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Gazette and Bulletin: July 8, 1949 – City Youngsters May Get to Swim at ‘Sock’ Beach

Swimming facilities for the children of Williamsport will be made available today, despite the closing of the Memorial Park beach. A school bus will carry 50 children to the Sportsmen’s Memorial Park on the Loyalsock today.

Arrangements have been made since the closing of the swimming area of Lycoming Creek because of contamination. The bus will leave the junior league parking lot at Chatham, near Third Street at 10:30 a.m. and will return at 3 o’clock this afternoon. This announcement was made by Marshall R. Laird, city recreation director.

Life guards and supervisors will accompany the children and bath house facilities may be used by them. The city school board has donated the use of the bus and after the trial run this afternoon it is hoped at least two trips can be made each day, said Mr. Laird.

No further action concerning the investigation being carried out along Lycoming Creek has been reported. Marlin E. Wilt, district engineer for the state Department of Health had announced that the water in the creek was contaminated by the dumping of sewage into the stream from residences or cabins in the area.

Other state and county health officials are taking a survey to remedy the situation. The beach will not be opened again until state approval is given. It may be a month or more before the water can be purified to the extent that it is fit for swimming, said Mr. Wilt.

While the investigation continues state health officials emphasized the importance of all outdoor and indoor pools alike to be state approved. This was necessary under state legislation that regulated public bathing places.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

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