DIVE IN: There may be a little chill in the air, but RTS readers
are still remembering the warmth of summers gone by and those old
swimming holes.

John Moffett of Kushequa writes us, “In reading of the old
swimming holes in various creeks (criks) around Bradford, I was
drawn to recall the swimming holes we had around Hazel Hurst in
Marvin Creek while growing up.”

“In hearing the names, I am sure it will stir many memories in a
lot of people.

“We had the Old Beaver Dam just off the old grade when I was
very young, then the Big Dam, the BAB which stood for Bare A__
Beach, the B.A.B. Jr. and the deepest was Fox’s Hole in Marvindale
behind Fox’s Farm which we either hitchhiked to, rode our bikes or
walked the two miles or so.

“As teen-agers, we had the dairy farm on the Kushequa Hill
which, by then, we could drive to. They were all swimming holes,
party places and gathering spots for more than one generation.”

We had a visit from Lester Stuck of Duke Center who could count
off quite a few local swimming holes.

There was one in the High Street, Custer City area, past the tie
yards; one south of the South Bradford crossroads past the old zinc
plant; and one a quarter mile up Rutherford Run. Lester also tells
us there was one not far from the top of Songbird not far from
Marshburg road. There was a particular dirt road to the left where
there was an ice-cold, spring-fed pond.

Some of the fellows who enjoyed these swimming holes and have
known each other since fifth grade still get together about once a
month and have lunch, Lester tells us.

On a different subject, Lester tells us about a Texas hots place
located on the corner of Seaward Avenue and Bolivar Drive (where
the veterinarian is now located). It was run by a Mrs. Cramer and
he thought she was somehow connected to Ma Pete’s. This is a new
one on us. Readers?

WONDERING: Chauncey Kan has a question: “How many gallons of sap
are needed to make a quart of syrup? I believe it is about 35, but
it’s been many years since I tapped a tree.”