kezar Falls for
children to swim. So the 21 Club and L.M.R. Club – both members of the Maine
Federation of Women’s Clubs, decided to take this on as a project. The results
were submitted to the National Federation of Women’s Clubs Community
Achievement Contest.
This was no minor task. Some work had
been started in 1956 but could then continue because of this project. The area
had to be sprayed for insect control, several feet of bark from logs stored in
the water after the 1937 hurricane had to be removed, clearing of brush,
building of a road to the location, grading and bringing in sand. Picnic tables, floats and toilets had to be
built. A qualified swimming instructor
and assistant were hired and free swimming instructions from beginners to
Senior Life Saving was made available 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks
each summer. Volunteers helped during
each swimming hour to take the roll, handle discipline on shore, attend to
sanitation problems and all minor emergencies. And needless to say, the time
and effort to seek donations of money, material and labor was ongoing.
As a result of the long hours of hard work by many community members,
under the direction of the women’s clubs, a beautiful beach area was cleared
and made available for use at all times of day for picnics and recreation for
the whole community.
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Spec
Pond Beach general swim area 1958
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Beginners
class and Instructor Sidney Griffith 1958
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Spec
Pond Beach with picnic tables. - 1958
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Swim beach at Spec Pond 1958
The summer swim program
continued for many years to the benefit of countless local children. It eventually was turned over to the Sacopee
Recreation Council who ran it through the summer of 2015. Unfortunately it was discontinued due
primarily to lack of interest. The beach
however is still open and available to the community during the summer months.
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