It was a typical day at work. Well, what that means is that there really is no typical day at work. (This writer is retired but has a much-loved part-time seasonal job.) On this day, as files were being reviewed for a move, a Chamber of Commerce file with legal papers regarding “a piece of land” was discovered.
It made for interesting reading, but we didn’t know what it was about. And it was confusing.
The first thing we did was go to Pulaski County’s GIS system to find the lots that were under discussion. Turned out to be the location of Winamac’s Community Wellness Center. Turned out that at one time, the Chamber – at that time known as the Winamac Chamber of Commerce – owned the land upon which the pool was to be built. Dug. Made. Whatever.
References
To put this story together, this writer relied on that file, minutes from the Town Council (Board of Trustees, minutes found at the Pulaski County Public Library), old articles from the Pulaski County Journal (also found at the Library), a photo from the 1965 Winamac Totem (Library), census records, and personal reflections from adults who were children, or at least younger adults, at the time. Several photos were found by searching PulaskiPost.com’s Facebook page.
The Facts & The Reporting
In reading through the documents and piecing them together – in order with the minutes from the Winamac Town Council and articles found from the Pulaski County Journal, it appears the Chamber of Commerce went out on a limb, so to speak. They had been trying to get a swimming pool for the community for eleven years, according to reports. By the time the pool was completed, they had spent twelve years in the effort.
They had raised less than half what would be required to construct the pool. Reports do not indicate how the property came to them. Did they find this site desirable and ask Mr. Reinhart for the contribution? Did Mr. Reinhart hear of their mission and offer the land to them of his own volition? How was the Chamber able to fulfill their mission of paying for the pool?
It’s possible someone still lives that knows the answer to these questions: children, perhaps, of the players mentioned in this tale. If such a person(s) exists, please contact us to give us the rest of the story.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1963, May 6: Delegation Protests Proposed Location for Swimming Pool
A delegation from the north end of town was present to protest the planned location of the swimming pool. Edward Crabill was the spokesman for the group. The matter was given lengthy discussion.
Warranty Deed 1963, May 7: Reinhart to Chamber of Commerce
On May 7, a Warranty Deed was signed by Norman “Jack” Reinhart, conveying Lots 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, and 155 of “McClelland’s Addition to the Town of Winamac” to the Winamac Chamber of Commerce.
Pulaski County Journal 1963, May 9: Swim Pool Site Deeded To Chamber of Commerce
In brief ceremonies held Tuesday morning, Jack Reinhart signed the deed which conveys lots for a swimming pool to the Winamac Chamber of Commerce. The lots are located on North Market Street and are presented to the Chamber of Commerce as a gift by Mr. Reinhart.
Plans call for starting construction as soon as approval is received from the State Board of Health and permission is granted by the zoning board. The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on May 20, at which objectors and those in favor of the site will be heard. Regular procedure calls for the building inspector to turn down the permit, which has been done, so that the hearing may be held.
Specifications call for a pool 80 feet long, 40 feet wide at the shallow end and 32 at the deep end. An eight-foot concrete apron will surround the pool. A wading pool for children will be constructed at one side.
Harry DePoy & Son are to build the pool, which will be constructed near the north end of the site with bathhouse and showers, a concession stand, and parking space at the south end.
After signing the deed, Mr. Reinhart presented it to John Kelly, Chamber of Commerce president. Also attending were Richard Dilts, Chamber of Commerce secretary; Bob Bennett, chairman of the Fourth of July Swimming Pool festivities; John Stombaugh, past president and member of the pool committee; Mr. DePoy and son Dewayne. David Zahrt, school photographer, took pictures.
Pulaski County Journal 1963, May 16: Swimming Pool Site Hearing To Be Monday
A hearing will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Monday night at eight o’clock at the town hall on the proposed location of a swimming pool on North Market street in Winamac. A special exception must be granted to permit the construction of a pool in that locality, and it is that matter which will be considered by the board. Interested persons are invited to attend and express their views, either verbally or in writing.
The proposed site is on the six lots recently deeded to the Winamac Chamber of Commerce by Jack Reinhart. For a number of years, the Chamber of Commerce has been maintaining a drive for funds to build a swimming pool in Winamac, and officers now state that construction can start soon if approval is granted by the zoning board and the State Board of Health.
A number of persons living in the area appeared before the town board last week to present their objections. These homeowners feel that placing a pool in a residential area will decrease the value of properties. They point out that most of them are retired people or older couples who have lived there many years and to whom the noise and litter would be offensive, and fear that lawns and gardens might be damaged with a recreational area so close. They feel that such a structure should be built in the park.
Pulaski County Journal 1963, May 16: Board Grants Approval of Swim Pool Site
Approval of a site on North Market street for the location of a proposed community swimming pool was granted Monday night by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The action by the board followed a public hearing at the Municipal building which lasted for nearly two hours. A majority vote to grant the exception for the pool was announced by Board President David Barr after the board deliberated at length on the matter, following the hearing.
The pool site is in an area zoned residential, but the town zoning ordinance provides for certain exceptional uses, including recreational facilities, if approved by the appeal board. It was in connection with this provision that the public meeting was held.
Discussions of the site were presented by a number of residents of the area. Petitions favoring it were submitted to the board by Mrs. John Haschel and Mrs. Ronnie Hunter. As spokesman for those opposing the location, Edward Crabill presented a list of those who were not in favor of the location and reasons for their stand. The Chamber of Commerce was represented by Attorney Thomas Essex.
