Zaunbrecher family enjoys pool tradition, family involvement

By Lisa Soileaux

Traditions come and go, but a long-standing tradition is here to stay for the Zaunbrecher family of the Rayne area.

Every year around Father’s Day, descendants and family members of the late Henry Zaunbrecher gather at the private swimming pool just west of Rayne along Zaunbrecher Road for the annual cleaning and re-filling of the “Zaunbrecher Swimming Pool.”

The large cement-lined pool and pumping area was built in 1925 by Henry Zaunbrecher. The 44 x 86 structure was dug the old-fashioned way, by hand shovels and mule power, including depths ranging from two until six feet.

“All towns around here had something like this back then,” noted Zaunbrecher’s grandson Ray Hebert. “It was the place to be during the summer months.”

In the late 1920’s, the pool was under the direction of the Rayne Rotary Club and Myrta Fair Craig served as life guard at that time.

During its hayday, the pool featured a warm-water filtered children’s section, a large pavillion including a large floor for dancing, and large dressing rooms. Numerous diving boards were also included around the pool, along with a large covered spectator space for family members and guests to enjoy the swimming fun.

Back in the day, the special cleaning day also included a family barbecue during the noon hour, preceeded and followed by swimming for all in attendance.

Now owned by Henry’s grandson, Alfred Zaunbrecher Sr., the pool is once again enjoyed by family members and friends this year during the June cleaning and first-swim of the year. Family members and guests enjoyed the cool, freshly pumped water -- in the same pool enjoyed by generations of days gone by.