Advertisement

The Nation - News from Aug. 6, 1989

Share via

“It’s about time,” said Bernard Daniel, a 34-year-old black man who stopped outside, as the Saluda Swim & Tennis Club, off-limits to blacks for 34 years, reopened to both blacks and whites. The pool in Saluda, S.C., was closed July 26 following publicity about the club’s refusal earlier to admit three black youths who were part of a church group that had arranged to use the pool. The land on which the club stands was deeded to the town in 1933, and later to the Jaycees, with the stipulation that it was for use by “white children” of the area. After the church group complained, the Jaycees ordered the pool closed unless it was desegregated. Janet Sibert, who is black, brought her two children and purchased an $80 membership in the swim club. “I’m happy the kids will be able to swim,” she said.

Advertisement