Albert Becker of Rossville, designer of the pool, explained its construction and features incorporated in it. Dr. Martin Barco, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce swimming pool committee, and John Kelly, Chamber of Commerce president, reviewed the efforts that organization has made for obtaining a pool and other sites that had been considered.
The location in question, in the 800 block on the west side of North Market street, was obtained recently by the Chamber of Commerce from Norman Reinhart. The Chamber proposes to construct the pool with funds obtained by public contributions and has raised nearly $12,000 for this purpose. Previous estimates have placed the pool cost at $30,000.
It was stated at the hearing that the town board has indicated that it would construct the pool bathhouse, which Mr. Becker estimated would cost between $12,000 and $14,000. When the pool is completed, the Chamber of Commerce plans to turn it over to the town for operation and maintenance.
Nearly forty residents, most of whom live in the neighborhood of the pool site, attended the hearing. Board members present, in addition to President Barr, were Henry Colgrove, Howard Brown, Harold Lange and Urban Kennedy, and the board secretary, Richard Dilts.
Pulaski County Journal 1963, May 23: Break Ground for Pool
At the ground-breaking ceremonies for the swimming pool, held Thursday morning of last week, the first shovel of earth was turned by Jack Reinhart, who donated the ground to the Chamber of Commerce. Standing around him, left to right, are John Kelly, Chamber of Commerce president; John Stombaugh, member of the pool committee; Richard Dilts, Chamber of Commerce secretary; Dr. M.T. Barco, chairman of the Fourth of July Festival Committee; Harry DePoy, contractor for the pool’s construction. (Photo by William Wagner)
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1963, June 3: Protestors Present Additional Petition
The President presented to the Board of Trustees the written petition of Edward and Edna Crabill and others, requesting the Board of Trustees to overrule the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals, granting a special exception to the Winamac Chamber of Commerce, for location, construction and operation of a public swimming pool on lots 150 to 155 in McClelland’s Addition to the Town of Winamac. The town attorney suggested that the only remedy available to those aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals is to petition the Pulaski Circuit Court for a review of the decision by certiorari, citing Burns 53-783 and 53-784; and that it is his opinion that the Board of Trustees has no authority to overrule the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals. After due discussion, the Board of Trustees instructed the town attorney to advise Edward and Edna Crabill, for themselves and the other persons named in their petition, of the procedure available for review of the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1963, July 1: Discussion of Alternate Site
John Kelly, Chamber of Commerce President, Lamoin Nice, James Freeman, and Burl Bonnell from the school board, and Harry DePoy, Martin Barco, Henry Colgrove and John Stombaugh from the swimming pool committee, were present to discuss the site for the pool. As a second site it was suggested that the High School try to purchase land. These two sites were given lengthy discussion.
John Haschel and Kenneth Poor were present for the discussion on the pool.
Pulaski County Journal 1963, July 11: Funds for Pool To Be Sought in Phone Campaign
A telephone solicitation to raise funds for the Winamac community swimming pool is to be made later this month, it is announced by President John Kelly of the Chamber of Commerce.
Construction of the pool, to be located on North Market street, is now under way, and it is hoped that sufficient funds will be raised by the call campaign to assure completion of the project. Nearly $15,000 has so far been contributed toward its cost.
William Shepherd is chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s fund raising committee and is arranging for the new solicitation endeavor.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1963, July 29: Budget Discussion
Items of the budget concerning the swimming pool were considered and decisions made upon the amount necessary to be budgeted.
Pulaski County Journal 1963, August 1: Youngsters Anxious to Keep Tab on Work at Pool
“What would you guess is the No. 1 problem of the contractor building the new swimming pool?” asked Richard Dilts during a talk before the Kiwanis club Tuesday noon.
The answer: “Kids.”
He went on to explain that youngsters living in the north part of town are so interested in the work now going on that several of them get on the nerves of men operating a bulldozer and other heavy equipment. He quoted the contractor, Harry DePoy, as stating that he took some of the offending children home, only to have them return and again get in the way. The contractor then locked the kids in his car and kept them there until quitting time.
The club’s program period was used by Mr. Dilts in recounting graphically the history of swimming pool activities, speaking as an official of the Chamber of Commerce.
Records were cited showing steps taken toward a swimming pool as long as eleven years ago, and cash contributions made at that time. There were details to be worked out with the state board of health, along with efforts to locate a desirable site. Then came the offer by Fred Reinhart to donate to the town a half block near his home, between North Market and Monticello streets; the action of the zoning board in approving the site, and the co-operation given by members of the town board and continuation of its original agreement to erect a bathhouse.
Contractor DePoy now has the concrete work pretty well along, and the state board has approved plans and filtering system. Mr. Dilts added that there are still financial problems to be solved, but committee members are positive that these can be taken care of.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, January 9: New Attorney Named
Harold Staffeldt was appointed town attorney. He succeeds Lester L. Wilson, who has held the position for sixteen years.
Editor’s Note: This appointment becomes important, as Mr. Staffeldt found issue with the deed, something that Mr. Wilson had overlooked. At issue was this statement: “This conveyance is made to provide the grantee with land for public health, education, and recreation purposes only and may not be resold or used for any other purposes, subject to reversion to the grantor.” In Mr. Staffeldt’s opinion, this statement would not allow the Town to take clear title of the property. His opinion was substantiated by a title insurance company.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, February 3: Committee Established
Dick Gearhart and Charles McKinley were placed on a committee to check on the swimming pool inspection and operation.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, April 6: Lengthy Discussion
There was lengthy discussion on the swimming pool. The Board is going to meet with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the pool.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, April 21: Continued Discussion
Mr. Charles Cashman, from Clyde E. Williams & Associates, was present to report his findings on the swimming pool.
