The Bobby Henry Memorial pool has an interesting story behind it. In fact, based on my research,
it is an historical icon to the Citizens of Greenville of 1948 and a testament to their freedom
and power to vote.
The answers to these questions were found in the archives of the Greenville Library Microfilm
of past issues of the Delta Democrat Times in 1948 and 1949:
In the 1940's, for years Greenvillians sought pools, wading pools and attractive parks for
the citizens, but most especially for their children. After many years of work by the Park
Commission and 14 local Civic clubs to promote the pools to the citizens, the Mayor
and City Council for these desires, the groups continuously ran into roadblocks and
delays.
Quoted from October 5th, edition of the 1948 Delta Democrat Times:
"Ed Gray, Park Commission Chairman, testified before the City Council that previous delays
had been caused from a lack of sites for the pools and lack of plans and specifications.
The problem of sites was eliminated this summer, when the ballpark area was made available for
the colored pool and the old Country Club area for the white people.
Mr. Gray pointed out that the later site would be the ideal location for all white Greenvillians,
inasmuch as (1) there is sufficient space there, to build a pool and recreation grounds to take care
of more youngsters than any other place available in town, (2) with the expanding city residential
section, that area will eventually be a center more accessible to everyone than any in the congested
downtown area and (3) with the new bus line there will be adequate transportation facilities for all.
Wade Hollowell, also speaking before the council, said the pools would be a "sound investment"
from a financial point of view. He pointed out that Greenville's per capita debt is very low, much
lower than the national average for cities this size.
Advantages pointed out by the councilmen were that the pools would provide healthy recreation
for the children now playing in the streets, coupled with instruction in swimming, an art found
sadly lacking among Americans during the recent war." (End quote)
Finally, Mayor George Archer and the City Council of that day, gave an insurmountable challenge
to the citizens of Greenville. A City Bond election (a tax increase to pay for a city loan over a 10 year
period) for the pools (one for the white and one for the black population) was proposed and set
within two weeks of this challenge date, October 5th, 1948.
"Let the people decide" was their answer. With limited time, the 14 Civic clubs and Park Commission,
took action and began to infiltrate the city and citizens with neighborhood campaigns and megaphones
calling out to all, "Vote for the pools!"
On October 19th, 1948, the day of the Bond election, the said to be ‘impossible’ was accomplished.
The Bond was profoundly passed by the voting Citizens of Greenville, MS. Getting citizens to literally
vote for a tax increase to pay for this bond was quite an accomplishment. I wonder if it could be
done today.
In my research, one thing shone through that makes me proud of our City and our predecessors.
These times in the 40's and 50's were the times of segregation. Everything was separate right
down to the water fountains in public arenas. Even so, this generation took the opportunities
presented to them, to be sure that all Citizens benefited from their tax dollars paid to their
own community.
"Fair but; Equal" was the way Greenville Civic and City leaders presented the pools proposal.
There would be two pools, one for the blacks, located behind where Coleman High School
is today and the white pool, across from the Greenville High School. Both Olympic size pools
were in fact; built identical in every way.
I know that Greenville was far from perfect during those times. Few communities were, but it
is gratifying to know, that although it was not the “popular” move of that generation and time
period, and in general across the nation, our leaders chose a higher path that was available to
them at that time. These events proved fruitful for the city and the city taxpayers of all colors
with their joint efforts to see these goals accomplished, in spite of the times.
The reason the Bobby Henry Pool became known as such was due to citywide contests to
"Name that Pool", while awaiting the completion. Suggestions were sent in and judges
chose the best idea. In this case, a person named in a letter to the DDT editor,
T. Provenza, proposes naming the pool as a historical memorial in honor of the
Word War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, home town son, Bobby Henry,
posthumously awarded after his death for his bravery, valor and self sacrifice in battle
to save his fellow soldiers. He was killed in action at the age of 21 years old.
Apparently, as we now know, indeed that name became the name given to this grand old
pool built and completed in the fall of 1949. On the grand opening day of this pool,
September 27th, 1949, 59 years ago, the pool was stampeded in attendance, in what was
projected to be nearly 1,000 children, in the course of the first day and the first evening of
the pool opening day.
The passing of this Bond was a great victory for the Citizens and the children of Greenville, MS.
All the more reason, that once again, the Citizens should come together, to save this last
surviving pool, from the long-term neglect and possible eventual closing. To lose this
pool is an insult and an offense to our predecessors, who worked so hard for what they
believed to be an important health and recreation feature for Greenville, its’ children and
future generations to come. We can only hope to do nearly the same in accomplishing
restoration of the pool back to its full glory and even better, as a tribute to their many efforts,
so many years ago.
Memorial Pool Opening day on September 28th, 1949. It was opened only for a few short
days, since the completion came late into fall and was re-opened in the summer of 1950.
The Pool Director at that time was Miss Mary Tom Berry. Sidney Stallings, Jr. was the Pool
Committee Chairman. Elwyn Ward, the Park Director, was one the most instrumental with
the many Civic clubs in promoting of the pools and the needs of the children. He also
campaigned that to have this pool would mean "getting the kids off the street".
Today, that mantra is still the same for our present and will be for the future generations.
Restoring this pool can only be a good thing in motivating our children and grandchildren
to enjoy and appreciate the recreational and two historical legacies of this Bobby Henry
Memorial Pool, one for valor of a young soldier and one for the pride of the Greenville
citizens' victory on October 19th, 1948, at the time the Bond was passed
We must meet our predecessors’ challenge and accomplishments, by pushing ahead to
restore this pool to its original glory and make it even better, than ever before. If we can
do that, we as a team of "multi-ethnic" citizens, can accomplish anything, against all odds
to brighten the future of Greenville! We just have to work together towards a common goal,
for the good of all the people and we can make it happen!