A Bowling Alley and a Swimming Pool

A Bowling Alley and a Swimming Pool. . , "Sometimes we were like sardines!" , Eugenia Becks Taylor, pool lifeguard and swim instructor, Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Montgomery Hall Park Committee, a generous bequest, and a twist of history, Staunton's African American park featured two special amenities, a swimming pool and a bowling alley, which made the park one of the leading African American recreational facilities in Virginia., Bowling Alley, Although Montgomery Hall Park never approached the grandeur of the whites only Gypsy Hill Park, it did have several unique amenities, including a year-round bowling alley. A holdover from the estate's days as a home for Staunton's elite, the alley became a source of fun and pride for the community. The park committee placed the operation of the facility in the capable hands of Staunton dentist Dr. John Chiles who poured his heart and soul into refurbishing the building, learning about the sport, and operating a profitable enterprise. After attending an out-of-town training about the operation of the business, he proudly reported to the park committee that theirs was the only "Negro owned alley in the state.", Swimming Pool, When Montgomery Hall Park opened in 1947, the lack of a swimming pool was the most glaring difference between it and Gypsy Hill. That situation was soon rectified through a generous bequest from Elizabeth Catlett, member of a White family who left $10,000 to the African American community. The pool was in use and dedicated during the summer of 1949., Making a Splash, To say the pool was a success is an understatement. Eugenia Becks Taylor, one of the first lifeguards and long-time swim instructor, noted that at times young and old alike were packed into the pool "like sardines.", The pool created tremendous increases in visitation and staff workload. Lifeguards, maintenance personnel, and swim instructors were hired, and a bathhouse was constructed in the vicinity of this marker. To swim, adults paid 25 cents a day and children paid 20 cents., (Captions):, Staunton dentist, civic leader, and member of Montgomery Hall Park's committee Dr. John Chiles was put in charge of the bowling alley operations., This photograph of the park's bowling alley was taken in the early 1900s when the mansion house was still a private home., Summer fun at the Montgomery Hall Park pool., Eugenia Becks Taylor in 2017 holding the American Red Cross National Aquatic School certificate that was issued to her on June 30, 1950, upon her completion of a two-week class in Nashville. Although many persons contributed to the pool activities both as volunteers and paid employees, for more than a decade, she became the face of the park pool, running waterfront activities, providing swim lessons, and serving as a lifeguard.