A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce was present to discuss the swimming pool with the board.
The Town Board decided to purchase the paint for the pool. The Chamber of Commerce will be in charge of the painting of the pool.
Letter from Chamber to Winamac Town Board 1964, April 22: The “Considerations”
Richard L. Dilts, Secretary to the Winamac Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter to Fred C. Russell, President of the Winamac Town Board.
Enclosed herewith find a water tap statement for Norman J. Reinhart. This water tap was required in order to put a bathroom in Mr. Reinhart’s house, which was part of the requirements in order to get title to the six lots on which the swimming pool is constructed.
May we request that this statement for a water tap be waived since it will fall to the Chamber of Commerce for payment. If we make payment of the $50.00, we will then have that much less money with which to finish the pool. We hope that this request can be honored. If it is not a proper request, please advise and we will make payment promptly.
DECISION: The Council determined that Mr. Reinhart would not have to pay for the water tap for a period of three years.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, April 23: Plans Being Made for Operation of Swimming Pool
With construction of the community swimming pool in Winamac nearly complete, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce met with the town board at a special meeting Tuesday to consider matters pertaining to the recreational facility.
The pool is being built by the Chamber of Commerce with funds being raised by public contributions and will be turned over to the town for operation. A bathhouse will be constructed by the town, and members of the town board are to meet next Tuesday with officials of the State Board of Health on this phase of the project.
As to when the pool may be opened will depend on the outcome of the meeting with the state health officers.
Approval of the pool has been granted by an engineering firm, Clyde Williams & Associates of South Bend, which was engaged by the town to inspect the construction. A representative of the firm met Tuesday with the board.
The Chamber of Commerce plans to resume in the near future its financial campaign to raise funds for the construction of the pool. William Shepherd is to be chairman of the drive. Dr. M. T. Barco is chairman of the swimming pool committee.
Nearly $20,000 will be needed to complete the construction undertaken by the Chamber of Commerce and to pay off an indebtedness incurred in the work that has been completed, it is reported.
Approximately $13,000 has previously been contributed to the fund or raised through various community projects. Total cost of the pool is estimated to be about $33,500. The bathhouse will be financed by the town with funds included in the current budget.
Construction of the pool was begun last summer following groundbreaking ceremonies on July 4th. Harry DePoy of Winamac has been the general contractor on the project. The pool is located on North Market Street.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, May 4: Chamber Invites Board Member to Kiwanis Dinner for Discussion
Dr. Barco was present to invite the Board members and the Town Clerk to be present at the Kiwanis dinner the next day (Tuesday) and to participate in a discussion of Town Affirs [affairs?] as part of their program for the meeting. The Board accepted the invitation.
The swimming pool and some of the regulations relative to the bathhouse construction were discussed. The Board decided to meet again on Wednesday evening May 6th to study further the plans for the bathhouse and decide upon some changes in the present plan, which have been recommended.
The Board voted by three yeas [three yea or aye votes] that Norman Reinhart need not be charged and pay for a water tap.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, May 6: Continued Discussion
The Board of Trustees of the incorporated Town of Winamac, Indiana, met in special session at 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of further discussion and planning for the bathhouse for the swimming pool.
… Owen Hoover was present to discuss and help make up specs on the swimming pool bathhouse. He is to make a drawing and give it to the Town Clerk to be taken to the State Board of Health, at Indianapolis, Indiana, for approval as soon as possible.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, May 7: Town Council Plans Bathhouse
Plans for a bathhouse to be constructed in connection with the community swimming pool have been under consideration this week by the Winamac town board. A special meeting on the project was held last night following discussion on the matter Monday at the board’s regular May meeting.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, June 1: Supervisor Named, Bathhouse Discussed
The Board requested that Jack Heath and the Town Clerk get information about the operation of other Municipal pools, and report to the Board. … Motion was made by Gearhart, seconded by McKinley and carried to pay Jack Heath $100 a week to be in charge of the swimming pool, starting the first of June.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, June 4: Town Council Names Swimming Pool Supervisor
John Heath has been named by the Winamac town board to be in charge of the community swimming pool on North Market street. An instructor in the local high school, Mr. Heath assumed his work at the pool on Monday.
Although the pool is nearing completion, no date has been set for its opening, it is stated by Town Clerk Allen Boos. Among the work yet to be done before the pool can open is the extension of a 3-phase electrical circuit for the operation of filtering equipment.
Bids for the bathhouse are to be considered by the board at a special meeting next Tuesday evening. While the pool was built with funds raised by the Winamac Chamber of Commerce, the town is to construct the bathhouse and will have charge of the operation of the recreational facility.
NOTE: The following description of Mr. Heath was found with his photo in the 1965 Winamac Totem. John Robert Heath: Track Coach, Freshman Basketball Coach, Drivers’ Education, Health & Safety, Boys’ Physical Education. B.A. Education at Arizona State University. PERIOD SERVED: Per Town Council minutes dated February 23, 1970, Jack Heath resigned this position after having served six years.
Chamber of Commerce 1964, June 4: Two Certificates of Resolution
On June 4, Richard Dilts, Secretary, Winamac Chamber of Commerce, prepared two Certificates of Resolution. The first one (unsigned and unfiled) conveyed the deed covering Lots 150 through 155 in McClelland’s Addition to the Town of Winamac to the Incorporated Town of Winamac.
The second, signed and filed with the Pulaski County Recorder (on July 31, 1964) conveyed the deed covering Lots 150 through 155 in McClelland’s Addition to the Town of Winamac to Norman J Reinhart.
