Jeff Wiltse - Contested Waters

I never would have begun this book had it not been for Jacqueline Jones, my adviser at Brandeis University. I still remember sitting in her office, timidly describing an idea to research the history of swimming pools that I had literally dreamed up over a Thanksgiving weekend in Hershey, Pennsylvania. If she had responded the way almost everyone else didwith incredulous laughterI would have abandoned the idea. Instead, she confidently replied, Thats it. Thereafter, Jackie was generous with her time, thoughtful in her criticism, and unfailingly supportive. Michael Willrich befriended and mentored me during graduate school. He offered enlightening criticism of an early version of the manuscript and taught me how to be a professional historian. Howard Chudacoff was a model of professional generosity and kindness. I am deeply indebted to Brandeis University for supporting my work on this project with the Rose Crown Fellowship, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertation Year Fellowship, and the Louis, Frances, and Jeffrey Sachar Research Grant.

The research for this book took me all over the northern United States, where I encountered many memorable and generous people. Librarians at the Free Library of Philadelphia, Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Washington, D.C., Harvard Universitys Lamont Library, and the St. Louis Public Library were especially helpful. A special thanks to recreation department officials in Elizabeth, New Jersey, who let me climb up into the attic at city hall to search through dusty old boxes. Emily Varner, archivist at the Trumbull County Archives in Warren, Ohio, also deserves special thanks. She spent hours searching the courthouse basement for the pleadings of an important legal case. She finally found them minutes after I had left and came running down the street after me, shouting and waving her arms. Thank you, Joseph Plechavy and Duane Shipman, for chatting with me about your experiences at municipal pools during the 1930s. Christina Cruse, Jan Lovell, Deborah Cribbs, Sony Onishi, Christopher Farris, Carrie Meade, and Mary Milinkovich went out of their way to find photos that appear in the book.

Many friends and colleagues read all or parts of the manuscript at various stages and improved it through their comments and suggestions. Clark Hantzmon, Brian McCarthy, Mike Fein, Dana Comi, and Julie Frank helped me get started on the project in our Brandeis writing group. Ben Irvin, Molly McCarthy, Eben Miller, Hillary Moss, and Paul Ringel offered valuable feedback on chapter 5 at a critical point. Kay, Garry, and Paul Crane read everything I sent them with three pairs of passionately critical eyes. They have also supported my intellectual development in countless other ways. The anonymous reader for the University of North Carolina Press provided a thoughtful and incisive assessment of the manuscript. It was filled with spot-on recommendations that helped guide me through the final revision.

My colleagues in the history department at the University of Montana have been exceptionally supportive. Thanks in particular to Richard Drake, John Eglin, Dan Flores, Linda Frey, Harry Fritz, Anya Jabour, Paul Lauren, Ken Lockridge, Michael Mayer, Kevin Ostoyich, and Pamela Voekel. Jody Pavilack deserves special thanks. Her close reading of the manuscript and perceptive questions helped me solve several perplexing structural problems. Diane Rapp responded to my many demands on her time with good cheer and impeccable competence. Thanks also to Tom and Anne Boone for their support of faculty research. The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Montana provided generous support that enabled the timely completion of the book and allowed me to acquire the rights to reproduce several additional photos.

Sincere thanks to everyone at the University of North Carolina Press, especially my editors Sian Hunter and Ron Maner. Sian was a dedicated advocate for the book, offered valuable suggestions during the final revision, and always put my mind at ease with her friendly emails and phone calls. Ron responded to my many queries with sound judgment and good humor. I could not have hoped for a better publishing experience.

I am fortunate to have a loving and supportive family. My parents, Johannah and John Wiltse, opened every possible door, encouraged me to pursue my own interests, and always trusted that I knew what I was doing. They also taught me to be honest, hardworking, and appreciative, which has served me well in life and in the writing of this book. Brenda and Walter Hiester lovingly accepted me into their family and have encouraged and supported me in many thoughtful ways. Ann Hiester Wiltse has shared her life with me through the entire journey of writing this book. Scholarship can be a lonely enterprise, but thanks to her I never felt alone. Every time I discovered a critical piece of evidence, had an analytical epiphany, or phrased something just right, I most wanted to tell her. I guess thats love. Ann also read every chapter multiple times and spent countless hours helping me clarify my writing and thinking. Her mark is on every page. Daniel and Rose bring me indescribable joy every day. Daddy, daddy, daddy is the second most wonderful thing that has ever been said to me.