Smyrna times., 1951-07-19
CONSTRUCTION
AT LAKE COMO
Present Beach Was Proposed
Twelve Years Ago BY ].
C. Mannering
WIDER BEACH PLANNED

packing OF the mayor and council
at that time, form the background
to the splendid development now
going on at Lake Como bathing
beach. During the regime of May
or William E. Mathews, Jr., John
C. Mannering, a member of coun-
Gil, had the idea of making small
beach for the use of the children
whose parents could not take them
to the shore. He was backed by
the mayor and other members of
council, including Davis Bell, S. C.
Ennis, and John Still, and work
was started in 1889 with a small
beach, about thirty feet in length,
with little bath-house with a par
tition. In April, 1910 the contract
was let for the building of a board
walk which was completed that
summer.
Dedication of Beach
Colorful ceremonies which in
cluded a dramatic and beautiful
water carnival marked the formal
dedication of the beach on the ev-
ening of August 8, 1910. The fol-
lowing organizations took part in
the dedication ceremonies. The Cit
liens Hose Company, Smyrna Lit
tie Theater, directed by Cummins
e. Speakman, Jr Smyrna Athletic
Association, Smyrna Rotary Club,
and the David @. Harrison Post
No. ID, American Legion. A large
platform was erected as a stage
for the presentation of a formal
program, and decorated boat floats
depicting various scenes, manned
with members of the Little Theater
in appropriate costumes, were a
part of colorful pageantry on the
lake.
Repairs at Lake
Today, great project of replac-
ing and enlarging the old piers,
walks, and diving board, which
were in bad condition, is being
put forward by Town Manager S.
g. Marvel and the town street and
sewer department crew. A sub
structure of creosote lumber, which
will stand for many years, has
been built, and a pier of untreated
decking laid. The pier is 33 x ID
feet, with an approach pier 40 %
feet. The old pavilion rests on the
approach pier. The old piling has
been jetted out and the diving
board is in the same position as be-
fore. However, a hole from nine
to nine and one-half feet in depth,
will be washed out, in accordance
with Red Cross recommendations
for safety in diving.
Wider Beach Front
There will be twenty-five more
feet of beach front than before.
The old boardwalk was four feet
wide and the new one, both walk
and approach walk are six feet
wide. The boardwalk between the
main piers and the boat pier will
be renewed, and repairs to the
foundation to the lighthouse will
be made. This year it was found
necessary to make small charge
for use of the beach due to the
large crowds using the facilities.
More than $50 of the one dollar
season tickets have been sold, and
285 of the daily admission tickets,
according to Harry Pusey, who is
in charge of this phase. The play
ground section at the beach will be
put in order, and contains an out
door grill swings, see-saws, and a
pavilion. Picnic tables have been
placed at the eastern end of the
beach. 1t is estimated that week
end crowds number approximately
1000 persons, and each day finds
the beach filed with large numbers
of parents with small children en-
loving the water and sunshine
Alec Wood acts as lifeguard, and
the concession is manned by three
young people of Smyrna: Patricia
Middleton, Karl Gebhart and David
Jacobs. The beach and concession
are kept in fine condition, anc
there is supervision by the town
police, and good order maintained
at all times. No alcoholic bever.
ages are allowed on the beach al
any time, and this rule is strictly
enforced. A mid-week check oi
cars at the beach showed car lie
enses grom Delaware, Maryland
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, ant
New York State. The beach !:
also used by soldiers from the Do
yer Air Base. The many happy
throngs of well-behaved people
prove the wisdom of the men o.
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