The initial cost of building the complex in 1958 was set at $80,000, according to the brochure.
"I was the very first member," said Ralph F. Baker of Hagerstown.
Baker, 86, said by telephone that he signed up his family that first year for a good reason: "We used to go all the way to Cowan's Gap in Pennsylvania to swim, so this was a lot closer."
Baker, his wife and two daughters were at the Northwood Swim Club nearly every weekend during the warm months, he said.
"We had a lot of fun times," he recalled.
In addition to Baker, the original swim club leaders in 1958 were G.S. Sexton, J.R. Hamilton Jr., George Hollenbach, John Evans, Claude Williams, Claude Huber, R.O. Snyder, Melvin Cawl and R.J. Barchet.
"Now my grandson, Brad O'Connor, has my membership," Baker said.
An open house to mark the 50th anniversary season was held June 7 as the pool opened for the 2008. Another is planned for Saturday, from noon to 9 p.m.
Bill Bergan, assistant Northwood manager, has been with the club for three years.
Now, there are 309 family memberships at Northwood. The maximum allowed is 415 families, Bergan said.
The first-year cost for a family is $1,340. That includes annual dues, an application fee and the base cost of $705.
"But after the first year, the cost is just $425 a year, and that includes free swim lessons for members," Bergan said.
The pool hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, call 301-791-3555.
If you go ...
What: Northwood Swim Club open house
When: Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.
Where: 13116 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown
