On the opposite shore from the ladder was a very nice sandba

On the opposite shore from the ladder was a very nice sandbar with plenty of room for playing in the sand, shallow water or deeper water out a way from shore. This is where we’d spend an hour or so playing in the sand and water and getting worn out. Then we would reverse the ferry process to get back to the picnic area where we’d have tuna salad or PBJ sandwiches.

The Thomas clan were regular guests in the summer evening forays. I am pretty sure I was allowed to invite friends from school occasionally.

There is a family story of Wayne Thomas’s almost drowning but I don’t recall the details.

Near the picnic area was a playground with monkey bars, swings and a really good manual carousel. I am pretty sure most of the playground equipment was fabricated at the refinery.

Once or twice a year, on a Saturday, there would be a big barbecue. There would be quite a crowd and a lot of kids.

It turns out that in the period when I was visiting the club, Charlie Cutler’s dad was the caretaker. He was also the chief barbecue cook.