100 YEARS AGO

Swimming hole plans

Albany Mayor William S. Hackett and his commissioner of public works were considering the conversion of the old Buttermilk Falls ravine in Lincoln Park into a swimming hole and bathing beach, according to the mayor, who declared the site presented all the natural advantages of location and surroundings. The city administration’s original plan was to allow swimming in the lake of Washington Park, but the lake floor was determined to be silty and dangerous because of clay and mud. Hackett said any plans were tentative and only in the early stages, but the intention was to tap the water supply at Delaware Avenue and, via a main line, supply the water to the ravine, which formed a natural basin and water container. A small outlet plug would be sunk in the present road and there would be a continuous intake and outlet of fresh water.

— Times Union, May 6, 1922