In 1962 the average price for a gallon of gas was 31 cents, John Glenn was the first U. S. astronaut to orbit the earth, the Phillies finished one game over .500 under manager Gene Mauch, and one of Southampton’s most revered institutions, the Maplewood Swim Club, opened for business.  Plans for the Swim Club began in 1960, with neighborhood families asked to pledge $5.00 to guarantee interest in building the pool and to secure membership. Plans were eventually approved by the Southampton Board of Supervisors and the Zoning Board. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on October 21st of 1961. Located on nearly 8 acres of land on the east end of Rozel Avenue, the 150 foot Z-shaped pool officially began operation on Memorial Day of 1962. To commemorate the opening, Congressman Willard S. Curtin gave brief remarks and then presented the Club with a U.S. flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington D. C.  The overall cost of installation of the pool and the snack bar was just $50 thousand. Membership required the purchase of a $300 bond, with total membership originally limited to 300 families. On Memorial Day 1962 an impressive 125 families had already signed up for membership. Over the years, the Maplewood Club expanded and improved in many ways, with various amenities added. Throughout its 60 year history the Club has been a go-to place for multiple generations of families from Southampton and the surrounding communities. Staying true to its original goals, the Maplewood Swim Club continues to provide a fun and relaxing venue for people of all ages to enjoy the summer months.  Sixty years after its founding, the price of gas has soared past $4.00 a gallon, hundreds of astronauts have soared into space, the Phillies are still the Phillies, and the Maplewood Swim Club is still going strong!