SWIMMING POOL (Mineral Springs)

Compiled by Merilyn Stewart with references listed below and the assistance of George Aylmore, descendent of A. E. Aylmore.

Gnowangerup is home to one of the first pools built in inland in Western Australia. The first was at Victoria Park in Kalgoorlie in 1910; then Fonty’s Pool at Manjimup in 1925 which was later completed as a swimming pool; Pemberton in 1928 (Lefroy Brook was dammed with a concrete bottom and sides); Aylmore Park at Gnowangerup 1934; Katanning 1938 (first chlorinated pool in the State); and Lord Forrest Pool in Kalgoorlie in 1938. The origin of the springs is believed to be an underground river and was noted as flowing continuously by the first white people in the area, as it does to this day.  It is estimated it flows at one litre per second, is high in iron and other minerals and has a distinctive smell.
 

PLAQUE FOR GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934
 

OPENNING OF THE GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934          #37
 

The myth that surrounds the Gnowangerup spring concerns two Aboriginal warriors who fought to the death over who had a prior claim to the territory near the spring.  Their blood soaked into the ground and from each crimson stain filtered a spring. These are the two springs located near the Gnowangerup swimming pool.  One warrior returned to the earth as an emu (waitchin) and left for the district of Wagin and the other, obviously the victor, was reincarnated as the mallee hen (gnow) and remained in the area around the Gnowangerup Spring.  Henceforth all Aborigines born in that locality were said to belong to the mallee hen totem; and that was their spirit home.

On 29 May 1861 W. H. Graham, was settled near Eticup (approximately 40 kilometres west of Gnowangerup), was guided to the spring by an Aborigine called Billy.  In his diary Graham wrote the name of the spring as ‘Gnowanyerup’ and mentioned that he ‘met with a good many natives’. (W.H. Graham, Diary, in possession of Cleve.W. Hassell).  Mostly the Aborigines moved in parties of six or seven, some times as many as twenty.  

In 1835 Surveyor-General Roe, when in the neighbourhood of Gnowangerup, recorded seeing seven native huts: “roughly built of the brush wood nearest at hand, according to the rude manner prevalent in this part of the country, which totally unfits them for keeping out the lightest rain.  The result of Migo's examination [his Aboriginal guide] was that they had been occupied a fortnight ago by 20 men and women together with a few children”. (J.S. Roe, Journal 1835, Exploration Diaries, vol 2, p. 481, Battye Library) . (The Fruit of the Country - History of the Shire of Gnowangerup Western Australia,  Merle Bignell pp.14 & 15)  

The block number 1296 was where the two mineral springs were located, and was called a ‘Homestead Block’ consisting of 160 acres, belonging to A.E. (‘Old Ted’) Aylmore (Senior). A.E. Aylmore gave the land where the spring flowed to the then Roads Board. A.E. Aylmore had arrived in Albany in 1898 and settled with his two brothers on land at Lake Toolbrunup 14 miles east of Tambellup. Arthur Aylmore had signed the first lease of land at Gnowangerup on 6 August 1901- Kojonup Location 1296. Arthur moved to Gnowangerup in 1902, his brother came in 1907, as the family was still involved in clearing their land. Arthur later passed the land to A. E. Aylmore Snr, most likely at the time he left the District for Mingenew in 1922. The family had also taken up other leases between 1901 and 1907 which would also have been transferred at this time. The land passed to A.E. Aylmore Junior, known as ‘Young Ted’.

The water was also used in times of drought to supplement dams in the district, and a ‘stand pipe’ was situated adjacent to the springs.  Water was also taken from the outlet pipe at the diving board end of the pool. Farmers carted the water from the mid 30’s to 50’s in drums and tanks on horse drawn vehicles and trucks. Herb Aylmore also kept merino rams in their ‘house paddock’ where the spring was situated, they acclimatised to the water and that was their only water source.  

Perhaps the most outstanding achievement of the thirties was the inspiration to build a swimming pool in Aylmore Park, and its subsequent realisation.  The provision of a constructed swimming pool in an inland Western Australian town was unheard of before this.  For it to have been attempted at all in the 1930s is another wonder.

Much of the credit for the swimming pool must go to J.L. Ball, the president of the committee that was formed to pursue the idea.  It is practicability was assured through the ready availability of labourers.  Even so, without A.E. Aylmore's gift of 4.8 ha (11 acres) on which were situated the two permanent mineral springs, the project would never have been realised.

