District Swimmers Race as Beach Opens The city office of public buildings and grounds, who operated the site, held a carnival to celebrate the <a href="http://mallhistory.org/items/show/211">opening of a formal bathing beach at the Tidal Basin</a>. The beach included buildings for changing and a shelter. It was segregated, <a href="http://mallhistory.org/items/show/164">open only to white residents</a> and visitors. African Americans in the city used other areas, without facilities, in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. <br /><br /><br /> <em>The Washington Post </em> 08/25/1918 <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=38&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1890-1919">1890-1919</a>