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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s This day in history » On the Web: spokesman.com/topics/local-history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Spokane discovered a refreshing summer diversion in 1910: the big new swimming tank at Natatorium Park.

The paper declared it “the best success of anything the Washington Water Power Company had yet attempted.” The new swimming tank was 73-by-157 feet, 2 feet deep at one end and 10 feet deep at the other. The water was kept at a constant 76 degrees.

Business had been so brisk in the hot days of summer that the company had to send away for a fresh supply of bathing suits.

Most customers rented bathing suits at the pool; 226 changing rooms were available in the dome-shaped building.

A modern laundry washed the suits after each use with a sterilizing solution.

“Patrons are allowed to bring their own suits if they desire, but the suits must conform to the company’s regulations as to swimming garb,” noted The Spokesman-Review.

WWP had developed Natatorium Park as a way to generate business on the electric streetcar lines, which it also owned.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1847: Mormon leader Brigham Young and his followers arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley. … 1959: During a visit to Moscow, Vice President Richard Nixon engaged in his famous “Kitchen Debate” with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.