NOTE: It must have been at this time that the issue raised by Mr. Staffeldt was discovered. The Chamber appeared to be ready to cover every base. A ceremony of the signing of the deed was reported in the July 16 edition of the Pulaski County Journal.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, June 9: Opening of Bids for Construction of a Bathhouse
The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Town of Winamac, Indiana, met in special session at 7:30 P.M. for the opening of bids for the construction of a bathhouse at the swimming pool.
All members were present.
Harold Staffeldt, Town Attorney, was present.
Harry DePoy and Glen Floyd, Robert Davis and Howard Manion were present for the opening of the bids.
- Glen Floyd and Harry DePoy – $10,290.00
- Howard Manion and Robert Davis – $8,790.00
Motion was made by Russell Fry, seconded by Charles McKinley, carried by five yeas to accept Howard Manion bid, as it was the lowest.
The Board now endorses their acceptance on such proposal submitted by Manion with the condition that construction will not start until conveyance is made of an indefeasible title to the Town of Winamac.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, June 11: Land Title Postpones Use of New Pool
Water is in the new community swimming pool, a supervisor has been hired to manage the pool, the town board has taken bids for the construction of a bathhouse, and scores of youngsters are anxious to go swimming.
Because of a legal question involving land on which the pool is located, however, plans for its opening and use are suspended following action this week by the Winamac town board.
A deed to the property located on North Monticello [Market] street, conveying it to the town by the Winamac Chamber of Commerce, was rejected by the board because of a qualifying clause which the board felt prevented it from having clear title to the lots.
The Chamber of Commerce obtained the pool site from Jack Reinhart of Winamac and planned, following construction of the pool, to turn the property to the town. The Chamber financed the installation of the pool. The board was to provide the bathhouse and operate the facility.
Because of a clause in the title transferring the property from Mr. Reinhart to the Chamber of Commerce, the board did not accept the subsequent title presented to it by the Chamber of Commerce The clause in question is:
“This conveyance is made to provide the grantee (Chamber of Commerce) with land for public health, education and recreational purposes only, and may not be resold or used for any other purpose, subject to reversion to the grantor (Mr. Reinhart).”
In view of this restriction, Town Attorney Harold Staffeldt advised the board “until the reversionary interest is released, it is my opinion that further acts and proceedings in connection with such real estate should be held in abeyance.”
Efforts to clear the title with Mr. Reinhart so the town will be able to resume its operation of the pool are being made, officials state, but at the present time there is no indication as to when the pool may be opened.
Bids for the bathhouse were considered by the board at a special meeting Tuesday evening. Of two bids received, that submitted by the Manion Construction Co. of Francesville was accepted on condition that construction will not start until conveyance is made of an indefeasible title to the town.
Permission to operate the pool temporarily without a bathhouse was granted by the State Board of Health contingent upon the letting of bids for its construction.
Letter from Thomas Essex, Attorney for the Winamac Chamber of Commerce, to the Chamber 1964, June 18: Report on Conversations in Indianapolis re: Title
Attorney Essex spent considerable time in Indianapolis going from agency to agency to determine a way forward. He reported his progress to the Chamber in this letter.
He met with a gentleman from the State Board of Accounts who indicated that his office would object to the deed restriction, but that it would be wise to contact the office of the Attorney General. The gentleman accompanied Mr. Essex to that office. The Attorney General’s representative “gave some encouragement” about the situation. However, as to the deed restriction, and after further consideration, he also suggested that, if possible, an arrangement for a renewable lease would be proper. That situation, however, might involve the payment of local property taxes. He further suggested that the property should be eligible for title insurance because the restrictions were so broad.
In the event that Mr. Reinhart should agree to cooperate, it was suggested that the Chamber convey to him that he eliminate the restriction and then convey the deed to the town, perhaps using another provision, for example, “so long as used for public purposes.”
The representative from the office of the Attorney General stated he would be able to give an opinion to the town board, but a request for such an opinion would have to come from the town attorney.
Mr. Essex stated that at the completion of those meetings, he visited the State Board of Health, where they discussed some necessary tree removal. The State Board of Health did not have all the information needed in regard to the removal, and Mr. Essex did not want to approach Mr. Reinhart about this issue until he had a definitive answer.
Mr. Essex reiterated to the Chamber that through all of his meetings, it was clear that the Town of Winamac could operate the pool on leased property, although the lease would have to be limited on a one-year-at-a-time basis. The town would be able to sublease the property to someone else to operate the pool.
Mr. Essex made it clear that he was not attempting to dispute anything said by Mr. Staffeldt; he was only “hunting facts and law” in order to give “more exact answers.”
He stated that the Attorney General’s office noted that Mr. Reinhart is most likely not going to “do more,” because he has already done what he agreed to do. He made a warranty deed where the contract called for a quit claim, and he gave it “before he accepted the work done in exchange, as called for by the contract.” Mr. Essex noted that Mr. Reinhart has taken offense to installation of electric lines at the south edge of the playground [NOTE: this must be the playground on his property established for neighborhood children], at the removal of trees, and “other things.” Mr. Essex stated he “tried to find a way to protect the town so as to make it possible to proceed.”
Other issues were noted. There were questions about an appropriation made before the letting of bids on the bathhouse. There was an issue of cracks in the concrete, an issue that Mr. Essex noted the Chamber had thought settled.
