As reported by The Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat, E. H. McAdams, a prominent local figure and chairman of the Democratic county committee, appeared before the city council with a pressing request. Representing the interests of Moberly’s Negro community, McAdams sought to secure swimming privileges for Negroes in Rothwell Park lake.

During the council meeting, McAdams, who is white, conveyed the urgent need for “a place for us colored folks to swim.” He explained that local Negro leaders had urged him to take action on this matter. The current Negro park lake, established by a segregation-minded city council in the 1930s, had deteriorated significantly. “It’s nothing but a mudhole,” McAdams declared, highlighting the dangerous conditions by noting that a boy had drowned there the previous year.

McAdams also reminded the council of a recent tragedy: a young Negro visitor from Chicago drowned on August 4th while swimming with friends in the old quarry in southwest Moberly. This incident underscored the need for safe and accessible swimming facilities for the Negro community.

He pointed out that local newspapers frequently reported on the Red Cross instruction and swimming activities enjoyed by white children and youths at Rothwell Park. This disparity in recreational opportunities was a stark reminder of the ongoing segregation and inequality.

Councilman Earl B. Noel inquired if the Rothwell Park lake was closed for the season. McAdams responded that, according to the paper, it was not, implying that there should be no barrier to extending swimming privileges to Negroes.

This heartfelt plea for equality and safety highlighted the growing frustration and need for change within the community. McAdams’ advocacy aimed to prompt the park board and city officials to reconsider their policies and provide fair access to recreational facilities for all residents of Moberly.

This historical account, drawn from the archives of The State Historical Society of Missouri, sheds light on the persistent efforts to achieve equality and improve living conditions for the Negro community in Moberly during the mid-20th century.