The Story of the Swimming Pool

MESA June 16, 2005 - When I was a kid growing up in Superior, my dad had two weeks of vacation each summer and for as long as I can remember, the first week was always spent at Oak Creek Canyon and the second week was a trip to California to spend time at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, the beach and to visit relatives.

At Oak Creek Canyon we would camp in the same spot each year at Manzanita Campgrounds. Of course, the first day was spent at slide rock. Old levis would last one day. The second day was spent in Jerome. Unusually the third day was reserved for the Grand Canyon. The rest of the week was back to slide rock, fishing and swimming in Oak Creek.

It is the story of Jerome I remember most. My dad was born and raised in Jerome. My grandfather came from Spain through San Francisco to work the Jerome copper mine in 1915. I was named after my grandfather, Juan Garrido.

From Oak Creek were excursions in and around Sedona. My dad was always anxious for the trip to Jerome. As one enters Jerome there is a rest stop where Jerome can be seen on the other side of the canyon.

Each year we stopped at this same rest stop where my dad would methodically begin with the house on the far left and pointing to each house as he moved from left to right, he would tell us the name of the family that used to live in each house. This was the highlight of summer vacation for my dad, bringing us back to his roots to share with us his childhood memories.

Then as we drove into Jerome, our tour guide never rested. Some of this was interesting. Most was just to patronize my dad for we were always anxious to get back to slide rock.

I don’t remember the family names but I do remember one thing that has become etched on my heart and burns more now as I learn more of the trials and tribulations of Arizona’s Hispanics.

It is the story of the swimming pool.

Behind the mine office near the center of Jerome there used to be a swimming pool.

The pool was filled with clean water once a week and for the first few days of clean water, only the white kids could swim in the pool. As the pool water became dirty, my dad and his friends were allowed to use the pool.

This Sunday is father’s day. My dad’s reddish brown hair is now a full head of white hair and he still has a great smile. His hazel greenish eyes still twinkle. I love my dad for just being my dad, but also for the sacrifices he made for me.

This father's day, I want to honor my dad and this is my father’s day gift to my dad: My dad’s name is Alex. For as long as I can remember back to the days of growing up in Superior and then Globe, everyone called my dad “Alec.”

To all Hispanic dads this father’s day, in remembrance of the days of dirty swimming pools and sacrificing for their families, today I filed the Articles of Incorporation with the State of Arizona to begin the days of Hispanic advocacy forth coming for all Hispanics, native born to those who arrived last night, from the Arizona Law and Education Center to be known forever as “Alec.”

  Jon Garrido-

President, Arizona Law and Education Center (ALEC)