He mentioned legal precedent and noted that he would “continue to assist, if asked, insofar as the rights of Mr. Reinhart are respected.” He further stated that he thought if Mr. Reinhart is “properly appreciated, we can get him to make a will to the town of his other lands. Considering everything, that would be worth working for.”
NOTE: This writer tracked down the possibility that Mr. Reinhart had willed the rest of his property to the Town of Winamac. Now known as Reinhart Park, the story of how it came to the town is told later in this piece.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, June 18: Swimming Pool Legal Difficulties Still Unresolved
When the Winamac Community swimming pool will be opened for public use remains an unanswered question this week, as efforts are continuing to resolve legal matters pertaining to transfer of land on which the pool is located.
Plans had been made between the local town board and the Chamber of Commerce for the town to assume operation of the pool when it was completed. Because of a restrictive clause in the title of the property, however, the board felt unable to accept the transfer from the Chamber of Commerce. The town’s action was substantiated this week by a title insurance company which deemed the restriction as unacceptable for title insurance purposes. The clause involved the transfer of the property by Jack Reinhart, N. Market Street, to the Chamber.
Although operation of the pool by the Chamber of Commerce is being considered, President Wilbur Hippensteel stated this morning that there is nothing definite on this possibility.
In the meantime, temporary electrical service has been run to the pool so that the filtering system may be tested.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, June 25: Pool Open
The Winamac community swimming pool located on North Market street is being opened today (Thursday) under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, it was announced by Chamber of Commerce president Wilbur Hippensteel, this morning following a meeting of the organization’s officers and board of directors.
The pool will be open daily, including Sunday, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. and from 5:30 until dark. Admission will be 20 cents for children through high school and 35 cents for adults and teenagers not in school.
John Heath, Winamac high school teacher, will be in charge of the operation of the pool. Lifeguards will be Karla Lincoln, Dale DePoy, Jeanne Gross, Bonnie Cookerly, Harry DePoy, Jim Brown, Tom Behny and Don Holmes.
In addition to public usage of the pool, it will be available for use by school classes as a part of their physical training programs during morning hours.
As construction of a bathhouse is pending, pool users are advised to come to the pool dressed for swimming, and preferably to shower before and after pool usage, Mr. Heath stated. Rest room facilities at the pool site have been installed.
The Chamber of Commerce plans to operate the pool temporarily until it can be taken over by the town of Winamac as a part of the town’s recreational facilities. A legal question involving the title to the property on which the pool is located has delayed the transfer of the real estate from the Chamber of Commerce to the town.
Certificate of Occupancy 1964, June 26: Complies with Zoning Ordinance
The Town of Winamac certified that the lots – 150 through 155 in McClelland’s Addition – comply with the Zoning Ordinance.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, July 6: Chamber of Commerce Attorney Essex Discusses Title
Swimming pool bills were held until next month.
Thomas Essex was present to discuss the title to the swimming pool. Mr. Reinhart wants to have a dedication of the property Saturday afternoon, July 11, 1964. This will be worked out between the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Board. Any publication of this is to be put in the paper by Mr. Reinhart.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, July 9: New Swimming Pool is Cooling Attraction
A crowd of youngsters was waiting to get into the new Winamac swimming pool last Thursday afternoon, and this photo was taken fifteen minutes after the gates were opened for the first time. Over the weekend, the pool was the most popular place in town, and hundreds of children and adults went in.
In the above picture, the photographer, John Stombaugh, is looking toward the northeast corner of the pool. The high diving board is in the upper left of the picture. The pool is operated by the Winamac Chamber of Commerce for the present. Plans are that if title difficulties can be cleared up the pool will be turned over to the town, and a bathhouse constructed. Rest room facilities have been installed at the site, however.
The pool is open daily from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m., and from 5:30 until dark, and lifeguards are on duty.
John Heath, who is in charge for the Chamber of Commerce, lists these rules: Girls should wear swimming caps in the water; non-swimmers, particularly, are cautioned in the use of the diving board; it is urged that the “buddy system” be used, whereby each swimmer has a partner to watch for each other; there is to be no smoking inside the pool area.
The attendance peak was reached Sunday, when 475 persons went in the pool. Proceeds on that day came to $118.
Two Warranty Deeds 1964, July 11: Chamber to Reinhart; Reinhart to Town
On July 11, recorded in Pulaski County on July 31, the Chamber of Commerce returned title to the lots to Mr. Reinhart. Mr. Reinhart then conveyed title to the town.
Letter from Thomas Essex to Jack Reinhart 1964, July 14: Personal Thanks Conveyed
I want to express my personal thanks to you for your kindness to all concerned in the matter of the swimming pool, which I hope is the beginning of a park which will serve that part of town for many years to come.
For the next week or so, I will be out of town on various matters, but after returning I would sincerely appreciate the honor of your company at a dinner, when perhaps you and I can look back over the general situation and see whether everything has worked out well.
I’ll stop around to see you sometime next week.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, July 16: Town Accepts Swim Pool at Ceremony
In a public ceremony Saturday afternoon, the site of the community swimming pool was conveyed to the Town of Winamac, making it possible for the town to assume operation of the pool and to continue with plans for the construction of a bathhouse.
As a part of the ceremony, Jack Reinhart, from whom the land for the pool was obtained, signed a deed turning the property over to the town. The action resolved a legal question concerning the transfer of the property from the Winamac Chamber of Commerce to the town. The Chamber of Commerce financed the construction of the pool and had operated it for two weeks prior to the transfer Saturday.
Mr. Reinhart was the principal speaker during the hour long, pool side program. In his remarks he expressed his interest in children and stressed the need to provide them with healthful recreational facilities so that they may be better able “to take care of themselves in society.”
He urged parental co-operation in directing children to be useful, Christian citizens, and suggested that children be taught “to do things that need to be done.”
Also taking part in the program were Fred Russell, president of the town board; Wilbur Hippensteel, president of the Chamber of Commerce; Thomas Essex, who also served as master of ceremonies; Charles Arens, Russell Dilts, Frances Rausch, Jack Heath, Robert Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Shellhart, Mrs. Donna Hunter, Mrs. Martha Shearer. A number of youngsters also expressed their appreciation for the pool. A tribute to the late Lewis Salla for his work and contributions toward a pool was paid by John Stombaugh. The comments were tape recorded by William Doty.
The town took over operation of the pool Monday, and Board President Russell stated that work on the bathhouse will start “just as soon as possible.” A combination bid of nearly $15,000 for the structure was let last month to the Manion Construction Co. of Francesville and Davis Plumbing, Winamac.
Use of the pool this summer marks the climax of a twelve year project by the Chamber of Commerce for a pool here. The $30,000 cost of construction is being met by private contributions.
The pool was begun last fall after a site for it was made available by Mr. Reinhart. A number of locations had previously been considered but were not deemed feasible. In addition to the pool site, Mr. Reinhart has also provided a playground area across from the pool for several years for children of the neighborhood.
Pulaski County Journal 1964, July 16: Signs Swimming Pool Deed
Officials and swimmers gather around as signatures are being affixed to documents which convey the swimming pool to the town, at ceremonies held Saturday afternoon at the pool.
Signing is Wilbur Hippensteel, Chamber of Commerce president, which organization raised most of the money for pool construction. Standing behind him on the left is Jack Reinhart, who made the land on which the pool is located available to the Chamber of Commerce. On the right is Fred Russell, town board president.
Surrounding them are only a few of the horde of youngsters who quit swimming long enough to witness the formalities. (Photo by John Stombaugh.)
Letter from Thomas Essex to Jack Reinhart 1964, July 30: Personal Thanks Conveyed
I have suffered considerably from the heat recently and have been out of the office most of the time for a week. Knowing, also, that Mr. Berkey is quite busy lately, I have been unable to get together with him and fix a time to confer as you requested. When we can get a time worked out, I’ll let you know.
As to the subject of your letter, I am not clear. It would appear that someone has questioned your good faith and whether you have done what you agreed to do. As to that area, I support you fully, and I am pleased that the town has been able to benefit from your generosity.
Letter from First Union Bank and Trust Company to the Chamber of Commerce 1964, August 27: Note Overdue
Contained in the file discovered in 2025 was a letter from the bank to the Chamber in regard to an overdue note in the amount of $17,000. A handwritten note from R.L. Dilts stated “Note Returned to Bank 8/28/64.”
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, October 5: Funds Needed for Pool
In a Notice to Taxpayers of Additional Appropriations was found an item needing an additional appropriation outside of budget: Swimming Pool Construction: $8,294.81.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1964, November 2: Funds Needed for Pool
The additional appropriate passed in the amount requested.
NOTE: The additional funds advertised by the Town were said to be for swimming pool construction, not bathhouse construction. We can only surmise that the Chamber struggled to reach the goal needed for the pool’s construction and the Town stepped in to help, at least to some degree. Information was not found on this matter. Town minutes did not reflect discussion, and this writer did not find references in the local paper. This will be research for another time. Maybe.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1965, August 2: Mr. Reinhart Has Requests
Mr. Norman Reinhart was present to discuss several things before the Board. Among the things that he mentioned was the traffic speeding and traffic congestion on North Market St. near the pool; protection for the young shade trees on his ground; another light not shaded by large shade trees; wants the blacktop street protected on the edges by some stone and also discussed the deed to the swimming pool.
It was decided to protect the trees and to protect the streets with some stone along the edges. North Market and also Superior Street.
NOTE: there was no mention of the topic of discussion regarding the deed.
Reinhart Park
Eventually, the half block across the street from the site of the swimming pool came to the possession of the Town of Winamac. Now known as Reinhart Park, additional research was conducted to learn its roots.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1976, June 7: Reinhart Offers Land For Sale
Dick McKinley was present to discuss the sale of the Norman Rhinehart [sic] property to the Town for use as a Recreational Area. This property is located across the street from the swimming pool. A motion was made by Knebel, seconded by Eudy, and carried by all to start procedure on purchasing this land at the price of $20,000. The Board will advertise to spend Revenue Sharing Money.
NOTE: The spelling of Reinhart found in these minutes may be the origin of the misspelling of the name for the Skate Park. Even with a cornerstone at the park, the Skate Park builders advertised the location as “Rhinehart Park.”
Pulaski County Journal 1976, June 9: Lots Purchased For Playground
The Town Board Monday night voted unanimously to purchase six lots of land across from the swimming pool at a cost of $20,000 for future development of a playground.
However, it may be as long as three years before the playground is completed, said Board President Don Bohm.
The money for the purchase of the lots will come from revenue-sharing funds. Since the red-tape procedure of obtaining the money could take awhile, realtor Richard McKinley agreed to accept a nominal amount to hold the land for the city.
“I want to see the town get this because it’s a good thing for the city,” McKinley said.
The board agreed to sign a contract contingent to purchase of the land if the money is available.
“The playground will not be immediate,” Bohm said. “There are a lot of things we’ve got to get into before it’s finished. We have to come up with the money now just to buy the land. It will take years to get money to equip it.”
