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Originally published in the Historic Nantucket, Vol. 44, no. 2 (Summer 1994), p. 34-35

Nantucket's First Swimming Pool Built in 'Sconset
by Clement A. Penrose

Girl on 'Sconset Beach, GPN505

This letter was originally published in the April 1974 issue of
Historic Nantucket. Editor Edouard A. Stackpole wrote the
introduction and the notes that are part of the article.

In a letter written a few years ago by Clement A. Penrose, of Birmingham, Michigan, and 'Sconset, there is a descriptive account of the "Bathing Pavilion" at 'Sconset which contained what was probably the first heated swimming pool on Nantucket. Mr. Penrose, who has been a regular summer resident of 'Sconset since he was a small child, has a considerable knowledge of the milage in the early years of this century, and his Swimming pool and hot salt baths on the 'Sconset beach, account of this antique 'Sconset bathing facility is of interest as a part of Nantucket's history as a summer resort.

To the newer generation of 'Sconseters and Nantucketers as well, it may come as a complete surprise to learn that for a considerable number of years there was a combination series of bath-houses and an enclosed saltwater swimming pool on what was then and still is the 'Sconset Main Beach, or public beach, as it is now known.

In fact, there aren't too many summer visitors still around who remember when it was built in August, 1906, by Albert G. Brock and Roland B. Hussey, the former being a prominent insurance agent on the Island for many years as well as a longtime president of the Pacific National Bank, and the latter editor and publisher of the Inquirer and Mirror from 1887 until 1907, and also at one time president of the Pacific National Bank and first manager of the Siasconset Casino. (Mr. Hussey died April 26, 1923, at the age of 71. Albert G. Brock died Dec. 15,1938, at the age of 76.)

he "Bathing Pavilion," as it was called in perhaps a somewhat "tongue-in-cheek" fashion, consisted of a series of bathhouses and an enclosed saltwater swimming pool, all of which were presided over by a genial man of tremendous size named Everett P. (Doc) Clisby. "Doc" and his wife lived on Shell Street in 'Sconset, where they also ran an eating place and small bakery. I can remember well as a small boy being sent over to bring home some of "Mrs. Clisby's bread." While "Doc" Clisby apparently was no certified medical practitioner, he customarily gave first aid when required, which, seemingly even in those days was a "must" for any professional swimming instructor.

The late James P. Coffin of 'Sconset, during the career of the "Bathing Pavilion," was official lifeguard of the Main Beach, and part of his job was to stand by at the pool during instruction periods with a large hook, with which to catch on to the bathing suits and rescue any pupil of "Doc" Clisby who happened to be in imminent danger of foundering.

As I remember "Doc" Clisby, he was, while strong as a bull and in appearance somewhat on the terrifying side, a quiet, patient man, a good swimmer, and undoubtedly well-fitted for his job. While there must be many others still around who have bathed in the old swimming pool, aside from myself two others come immediately to mind, namely my first cousin, John Gibbs Penrose, and Roland Martindale Coffin.

With the passage of time, the once-popular "Bathing Pavilion" became less well patronized, and had been closed up for some time before the Nantucket Railroad made its final run on Sept. 23, 1917. In 1919, Mr. Brock and Mr. Hussey made arrangements with a contractor, to convert the former "Bathing Pavilion" into a dwelling. The first tenants were Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Williams, Jr. who had previously been spending their summers on the Cape. (Mr. Williams, incidentally, was the pioneer automobile distributor in the State of Massachusetts, having been first with Ford Motor Co. since 1904, and later with Dodge Bros.) Mrs. Williams fell in love with the converted "Bathing Pavilion" at first sight, and after renting it for several years, bought it at auction when it was eventually put up for sale.

Actually, other than summer tenants of the Williams family, the cottage has never been occupied except by Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Williams, Jr., and their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Williams, III, the present occupants and owners.

The basement of "The Buoy," as the cottage has been known ever since it has been occupied by the Williams family, is none other than the old swimming pool, which forms a major portion of the foundations of the cottage, but any salt water therein would be strictly unplanned!

Phil Morris informed me that among his other talents, "Doc" Clisby was a talented artist. I have never, to the best of my knowledge, seen any of his work, but Phil tells me that his sister, who lives in Abington, Pennsylvania, has one of his paintings.

In compiling this information, in addition to Philip Morris, 'Sconset's postmaster for nearly 35 years, I am indebted to Philip A. Williams, III, present occupant and owner of the property, to my cousin, John Gibbs Penrose, to the late Miss Mildred Burgess of 'Sconset, and to the Inquirer and Mirror for their all-important item regarding the building of the original property in August, 1906, which provided the necessary prodding of the memory for not only the needed original information but the later facts and nostalgic reminiscences which constitute this article.

Author's notes: Ernest Coffin of 'Sconset used to haul coal for the steam boiler which was used for heating the pool. The pool itself was constructed by Nathaniel B. Lowell, then the main stone mason on the Island. Phil Morris' sister, Mrs. William M. Sillars of Abington, Pa., has the picture by "Doc" Clisby. Ernest R. Coffin is and has been caretaker of the property ever since it was acquired by the Williams family.

Editor's Note: "The Buoy" is now going overboard as the erosion of 'Sconset's beach continues.