Princeton Swimming Pool

92 Washington Road, May 2020.

Historical Overview

A large metal two-story building stands at 92 Washington Road next to the Little Bear Brook. Although now housing tennis courts at the time of this writing (2023), it was originally a community swimming pool and a fixture of the historic West Windsor community of Penns Neck.

In 1932, and Princeton Natatorium, Inc. opened a $60,000 swimming pool here, just minutes from the older "Sheepwash" watering hole. In its first year, it boasted a 50-cent admission fee, filtered water, and hand ball courts and was open from 9AM to 11PM.[1] It became a popular community spot, where locals cooled off, sunbathed, and socialized. Clubs and organizations frequently hosted swimming exhibitions,[2] competitions,[3] and more. The pool was closed from 1942-1943 but was managed in 1944 by professional athlete Meyer "Mike" Bloom,[4] a reputed World War II veteran.[5] He is also said to have played for the National Basketball Association's Boston Celtics later in the 1940s[6] and patented a version of the plumber's snake.[7]

Princeton Swimming Pool, date unknown.

The pool again temporarily closed in 1953 under new management after Ulysses Johnson of Princeton complained to the State Division Against Discrimination that he'd been denied admission because he was Black.[8] The Historical Society has interviewed other Penns Neck residents who suggested this was part of a pattern of discrimination.[9]

The pool remained a popular destination for the next two decades. In 1960, seasonal admission rates were $42 for an adult and $90 for a family of three.[10] During the '60s and '70s, the owner was Aristotle Pharaslees.[11] In 1970, the pool was listed for sale for $55,000.[12] The buyer was Tennis International, Inc. who replaced it with an indoor tennis facility, which opened in 1973.[13] This large, red metal structure is still a popular destination for local tennis enthusiasts.

Princeton indoor tennis center ad, September 1973.

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Bibliography

1. Princeton Natatorium, Inc. “NEW Swimming Pool.” Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser. Trenton, NJ, August 7, 1932.
2. "Swimming Exhibition Planned." Princeton Herald. July 1, 1938.
3. "Knights of Columbus to Sponsor Swimming Meet Here August 13th." Princeton Herald. July 22, 1938.
4. "Princeton Swimming Pool to Open." Princeton Herald. June 30, 1944.
5. “Mike Bloom.” Mike Bloom BK. Accessed August 25, 2023. https://www.njsportsheroes.com/mikebloombk.html. 
6. Ibid.
7. Bloom, Meyer. Pipe Cleaner, issued December 10, 1968. 
8. "Pool Closes." Town Topics. September 13, 1953.
9. Ligeti, Paul T. I., and Parris, David and Parris, Susan. Interview with Susan and David Parris. Personal, 2020. Note: Susan and David have lived in Penns Neck since the mid-1900s and have personally known many of the people who lived in the village.​
10. Princeton Swim Club. “Princeton Swim Club.” Town Topics. Princeton, NJ, June 19, 1960.
11. Ligeti, Paul T. I., and Parris, David and Parris, Susan. Interview with Susan and David Parris. Personal, 2020. Note: Susan and David have lived in Penns Neck since the mid-1900s and have personally known many of the people who lived in the village.​
12. Thompson Realty. “For Sale.” Town Topics. Princeton, NJ, January 15, 1970.
13. "Indoor Tennis Courts." Town Topics. July 15, 1971.