NOTE: Not found in the Town Minutes or the Journal was mention of a life estate which would have allowed Mr. Reinhart to live on the property until he died. A search for the deed would tell the tale, but that is research for another day. The address of the only house that was on the property – 928 North Market Street – was the address in his obituary in 1981.
Town Board of Trustees Minutes 1976, July 5: Town Proceeds With Purchase
There were no taxpayers present to complain about the spending of $20,000.00 of Revenue Sharing money for the purchase of the land on North Market Street for recreational purposes. Since no taxpayers were present to be heard, the President called for a motion, made by Ash, seconded by Zellers, and carried by all; no opposed, so passed the aforementioned appropriation out of Revenue Sharing.
Norman “Jack” Reinhart
July 24, 1897 – February 5, 1981
This writer has a disgusting habit of following stories down whatever rabbit holes may be in the vicinity. I wanted to learn more about the man that made the swimming pool possible.
Veteran of WWI
Norman Jack Reinhart was born in Star City. He was a veteran of the Great War (World War I) but was not listed in the Pulaski County register of servicemen, not in Pulaski County records and not in the State of Indiana’s records of servicemen by county.
His service record could not be found in the online Indiana World War I Service Record Cards, but the enlistment Master Index Card was found. Per that record, he lived at 928 North Market Street, Winamac, when he enlisted on December 4, 1917. The address would have been on the north end of the current Reinhart Park, across the street from the current Community Wellness Center and the former swimming pool. And, according to his obituary, he lived at this address on the date of his death.
The index card from U.S. Veterans Affairs uses words instead of code, and we learn that he enlisted in the Navy. This writer was unable to find any service records – where he might have served, what ship he may have been posted to, what rank he might have attained, whether he served overseas – but we know he was discharged on September 10, 1919.
We learn his place of birth (Star City) from draft records recorded in Chicago during WWII. According to his draft card, men born on or after February 17, 1897, were required to register. He met the requirement by five months; he was 44 years old. He registered for the draft but was not called to serve.
Ownership of the Land that Eventually Came to the Town of Winamac
Extrapolating from the military information, the birth records of some of his many siblings, and census records, it appears the Henry and Alice Ross Reinhart family lived near Star City until some time in the early 1900s. Their address was actually in Monroe Township, and they owned their home.
At some point in the early 1900s, the family moved to Winamac. According to the 1920 census, the Henry Reinhart family lived in a home on Hathaway Street, no street address given. Hathaway Street is the first street to the west of what would become the swimming pool location. It was stated that they owned their home. It is possible the census records were mistaken, as we know their son, Norman Jack, lived at 928 North Market Street in 1917.
By the 1940 census, the Henry Reinhart family address was 100 North Market. This is the 928 North Market Street location. That address was located on lot 100 of McClelland’s Addition to the Town of Winamac. Per the census, they rented – did not own – their home. Again, the census records could be incorrect.
And Where Was Jack?
Per the 1930 census, Norman Jack Reinhart lived on West 61st Street in Chicago – a rental – and he was married. He was also employed by Commonwealth Edison. By the 1940 census, he was single, and he lived in a rental home on Drake Avenue in Chicago.
Per information from Frain Mortuary, Norman Jack Reinhart returned to Winamac in 1957. Apparently, some time between the 1940 census (his father, Henry, died in 1940) and 1957, the family – and then Norman – came to own at least the two half blocks that were deeded to the Town, either by donation or sale.
Family Tree
Those who were familiar with the tiny house on North Market Street will be surprised to know how many children may have lived there. Norman was one of 13 children.
Norman Jack Reinhart After WWII
According to his obituary, Mr. Reinhart retired from Commonwealth Edison Co. in Chicago. His mother passed away and is buried in a suburb of Chicago, and it appears many of his siblings ended up in that area as well. It’s possible they moved there following the death of their father, Henry, in 1940.
No one with whom this writer spoke was aware of a wife or children. They thought of him as a recluse, an odd and lonely man. Digging into the records, however, we learned that he was married and that he had four children: three sons and a daughter. Not one followed him to Winamac. Not one died or is buried here. They were not mentioned in his obituary. At least three of the children followed their mother to Arizona.
Per records from Frain Mortuary, Mr. Reinhart had been a resident of the Winamac Nursing home from December 19, 1980, until the date of his death in 1891. He had been in failing health for “several years.” Also, per Frain’s information, he moved back to Winamac in 1957, having retired after 29 years from Commonwealth Edison. Winamac locals believed he had been an engineer.
While the obituary did not mention children, Frain listed all four in their records, as well as 14 grandchildren. One brother was listed as living: Robert Reinhart, from Lake Park, Florida. Two memberships were noted: Winamac Presbyterian Church and North West Lodge #8 of I.O.O.F. in Chicago.
Mr. Reinhart’s Legacy to the Town of Winamac
Mr. Reinhart may have been land-rich, but apparently he was not a man of means. The property gifted for the swimming pool was sold to the Chamber of Commerce for $1.00 and “valuable considerations.” He wanted the Chamber to pay for a water tap so that he could install plumbing (and a bathroom) in his home. The Chamber asked the town to assist in keeping this agreement. The town agreed to waive the fees for the water tap on May 4, 1964; the waiver was granted for a period of three years.
Per an article in the Pulaski County Journal, Mr. Reinhart provided a playground area near his house for the children of the neighborhood.
Thirteen years after giving the land away for the pool, in 1976, he sold the rest of his land – another half block – for $20,000. That land, purchased by the Town of Winamac, is now Reinhart Park. This writer did not find evidence of a life estate, which would have allowed him to live there until his death. However, Town discussions noted that development of the park would take some years. It’s possible they started on the south side, not taking over the rundown little house until the end.
