In the early 1920s, the only places to swim in Doylestown were local creeks, farmers’ ponds, or the Delaware River. William Mercer had a small pool at his Aldie Mansion, and his wife, Martha Dana Mercer, often invited others to swim there. Recognizing the community’s need for a larger and safer swimming facility, Martha encouraged William to search for a suitable site. He found one while walking a fairway at the Doylestown Country Club.
Mr. and Mrs. John Lear donated the 1 1⁄2 acres of land that became the location of the pool complex, which was established as a memorial to Mr. Mercer’s favorite aunt, Fanny Chapman. All construction and operating costs were funded through membership fees and Martha Mercer’s endowment fund.
The first pool opened on June 21, 1927, and was governed by a Board of Trustees until 1956, when operations were transferred to the Borough of Doylestown. It is now managed by a Board of Managers appointed by the Borough. The Mercers remained actively interested in the pool’s operation, funding the addition of a diving pool and an upper instructional pool in 1959.
Extensive renovations were completed in 1975, and a wading pool was added in 1994. The instructional pool was upgraded and deepened to allow its use for swim meets and was dedicated in 1997. A new lower pool of constant depth was added in June 2002, followed by the construction of a new shallow toddler pool in 2016.
All costs continue to be covered by membership fees, the Martha Mercer Trust, and charitable donations, without the use of taxpayer funds.
As preparations for the celebration of the Centennial season in 2027 are ongoing, the Fanny Chapman Pool continues to be a vital and vibrant part of the Doylestown community.
For more information visit www.fannychapman.com.
