It began in the early 1960’s as one man’s dream. 
This man, Robert (Bob) Freeman, was active in Anderson’s swimming community via work with the Anderson High School Swim Team and Anderson Country Club. Bob envisioned an Olympic-size pool. Bob worked with both the public at large and private club members. His vision was to combine both worlds; naturally, his dream facility would include swimming, both competitive and recreational, tennis, picnicking, etc. Most importantly, it would have a casual atmosphere that would be affordable for the average income family. The facility would enhance competitive swimming and encourage swimming as a healthy alternative. This swimming facility was not meant to be in competition with the city’s country clubs, as these clubs were well established and served a more formalized purpose in the community. This new facility would simply offer another recreational opportunity to the city. 

Bob first took his idea to three men: L.T. Withers, Marion Withers, and Dan Ferree. All three men were so impressed by the idea that they were immediately involved in the project. L.T. Withers would act as the general contractor.  Marion Withers would assist in legal counsel, and Dan Ferree offered his infectious enthusiasm; all four men set out looking for an enthusiastic promoter who knew not only how to contact prospective members, but also knew how to convey the enthusiasm of the project. An acquaintance of Dan’s by the name of Leonard Church was approached about the position. Leonard was a retired insurance man from Metropolitan Life, and he was well known in the community as a “Promoter”.  Leonard accepted the position.

 In March 1963, it seemed the group of men had found the perfect location for the swim club.

The 1500 block of East Tenth street. The City of Anderson graciously offered to lease the land to the club for $1.00 year, however, it was soon determined that the ground in this area would not support a pool. The men then contacted Helen Davis-Davenport who owned the acreage at 3003 Lindberg Road. Mrs. Davis saw the potential success of the swim club and agreed to sell thirty-four acres to the East Side Dolphin Club. In retrospect, to the club’s location now, the Lindberg address has offered more privacy and acreage for expansion.

 During the next year, there were several hurdles to overcome. With much appreciation for all the work done by Leonard Church, Leonard resigned for other projects in the community. With a commitment in their hearts Bob, L.T., Marion, and Dan continued the “dream”. Many meetings were held at the Armory. In 1965 Marie and Bob Beal became very active in the “dream”.  Various membership drives took place with incentives offered.

 With the land secured and membership interest growing steadily, the next major hurdle was securing financing for the pool construction. Bob and L.T.  approached Gene Yates at First Savings and Loan.  Several meetings were held. With Aqua Gardens within close proximity location of the Lindberg address, could the area support a private and a competitive swim facility?  Bob and L.T. vehemently gave assurance to the loan committee. Finally the Loan Board stamped their approval of a seventeen-year note. Their approval had two conditions: 1. Marion, L.T. Bob, and Dan had to personally quarantee the note. 2. Bob Freeman had to manage the facility for a minimum of five years. With financing secured and each club board member’s personal integrity as well as personal finances at stake, they moved to the next step. As a back-up plan, should the swimming facility fail, they would need a way to pay for the note. L.T. Withers drew lots for a housing development, if needed. The team felt secure.

The next logical step was pool construction for the anticipated May 1966 opening. Bids from several companies were secured, and it was agreed that Midwestern Pools would be awarded the contract.

In the midst of thirty-four acres, several members watched as Arden Lambert, Bob Freeman, and Marion Withers signed the contract to build an Olympic-size swimming pool for the East Side Dolphin Club.

During this time, there were a few changes. Due to other commitments, Dan Ferree stepped down. Thanks to Marie and Bob Beal’s dedicated enthusiasm of the organization, all plunged forward an the dream continued.

Construction began in the fall of 1965. As L.T. acted as the general contractor, Marie and Bob Beal parked their tent-top trailer on the club grounds. This trailer was the office and recruiting center for new memberships. The big pool was poured in what is known as a monolithic pour. Meaning, the pool was poured in one very long day from start to finish, no stops in between, and no seams. On that day, the Dolphin Club received all the concrete available for delivery in Madison County. It took 50 men and a continuous caravan of cement trucks to accomplish this awesome task. When it was time to pour the diving well walls, the men sprayed the cement in order to maintain the slanted grade of the well walls. 

 As the opening date approached, May 1966, paint for the pool and bathhouse was purchased from Behren Paint Spot with Fritz Behren’s not knowing when his store might expect payment for this large order. Bob signed an agreement with Recreation Equipment for pool ladders, diving boards, railings, and other equipment and Recreation Equipment agreed that payment would be made when the club had the money. 

Many members pitched in to paint the bathhouse and the high school swim team painted the outside of the building.  In the final days before opening day, Gene Norris worked long hours installing the lobby floor. Gene meticulously laid tile creating a “D” in the lobby, Gene also did not know when he would be paid for his labor.

Opening day was here! On that Saturday morning the used snack bar equipment caught on fire, but the show went on!  The Mayor of Anderson and the City Council members watched a spectacular diving exhibition by Jim Alexander and Bob Wright in 56-degree water. The team with hearts of a lion, sacrifices, and hard work made this dream come true. 

 The Club’s first years were lean ones. Operating expenses had been carefully calculated, but were nonetheless over budget. Bob Freeman, as manager, and Marie Beal, as office secretary worked for two years without pay in order to keep bills and summer help paid. 

Many special events were planned to attract new members during the first few years. Such as, a Hawaiian Luau, Western  Nights, and overnight parties for the children (for entertainment, Bob showed movies until the wee hours of the morning on a 16mm reel to reel projector).

Originally the club consisted of three pools, a bathhouse, and a snack bar. Outside the fenced area was a place to throw horseshoes. The perimeter fence included only the area that is now a concrete deck. Asphalt basketball and tennis courts followed within a couple of years.  In the mid 70’s, the fence was extended out from the deck to include the current grass areas with picnic tables, shuffle board, volleyball and playground equipment.  The garage, which houses the filtration system and all machinery (we make our own benches and picnic tables), was built in the 70’s. In the mid 80’s, the gazebo and sauna were added.  Property around the Dolphin Club has been purchased, the club now expands to forty-five acres.  Management of the Dolphin Club has been pro active in maintaining and improving the facility. In recent years extensive repairs have been completed.  Because of this, most people marvel that the club is forty years old, but appears much newer.

 The swim team was a major motivation in creating the club, and has shown great value and success to the club and the community over the years. Head swim coaches have included: Bob Freeman, Jack Schearer, Mike Bass, Bill Frick, Ron Watson, Jim Alexander, and Dave Renz.  At a conservative figure of fifty swimmers a year, more than two thousand young people have swum competitively for the Dolphin Club and learned valuable life lessons of health, self discipline, and personal achievement.

The Dolphin Club is a family type club, providing recreation for all individual members or entire families who wish to participate.