Picture Vernon: Vintage Swimming In Rockville

VERNON, CT — The latest edition of the Picture Vernon series takes us back to June 1894, when several local doctors recommended that the Town Council authorize the construction of a public bathhouse on Papermill Pond between the island and the shoreline.

According to the Vernon Historical Society, town leaders formed a committee to research and develop a plan for a public bathhouse.

In July 1899, the Public Works department presented a design that called for a platform with four large water tanks attached to each corner that would float on Papermill Pond. The bathhouse itself was 48-by-28 feet with an interior pool of 40-by-16 ft and 4.5-feet deep.

Male and female bathers used the bathhouse at separate times supervised by a male attendant or "matron" for the women, according to the historical society.

Changing rooms and lockers were available.

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Picture Vernon is a periodic series featuring images of the town, past and present.