robinson-trueblood.jpeg
robinson-trueblood.jpeg

The "Robinson Trueblood swimming pool for Negroes" was opened on May 23, 1953. It was the only pool in the City where blacks could swim and train as lifeguards. This pool is still standing and open to all. The Robinson-Trueblood Pool is located at the Lawrence-Gregory Community Center, 1115 Dade Street.

Named for local soldiers Pvt. Eddie Robinson and Cpl. David Trueblood, who were killed in the Korean War.

Any group was allowed to reserve the pool for "community purposes", like baptisms and beauty pageants, as long as it didn't interfere with regular swimming hours.

The pool was dedicated on May 18, 1953. At the dedication, former FAMU Coach Jake Gaither said this pool would be a place to "cement family relationships".

Sources:
- https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/263814
- https://www.newspapers.com/image/244961242/?terms=robinson%20trueblood%20dedication&match=1

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