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Honoring a Local Legend - The Beach Blvd. Diver Girl Sign

We are here to pay tribute to a legend- the iconic Diver Girl sign of Jacksonville. 

 

 

Located at our office on Beach Blvd, this landmark was a daily reminder to commuters of the rich pool industry history in Florida. The Diver Girl is modeled after Esther Williams, a famous actress and swimming star. Apart from being the iconic model for the Diver Girl, she is a bit of a legend in the pool industry. 

 

Let's talk about The Florida Pool at Cypress Gardens. Located at the center of the Water Skiing Capital of the World, the Florida Pool on the shores of Lake Eloise inside the Legoland Park is an aging icon, with a deep history tied directly to the heyday of Cypress Gardens.

 

Back in 1952, Dick Pope, the visionary behind Cypress Gardens, struck gold with one of his greatest promotional deals. He managed to secure a major film studio to shoot a motion picture right at the Gardens. "Easy to Love" was the result, a film loosely inspired by Dick Pope's own life. As described by author Lu Vickers, the character based on Dick Pope is portrayed as tirelessly promoting the Gardens and its famed ski shows, oblivious to the affections of the Aqua Maid, played by Esther Williams.

 

When Esther Williams was confirmed as the film's leading lady, the real Dick Pope decided to construct the Florida Pool expressly for her. Williams was one of the most famous swimmers in the world, now a major star for MGM studios. To optimize visibility during filming while keeping costs in check, an MGM studio engineer suggested the pool be built as a peninsula extending into the waters of Lake Eloise.

 

During the early 1950s to the mid-1970s, the sight of a traveling pool salesperson was a common fixture across America. This period, synonymous with summertime fun and leisure, saw owning a swimming pool as the pinnacle of a luxurious lifestyle. The role of the swimming pool sales representative was pivotal in transforming this dream into reality, as they brought cutting-edge pool designs and technologies directly to customers' doorsteps.

 

In the post-World War II era, the United States experienced unprecedented prosperity, and swimming pools emerged as popular amenities for cooling off and socializing with loved ones. Advancements in materials and construction techniques enabled the creation of durable and affordable pools, leading people to view them as investments in their overall well-being.

 

Among the notable names in the industry was Esther Williams Swimming Pools, named after the iconic actress and swimming sensation. Renowned for their quality and innovative designs, Esther Williams pools were highly regarded in the market. The company's traveling sales representatives played a crucial role in promoting the latest advancements in pool technology and design, serving as the public face of the brand.

 

Back in 1956, the original "Diver Girl" sign was created, based on Esther Williams. It has since evolved into the sign our Jacksonville locals know and love today.  

 

Our hearts are heavy to acknowledge that our girl took her last dive on Friday, May 10, 2024. We know that she was such a comforting sight on your travels for many of you. With that in mind, we are happy to announce that we are working on trying to resurrect this icon! Please stay tuned for more information. 

 

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