400 Kelley Street
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Last updated on May 17, 2024
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Directions from Mr. Martin's Store to site 25:
- Turn left onto Kelley St
- In 350 feet site 25 is on the left
This is the site of the former Harris Pool. It was in the northeast neighborhood of Harrisonburg and operated for 20 years from 1959 to 1979. Harris Pool was named after former Lucy F. Simms School principal W.N.P. Harris to honor his 36 years in teaching. William “Fessa” Nelson Pendlton Harris obtained a master’s degree in Greek from Lincoln University and he was a member of the black fraternity, Alpha Pi Alpha. During his time at Simms, Harris served as a prominent figure within the school and the community. Harris was heavily involved in local community organizations like the Direct Teacher Association and the Virginia Teacher Association. While nationally, he served as an organizer for the National Education Association and the Department of Secondary Principles. The Harris Pool cost $25,000 to build, and funds came from the city and the Cavalier Club. The city’s recreation department closed the pool due to vandalism and lack of lifeguards. There was a push to reopen the pool in 1981 by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County NAACP and community members. The city chose not to reopen the pool and place the property for sale.
