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GSSC History

During construction: May 28, 1959 Looking west. Pool before concrete: May 1959 Same date as above, looking southeast. Pool was poured soon after this. Main buiding: June 1959 Preparations in the deep end: July 1959. Looking east, same date as above. GSSC opened on August 8, 1959.

"The club was formed in November of last year as the result of a suggestion of Mr. Gordon Setterlund who sent a letter to a few of his friends and acquaintances to ascertain their interest in forming a club to build a swimming pool for the enjoyment of the members and their children. Although no site was known to be available and very little definite information was at hand at the first meeting, approximately 80 people living in the Gregory-Seahurst area indicated their desire to help with the project and contributed $5.00 apiece to provide a small fund to cover the necessary expenses of getting the club started. The first officers of the club are:

"The club is incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington as a non-profit corporation and is governed by the before-named Board of Directors and three directors-at-large: Fred G. Folsom, Claude Baker, Wallace J. Reed.

"The first activity of the corporation was to select a Site Committee to search for a suitable location on which the pool could be built. After examining many sites, all of which were unsuitable for one reason or another, the committee was able to make tentatively satisfactory arrangements for a piece of property on the east side of 19th Avenue SW, near the intersection of SW 167th. An application for a Use and Occupancy Permit has been filed with the King County Planning Commission, and the public hearing will be held January 27.

"The club plans to build a pool about 35 feet by 80 feet, suitable for 180 families. Off-street parking will be provided for a minimum of 40 cars and the entire installation will be made in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Health, and the County Planning Commission. Although engineering estimates are not yet complete, it is estimated that membership in the club will cost between $300 and $350 per family...

"At a meeting of the Board of Directors on January 6 it was decided that membership in the club would be offered to the property owners living in the area immediately adjacent to the pool. Initial offers of membership beyond the 80 charter members originally mentioned will be made to owners whose property lies south of SW 165th, north of SW 170th, east of 21st Avenue SW, and west of 16th Avenue SW. This will also include all property fronting on 16th and 21st Avenues SW between 165th and 170th. If insufficient members are obtained from this area, it will be done until a Use and Occupancy Permit has been issued for the property and an earnest money agreement has been signed with the owner.

"If events go forward as currently planned, we expect to have the pool in operation in time for swimming this summer and hope that all the residents of this neighborhood will be able to enjoy this new recreational opportunity.

The property purchase from Grace Freitas at a cost of $10,000 was completed in March of 1959. Seahurst architect Richard Bissell designed the club and estimated the remaining costs at $68,590. Financing was arranged through Washington Mutual Savings Bank. Contractor bidding was completed April 22 and construction began almost immediately. The pool itself was built by Pacific Pools, Inc.; O&W Builders performed all other work. GSSC opened in August, 1959. Two adjoining properties were purchased in the early 1960's to provide space for tennis courts.