When my family moved to Keokuk in June, 1962 the Rand Park Wading Pool was on its last legs. Built in 1933, its value was diminished by 30 years of use and eclipsed by the newly constructed Municipal Swimming Pool on Plank Road.In June of 1933, during the depths of the Depression, the Keokuk Post of the American Legion Auxiliary and other Keokuk organizations headed up its construction. Built of reinforced concrete and measuring 60 X 40 feet, it called for a statue/fountain in the middle with four concrete abutments surrounding the pool to hold lights. One alternate site considered was the 'bear lake' area near the old Zoo at 17th and Orleans Avenue. The east site chosen provided more convenient access to water and sewer lines.
A Daily Gate City article dated 9/7/33 indicates the fountain 'is of a light gray Ohio pottery from the nationally known S.A. Weller Pottery Co. of Zanesville, Ohio, and consists of a round base upon which rests a beautiful column supporting the wide fat bird-bath basin, in the middle of which stands a statue of a small boy holding in his arms a goose with outstretched neck, the statuary flanked by four fish apparently standing upon their tails. When the water is turned on, streams gush from the mouths of the four fish and from a central vent between the boy and the goose, presenting a beautiful spray which falls into the bird-bath tray, then spills itself into the pool proper'.
Ms. Hawkins of Keokuk remembered 'the Rand Park Wading Pool was right across the street from my Aunt and Uncle's home on North 17th Street. We would visit Aunt Lorena and Uncle Henry but my parents would not let us cross the street and join other kids splashing in the pool because of their fear of Polio.' Few today realize the real fear of the yearly polio outbreaks that occurred until its eradication in the late 50s and early 60s. By 1962, the statue and lights were gone. There was still a small spray fountain in the middle.
NOTES: The statue and lights may have never been installed.
