This news article will explain the history behind Terrell Wells Swimming Pool also known as the Terrible Smells Swimming Pool. Yes that Terrible Smells Swimming Pool.
Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was constructed and dug west of Pleasanton Road at the intersection of Ansley Road and Commercial Drive (now West Ansley Street and Commercial Avenue). Terrell Wells Swimming Pool first opened on May 6, 1941. Terrell Wells Inc was the company that owned and operated Terrell Wells Swimming Pool. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0008157100)
H E Strumberg leased the land out to Terrell Wells Swimming Pool for several years on a lease agreement. H E Strumberg incorporated Terrell Wells Swimming Pool as a business with a capital stock of $11,000. (Ref: Bexar County Land Records, Volume 1819, Page 280)
Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was owned by The San Jose Artesian Hot Wells Co. for many years. The pool was constructed out of concrete and had a concrete pool. This was a sulphur spring fed pool walled in all sides. An artesian well also provided water for the pool.
A big rock structure across the street from Hutchins Boulevard served as the changing room and bathing facility. The big rock structure was two-story rock building with palm trees in front. That building was also a bath house at one time.
They had a diving board, a slide, and swings out over the water and a pavilion that had a jukebox. There was also a sandy beach area on one side, a covered swing portico, and deep diving pool. You could rent bathing suits at the pool. Can you imagine renting a bathing suit to go swimming these days? Every person said what they remembered most was the awful smell. Many people referred to Terrell Wells Swimming Pool as “Terrible Smells Swimming Pool”. Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was a place infamously known to locals as Terrible Smells Swimming Pool due to the smell of sulfur in the water. You know that rotten egg smell when you got close to/in the water. There was no mistaking the odor. (Ref: http://www.authorsden.com/categories/story_top.asp?catid=25&id=61088)
The privately owned pool advertised itself to the general public for white people only, claiming to be "San Antonio’s only restricted swimming pool". The owner’s policy was primarily directed at restricting access to Mexican Americans (Hispanics). (Ref: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/brochure-for-terrell-wells-swimming-pool-spotlight-02-28-18)
In the early 20th century, Mexican Americans were officially considered "white" and legally not subject to Jim Crow laws. Discrimination and segregation were common occurrences, but they were difficult to fight through the courts because there were no actual laws being violated. To organize resistance, George I. Sanchez founded the Texas Civil Rights Fund to advance Mexican American civil rights, helping to bring the 1943 law case, Terrell Wells Swimming Pool vs Jacob Rodriguez, before the courts. To test the resolution’s weight, Sanchez, working with attorney M.C. Gonzales, encouraged Jacob I. Rodriguez, M. J. Gonzalez, and Albert Trevino — three Mexican American citizens in San Antonio — to seek admission to the Terrell Wells swimming pool. The privately owned pool advertised itself to the general public as white only, claiming to be "San Antonio’s only restricted swimming pool." On July 10, 1943, the three Mexican American men paid their admission to the pool but were then denied entry. Giving testimony in court, Albert Trevino stated that they were told explicitly that they could not swim there because they were of Mexican descent. (Ref: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/brochure-for-terrell-wells-swimming-pool-spotlight-02-28-18)
M.C. Gonzales filed a case against the Terrell Wells Swimming Pool on the grounds that by excluding the men from the pool they violated HCR 105 and the governor’s "Good Neighbor Policy." After a non-jury trial, the judge agreed and issued an order requiring the pool to admit Mexican Americans. The Court of Civil Appeals could no longer allow the swimming pool to continue to restrict access. (Ref: Cynthia A. Morales, "Good Neighbors, but not all: Rodriguez v. Terrell Wells Swimming Pool")
Terrell Wells Swimming Pool had sold their land to Harlandale ISD (Harlandale Independent School District) in 1957 on a warranty deed. All other surrounding land was sold and deeded Harlandale ISD during that time. Terrell Wells Inc was responsible for selling their land to Harlandale ISD. (Ref: Bexar County Land Records, Volume 3991, Page 396)
Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was shut down on the date of July 30, 1959 and later filled. The pool was no longer in operation by 1960. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0008157100)
The polio scare of the 1950s is what led to the closure and decline of Terrell Wells Swimming Pool. Not so much the Rodriguez v. Terrell Wells Swimming Pool lawsuit. The artesian well was later capped. The once-popular Terrell Wells Swimming Pool is now the site of McCollum High School and Terrell Wells Middle School. (Ref: https://www.mysanantonio.com/sa-obituaries/amp/Career-woman-devoted-to-raising-son-5618971.php)
Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was located at 422 West Hutchins Avenue, San Antonio, Texas, US.
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