Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-09-28
WOMEN In THE WATER.
An Exciting Swimming Contest I'm
One of the New York Baths.

From the Standard. o.
An unusual and exciting scene tool
place yesterday afternoon at the new
public free swimming bath at the foot o.
Charles street, North river, on the occa
sion of a number of females competing
for two prizes in swimming match
This bath was opened few weeks since
having been removed from West Thir
teenth street, and is open every day for
bathing--for ladies on Wednesday and
Friday, and the remainder Of the week
is open for the men bathers.
Since the opening Of the bath tbous'
ands of both sexes have shown how much
they appreciated the movement set on
foot by the Commissioners Of Public
Works by indulging in daily saltwater
plunges, and certainly by so doing con-
ducing much to the good health of the
city during the hot summer season.
Since the present bath has been opened
the ladies, in particular, have INDUCED
in the art of swimming under the in
structions of the female superintendent,
and as they made such excellent pro-
gress it was determined to give public
exhibition where gentlemen were allowed
to be present.
Yesterday afternoon was accordingly
fixed upon for the taking place of two
swimming contests, the prizes being a
castor and set of jewelry.
Other sports were also INDUCED in,
such as floating on their backs, turning
somersaplis, diving, jupping, rolling of
from the side Of the bath and swimming
clubfoot fashion.
The programme was sufficient to draw
large number Of sight-seers, who are
always prone TO witness something un-
usual and of an exciting character. BY
halfpast three some FIVE hundred people
we're in their appointed places below and
on the roof of the bath.
The bath in which the performers
were to go through the various sports is
100 feet long and IS feet wide. The
depth of water was seven feet, and from
the top Of the roof to the water twenty
feet, from which many jumped, some
turning somersaults as they did so.
The amusement commenced with
race for a castor, for which there were
only two entries-Miss Mary Jane Hill
and Susan Waters being the contestants.
They were dressed in loose blouses
and very shot drawers, their hair being
tightly braided.
Miss Hill had a good start, springing
some distance ahead of her opponent,
but was quickly overtaken. For time
it was neck and neck, then Hill had the
lead, and was the first TO turn the stake
ladder. Miss Waters, however, showed
no sign of fatigue, and made another
bold spurt, and once again came up to
Miss Hill, but had eventually to give up
the contested trophy.
The second race was for a set Of jew
elry, for which FIVE contested. This
proved very exciting one, and caused
much fun and laughter. Those who had
the misfortune to be the last to get off p"
had the full benefit of catching the
wash from those ahead, but this only
gave them an impetus to struggle out of
the race.
Anna Price, Lucy Fisher and Catha-
rine Underwood were the chief contest
ants, and showed considerable skill.
Miss Price ultimately came in the win
ner
A large number of all sizes and ages
thea INDUCED in Jumping from the top
of the bath roof, and others from the
side, seven feet. Small races were also
made up between the younger swimmers,
and afforded much fun.
AT the close the prizes we're distributed
by the lady superintendent, and the for
tunate swimmers made suitable replies.