The swimming tank, left, was built in the early 1900s over the Presumpscot River (behind the present day Cornelia Warren Pool). This building gave the young people of Westbrook a place to do organized swimming lessons in the Presumpscot River. Lockers ringed two sides of the pool. There were steps into the pool and a wooden floor that slanted downwards from one end. Each year the river was lowered and workers from the S.D.Warren Company repaired or replaced the dryer felt (heavy Canvas) that covered the floor. Private swimming lessons were 10 cents. Boys and girls swam at separate times, never together. A boom and slats around the pool kept the more obvious river flotsam out of the swimming area. A large sewer was just upstream of the swimming tank and the increasing awareness of pollution forced the demolition of the swimming tank in 1947. The Cornelia Warren Association pool was built in 1947-48 by the association with the help of $10,000 raised by the VFW and the American Legion. The city eventually took over the new pool, and it still serves to this day. The 12 cement piers that once supported the old swimming tank are still visible in the river.

Research and photos courtesy of Mike Sanphy