Deja Views: A look back to the Leuty Lifeguard Station in 1957
By DAVID VAN DYKE
The archival photograph (above) truly captured the glory years of our beloved lifeguard house.
In 1957, when this picture was taken by Herman Sahrmann, the Leuty Lifeguard Station had a seasonal staff of more than a dozen personnel. It was a big time operation, and Beachers must have been frolicking in the lake back then. Not so much today.
Over the decades, the waterline had receded and the lifeguard house had been physically moved farther south, away from the Boardwalk.
I remember in the 1990s it was in such disrepair that the city considered tearing it down. Enter local historian (and fabulous Beach Metro Community News contributor) Gene Domagala who rallied for funds to fix the Leuty.
Some of you might recall the “Save Our Station” campaign. Thanks largely to Gene, the Leuty Lifeguard Station remains, and thankfully so. What else would our tourists/guests photograph while visiting our lovely shoreline?