Personal Reflections
COURTNEY POOR grew up on the north side of town.
You might recall a newspaper account in which Richard Dilts, speaking to the Kiwanis Club, said that the biggest problem for the pool’s contractor was the northside kids who were interested in the project. Courtney insists that he was not one of those kids. When asked if he was, perhaps, one of the kids locked in the contractor’s car, he said he had never heard about that happening. We’ll choose to believe him.
Of Mr. Reinhart, he said, “Neighborhood kids were scared of him; our parents told us to never go with him into his house alone with him. I went in one time with some buddies; all I remember is that he had interesting items such as a rattlesnake skull.
“Put all of that aside. He liked kids, especially baseball players. He built a ball field for the neighborhood kids, including a backstop with fencing on the back to stop foul balls from going into his yard. He told us to stay out of his yard, because he had geese who would bite us if a ball went into his yard over his backstop. He was correct, and that old gander was fast! Usually, one of us would jump the fence away from the ball and draw the goose’s attention while another would get the ball back. Be too slow, and you went home with a welt on your leg from that goose’s bite! Ouch!
“For the July 4 town parade, he gathered the north end kids and their bicycles. One year, he provided crepe paper and playing cards held into place with clothes pins on the spokes. Jack led us in the parade on his bike, all wrapped with different colored crepe paper. It sounded like a motorcycle gang! Too bad, it rained that day, and we all went home with stained clothes from the paper that ran onto our hands and legs!
“My memory is that he was not a big man, about as tall as a 10-12 year old boy. He had a temper but never swore at us. He would give us water if we played ball on hot summer days.
“He may have been odd, but he was our friend.”
Of the swimming pool, Courtney said, “Three of us “north end kids” – Mike Hudson, Jeff Copeland, and me, were lined up to see who would be the first one in the pool! We paid our money (maybe 25 cents?), were told to shower, walk through the foot bath solution, and WALK (no running) and jump in! I swear I would have been the first one in the pool, but Jeff grabbed one arm, Mike grabbed the other, and they pulled me backwards so they could jump in first. I think Mike was first, Jeff second, and I was third! 12 – 13 year old boys; we were in love with all the lifeguards!
“Great times spent there!”
ALVIN & RANA PARISH were members of the Presbyterian Church (Mr. Reinhart’s obituary noted he was also a member), and Alvin was on the Town Council when the land that became Reinhart Park was purchased. Rana said, “I don’t remember him attending our old church on Jefferson Street, but he may have attended off and on. I just don’t remember seeing him. I would have been in grade school at that time, so probably didn’t pay much attention to who was there. Alvin was very familiar with the church records book over the past 20 years, and he does not remember ever seeing his name. Quite possibly they were in the older church records that the Presbytery has. I’m surprised he was buried in the Catholic cemetery.
“I remember where his house was, close to the north end of the skate park block. It was small (it seemed unpainted) and very overgrown with brush. I think he enjoyed being around kids. He was a small man and rode his bicycle everywhere. I know he donated land for the pool and the ‘north end park.’ He was a simple person that you would think didn’t have any money.”
MIKE SCHULTZ, who grew up in the Star City area, was a teenager when the pool was built. When asked about Mr. Reinhart, he said, “Wasn’t he the one that rode his bike everywhere? He’d take the kids on their bicycles in the parades, decorated with all kinds of things.”
JIM BERKSHIRE grew up in Star City and spent time as a youth at the pool. Now, his house in on the east half of the block that houses Reinhart Park. He said, “That area [where the house was] was still woods when I graduated from high school. The house was little. Kids used to say that he had money buried in those woods around the house. You’d see them out with metal detectors, looking for it. I remember thinking for the longest time that no one lived there, and then one day he came walking out of the house.”
PATSY BENNETT grew up on the north side. Like Courtney, she remembers the geese. She said he also had baby racoons in cages. The house was “very small,” and “the kids really liked him.” She also said, “The rumor was that he had been an engineer.”
Fifty Years Later
This article is about the beginning of the pool, not the years that it was in use, and not the end. However, I would be remiss if I did not include a calendar that counted down the death knell. The hard work by the group trying to resurrect the pool is also not detailed here. That is a story for another day.
From PulaskiPost.com, September 10, 2013
No pool? or New pool? That is the question under consideration by the Winamac Town Council regarding the 50-year-old municipal swimming pool which is beyond repair.
From PulaskiPost.com, June 24, 2015
The 50-year-old community swimming pool was closed last year by the town council because it needed extensive and expensive repairs, or replacement. Owned by the town, summer operations of the pool had been contracted to the YMCA for its last 13 seasons.
The pool was constructed in 1963 and opened in 1964. Many local children learned to swim there, and thousands spent their summer days and evenings at the town pool over five decades. On hot summer days, the pool often averaged nearly 200 visitors. But subsequent town boards/councils apparently failed to maintain a fund for eventual major repairs and/or replacement of the pool.
Without the town pool, Winamac residents have no public swimming facility. Winamac Community High School has no swimming pool, but West Central High School on the west side of the county does.
From PulaskiPost.com, October 6, 2017
The future of the Winamac Pool Project is unclear this week following actions by the Winamac Town Council and the Parks & Recreation Board. And if the project doesn’t go forward, what happens to the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for the project?
From PulaskiPost.com, June 12, 2018
The Winamac Town Council voted 3-2 Monday to not renew its support for the proposed community pool, and by the same margin voted to not raise the subject of the pool again.