As so often in the past the road board and town organisations cooperated to provide this luxury.  The swimming pool committee raised 238 pounds and the board donated 200 pounds in labour as well as providing the working plant.  Within two months the pool was completed and on 7 March (1934) the district celebrated with an afternoon program of water sports, both serious and amusing, followed in the evening with a grand Gala Ball in the Memorial Hall. (The Fruit of the Country- History of the Shire of Gnowangerup Western Australia,  Merle Bignell p. 269)  

A group of dynamic local people formed a group called ‘The Aylmore Park Association’ chaired by Joseph (Joe) Ball. Three pool areas were constructed by the Roads Board, and a donation  from Arthur Dawson paid for the diving board in the main pool.  Alex Thomson MLC opened the pool, unveiling the marble tablet inscribed:

“The construction of this Swimming Pool has been made possible for the use of the people of Gnowangerup and Districts by the generous gift of the land and perpetual rights to the Mineral Springs by A.E. Aylmore, ‘Kiddy’s Well’, Gnowangerup. March 7 1934”.

Mr Thomson thanked A.E. Aylmore for his generous gift, and also thanked the Chairman of the Aylmore Park Association Joseph Ball; the Country Women’s Association; the Parent’s and Citizens Association; the RSL; Toc H; the sporting bodies who raised money and the Roads Board. A.E. Aylmore turned on the water into the shower, and Miss Vera Head cut a ribbon at the other end of the pool. Mr Saggers took a dive into the pool, and there followed a programme of swimming events. One of the photographs shows a trumpet or cornet and a music stand, so it is likely the Gnowangerup Brass Band played a number or two. “Warm sunshine and the absence of wind made the limpid water in the pool very enticing and many sought its cool embrace until the late afternoon” Afternoon tea was provided by the CWA and the Girls Club dispensed fruit, lollies, soft drinks, etc. 400 paid admission at the gate and at least another 100 joined the crowd later. The gross takings for the day were 60 pounds. (Gnowangerup Star, March 1934)

Some other local identities known to be present were: Mr H.V. Piesse MLC, Mr C.H. Wittenoom MLC, Mr Robert Stephens (Country Party Candidate), Mr J. Black, Ken Black, Ernie Brade(Globe Garage) , Colin Heppell (manager of Hempill’s Store, later died in WWII), Fred Lloyd (local plumber), Jim Dyson (Co-op Manager), Arthur Watts (politician, later Premier), Lyle Wellstead, Sam and Dorothy Stewart, Mr & Mrs N.P. Davis (Elders manager), Miss Knox and Jim Grocock. The Opening Day may have been warm and sunny, but within 24 hours a torrential rain flooded the entire area. George Aylmore who supplied much of the information for this article did not attend the opening as his family were holidaying in Albany.

The opening ceremony was attended by State Swimmers Evelyn DeLacey, Percy Oliver and Don Boulden. Two years later Percy Oliver and Evelyn DeLacey attended the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin as part of five in Australia’s Swimming Team. Percy was the only one to make it into the finals, being seventh over all, which was a tremendous effort considering the minimal level of training in those days. Percy is still living in Perth. Evelyn DeLacey grew up in Western Australia and won gold at the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney in the 110 metre event, her relay team scored a second and third in other events. Evelyn passed away on 27 June, 2004. This was not an isolated occurrence – renowned swimmers came to Gnowangerup for swimming carnivals on other occasions.

Initially the water was transferred to the pool by pipes, but these soon became clogged with mineral deposits, as the water, although fresh when it emerged, quickly oxidised on reaching the surface. It was then a simple wooden gutter was constructed in a ‘V’ shape. (Many local ‘Baby Boomers’ will remember playing in this channel, floating paper, leaves and sticks on top of the rushing stream!) At first the water ran into a concrete cube which acted as a sedimentation trap, the inlet pipe positioned about 6 feet (1.83 metres) above. The sediment settled at the bottom, and the filtered water overflowed into the main pool. A pipe ran across and there was a shower with clean spring water so that bathers could shower off as they emerged from the pool. This was removed some time after as the mineral deposits also clogged these pipes. The pool sloped up to a level of about 2 foot (600mm) at the edge, to allow younger children a safe area to enter and exit. Swimming lessons were held here over more than forty years.

During the initial construction the memorial stone was set in the concrete near the inflow pipe to the pool. When later alterations were made to the swimming pool this foundation block was not reinstated.  Concerned citizens contacted the local MP, Monty House, who made enquiries and the memorial stone was soon located at the Roads Board yards and was subsequently re-erected at the entrance to the swimming pool.

