Riverdale gets a paper, and a pool's the story

1950

First edition

The inaugural issue of The Riverdale Press was seven pages long, cost 5 cents and led with the promise of a swimming pool at Riverdale Neighborhood House.

"Water discoveries make Neighborhood House pool opening virtually sure," the headline read.

In the spring of 1950, geologists were brought in to examine a ridge of rock that had formed a natural dam near the site of what would become a neighborhood staple. With the help of topographical maps, it was discovered that a bed of water lay 12 feet underground. The discovery meant the swimming pool would be a reality within months. Shortly thereafter, the pool opened to the public on a perfect summer day with sunshine, pristine blue skies and a $1 admission fee.

That summer also marked the opening of the Riverdale Yacht Club and the Corn Exchange Bank on Riverdale Avenue. Also spotlighted in The Press was an Indian trading post on Bailey Avenue, run at the time by Crazy Bull, the great-grandson of the legendary Chief Sitting Bull.

The pool remained a front-page highlight throughout most of the year. By August, the pool season culminated with an aqua show featuring 20 synchronized swimmers, nine aqua clowns and a soldout audience of 800.