The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-13
SWIMMING POOL OF
 B. R.,L. & P. CO. IS
 FORMALLY OPENED
Is for Use of Employees. Delicious Eats" Served. Impromptu Speeches
 Are Heard

The new swimming pool of the Birming ham Railway. Light and Power company at Powell avenue between Eighteenth and Nineteenth streets, was formally opened for the benefit of it's employees yester- day afternoon at o'clock. About one hundred of Birminehams citizens attended the opening and were served with a de- lighful repast, consisting of Brunswick stew, barbecue and watermelon Officials of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company were on hand to welcome the crowd, which enjoyed themselves to the fullest extent.
 The new swimming pool is one of the most modern in the south. It is loo by 40 feet. and has a depth from four to IA feet. Spring boards have been placed at each end of the pool and numerous bath ing suits have been purchased for the use of the employees. There is no top covering the pool and the water is changed automatically every three days, fresh water is continually pouring in while a certain amount of the old water flows out every few minutes. There are no restrictions placed upon the emp'oyes rn regard to the use of the pool It is there for their disposal at any time and Is for the sole purpose of adding to their pleas ure. The pool is made of concrete.
 Barbecue Is Served
 After the pool had been inspected by the invited guests, a barbecue was served. When everyone had had their fill of all the good things to eat John w. Sibley mounted a soap box and called TOT order:
 Gentlemen, l have been called upon to take charge of the after-dinner speakers in the absence of our old friend, Oscar Turner. who was forced to leave to at tend meeting at the press club. I shall start off by calling on John Stone to make us a talk" MT. Stone made short talk in which he thanked the company for their hospitality and wished them success.
 J. F. Montgomery was called upon for few remarks and responded by saving that in his opinion the Birmingham Rail way, Light and Power company was one of the most progressive companies in the south Perry Turner, inspector of police, was next called on and amid a round of applause he took the rostrum.
 Unlike all those who have spoken be- fore me. l am not an employe of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company: but in Ty capacity as law yer l have fought them time and again. have also had dealings with the com pany In my capacity of recorder of the municipal court. am glad to say that in all my dealings with the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company I have found them to be on the square in every instance. l think the building of this magnificent swimming pool by the company is a mark of their confidence and concern for the welfare of their em- ployes."
 Short talks were made by J. P. Ross, Chief of Police Martin Egan, Sidney Mid dleton, chief of the fire department. and A. =. Bennett, ex-chief of the fire de- partment Dr. R. w. Cunningham was called upon to say few words and he succeeded in convulsng the crowd
 T noticed that my friend. John Sibley, in introducing me, referred to me ex- governor" he said 'f am glad to say that I am an ex-governor. and not in office at the present time. God knows if was in the chair at the present time would not be able to come here and enjoy such fine meal. Between the leg islature and the agitators over the state imagine the present governor is at a loss to know just where he stands 1 can only say that I am glad to be able to he here among you this afternoon and viaw the work of this great concern. No better way to spend money can be evolved than to spend it for the benefit of the welfare of ones employees This swimming pool is a great achievement and everyone should be proud to know corporation with the welfare of its em- ployes is in our midst
 J. P. H. De Windt. vice president and
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