The Aylmore Park Association which had tirelessly pursued the construction of the pool continued to run it as a private enterprise for over thirty years until the late 1960’s. In this endeavour they were assisted with funds raised by several local voluntary groups. In 1937 and 1938 season tickets were 12 shillings and six pence which included children up to 14 years; gents were 10 shillings; ladies were seven shillings and six pence and youths 14 to 18 years were five shillings. Schoolchildren under the supervision of an instructor were allowed one afternoon per week free of charge and the same arrangements were made available for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.  Season tickets expired on the 31st of October, and a Gala Day were held, often on Boxing Day. Mr Jim Mather was the manager of the pool for many years and resided in a single-roomed dwelling adjacent to the change rooms. The papers to transfer the land were signed by Bill Cuneo and Jim Grocock (Query Jim), and this was not done until 1938. The Roads Board had an easement on the property which meant they could enter and effect maintenance and repairs. There was a gate at the entrance road, which was the point at which fees were collected on Gala Days prior to the erection of a perimeter fence and entrance gate at the pool area.

 Although some ablutions existed earlier, in 1939 work was undertaken to build/upgrade these buildings.  Until the 1960’s the change rooms were galvanised iron and timber. The caretakers room was built prior to 1939. There was no perimeter fencing in place until the 1950s. In November 1950 it was that ‘the sanitary conveniences were not up to the standard required by the Health Inspector and the opening of the baths be postponed until the work has been completed’ (the Gnowangerup Star 11 Nov 1950). Two swings made of timber pole uprights were located on the southern side, during the 1950’s and 60’s play equipment of typical iron pipe construction were located adjacent to the inlet gutter. A turnstile was installed in front of the caretaker’s room.

OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #1
 

 
OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #2
 

 OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #3
 

OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #4
 

OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL 7th March 1934          #5
Left - Right:   JOE BALL, FRED LLOYD,   ?   , Mr. A WATTS,    ?   , EVELYN DeLACEY,   ?    ,   ?   ,   ?   ,   ?   ,   ?   , J
IM GROCOCK, COLIN HEPPELL, HERB AYLMORE,   ?   ,PERCIAL "PERCY" OLIVER
 

OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #6
 

OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #7
 

OPENING OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #8
 

GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #9
 

PLAQUE FOR GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1934           #10
 

 MINERAL SPRINGS FLOWING INTO SWIMMING POOL            #11
 

 MINERAL SPRINGS FLOWING INTO SWIMMING POOL            #12
 

GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1940c           #13

 

  GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL          #14
 

VERY EARLY PHOTOGRAPH OF GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL            #15
 

JOYCE McDONALD AT GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL           #16
 

 LES & DENNIS AT GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL           #17
 

BETTY     ?     AT GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL           #18
 

 SHOWING CHANNEL FOR MINERAL SPRING WATER TO ENTER POOL           #19
 

GROUP AT GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL           #20
 

 GROUP AT GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL           #21
 

 GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL          #22
 

 MERILYN STEWART AT GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1956          #23
 

GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1960         #24
 

 GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL           #25
 

GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1960c         #26
 

 GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL  1960c          #27
NOLA KIESEY (in water) & SUE KIESEY (on edge)
 

 SCHOOL SWIMMING LESSONS AT THE POOL          #28
 

The latest changes came in 1968 when the pool water was changed from the mineral water to local scheme water and the facilities were upgraded. The water from the Mineral Springs was then diverted into the Gnowangerup Creek. At this time the local shire took over financial responsibility for the pool. In the early 1960’s the end of the school year was celebrated at the pool. There were several instances of children being left behind in all the excitement I was one of them!
 

GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL JUST PRIOR TO CLOSURE  2016          #29
 

 GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL JUST PRIOR TO CLOSURE  2016          #30
 

GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL JUST PRIOR TO CLOSURE  2016          #31
 

 GNOWANGERUP SWIMMING POOL JUST PRIOR TO CLOSURE  2016          #32
 

AERIAL VIEW OF THE ORIGINAL SWIMMING POOL  2016            #33
 

The swimming pool given a full makeover and was upgraded to use scheme water instead of the mineral spring water. However in 2016 a decision was made to build a brand new pool in the Sports Complex at the south end of the town. The old pool was demolished in 2019.
 

DEMOLISHION OF THE ORIGINAL SWIMMING POOL  2019            #34
 

 DEMOLISHION OF THE ORIGINAL SWIMMING POOL  2019            #35
 

DEMOLISHION OF THE ORIGINAL SWIMMING POOL  2019            #36
 

REMAINS OF THE ORIGINAL SWIMMING POOL  2021
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:      J.S. Roe, Journal 1835, Exploration Diaries, vol 2, p. 481, Battye Library) .
                                                 The Fruit of the Country - History of the Shire of Gnowangerup Western Australia,  Merle Bignell pp.14 & 15
                                                 The Fruit of the Country- History of the Shire of Gnowangerup Western Australia,  Merle Bignell p. 269
                                                  Gnowangerup Star, March 1934

                                  Image:     14, 22    U. Abbott

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024