Life in Palmerton often centers on community. Sunday was no different, as the community gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Palmerton Pool.

Local families paid tribute to what has become the cornerstone of so many lives.

The event, which lasted 45 minutes, was hosted by the Anniversary Committee of the Palmerton Memorial Park Association Board of Directors, chaired by Gretchen Laviolette, and featured many local dignitaries, the United Veterans Organization and the Palmerton Community Band.

The plan for a community pool was born from the realization in 1940 that the recreational facilities in Palmerton were inadequate.

After much discussion, the Palmerton Memorial Park Association was formed in October of 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the onset of World War II delayed the project.

In 1943, it was designated as a post-war project.

With community donations exceeding $45,000, a gift from the New Jersey Zinc Company of $75,000 and the use of their chief engineer for one year to formulate the designs, the pool was opened in 1947.

A dedication ceremony was held on May 30 of that year as a living tribute to those who served and to those who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.

Many attending Sunday’s program spoke with great fondness of growing up, spending time with friends and family at the pool and how their parents gave them pennies to buy pretzels and licorice sticks. The theme of the speakers centered on family, memories, dedication and commitment.

Current Mayor Don Herrmann and former Mayor Chris Olivia both spoke to the onlookers. Former Mayor Olivia spoke with emotion about his memories of the pool growing up and how his beloved daughter, Kristin, had learned her lifelong love of swimming at the Palmerton Pool and continued to swim globally throughout her life. Kristin Olivia-Fromal passed away nearly 2 years ago from cancer.

Herrmann told the story of moving to Palmerton from Philadelphia in the late ’90s and “hearing from so many about the great Palmerton Pool.” Seeing was believing for the Herrmann family, who have loved the pool from first sight.

Carbon County Judge Steven R. Serfass, the day’s special guest, spoke of the history of the pool, the foresight of the planners and the commitment and stewardship of the board of directors who have throughout the years always kept a look to the future to keep the memories going.

Serfass added, “It is a tribute to all the boards and the commitment of the many volunteers who have assisted with various projects throughout the pool’s history that the pool has been and remains a past, present and future part of Palmerton life.”

Resa Hall, speaking on behalf of state Rep. Doyle Heffley, read a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, honoring the Palmerton Pool for the benefits to the community and the residents of the commonwealth.

Also honored was the Tuthill family, who donated three diving boards to the facility this year.

A ribbon cutting in dedication of the new diving boards was performed by four young pool members.

The United Veterans Organization presented the colors, performed the invocation and the benediction while the Palmerton Band played several selections during the program.

Items available for purchase were a commemorative tote bag, a CD with a digital version of the program, and a hot dog and a birch beer were offered at a special price of 75 cents.

Additionally, a cake with an aerial photograph of the pool and cupcakes were offered at no charge.

Each family attending the tribute received a commemorative pen and a beautifully designed program including photos from throughout the decades, a written history of the pool, and words taken from the original campaign pamphlet that still ring true today: “The Palmerton Pool provides a place for entire families to gather and create lasting memories, a vacation spot right in town where residents can take pride in a community effort and satisfaction in a job well done.”