Memories of Swimming at Bear Run

Years before Fallingwater became the Edgar J. Kaufmann family's private retreat, the property at Bear Run played host to countless groups of “vacationists” – department store employees enjoying a week or two at Kaufmann's Summer Camp. Hiking, tennis, ball games, plays, summer dances to the strains of a jazz band, bountiful food, fireworks – all were part of the “back to nature” experiences often written about in The Storagram, Kaufmanns' company newsletter.

Swimming was a favorite activity among campers, Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the beautiful in-ground pool along Bear Run. In later years, the Kaufmanns heated the pool, but for summer campers the pool provided vivid memories. “We hustled down to the pool for a dip, after Mr. Heyman had assured us that ‘the water was fine.' He forgot to say what it was fine for, but we realize now – it was fine for ice-skating! After we thawed out, we hustled to bed.”

Some perennial WPC members may recall the pool depicted above; it was located on Bear Run just upstream of Fallingwater. It was removed in the 1970s, but the setting is still there for you to enjoy on your next visit.

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