Fresh Water Marathon

Lake George, a bright blue ribbon some 25 miles long, nestles in an Adirondacks cranny. Visitors are surprised to find its smooth, shadowed waters icy cold and treacherous. Having discovered that much, they must have been amazed recently to learn that it was selected as the place for a marathon to determine the fresh water swimming championship of the world. Scores of tubby natators plunged in, determined to negotiate the entire distance (24 miles) from the upper end to Fort William Henry pergola at the lower end. That meant between 15 and 30 hours in cold water nowhere over 60 degrees, in many spots 45 degrees. Among them were Ernst Vierkoetter, German conqueror of the English Channel, William Albert Ericson (the Bronx), Mrs. Lottie Moore Schoemmel (the Bronx swimming teacher), Lucy A. F. Dimond (Brooklyn), Paul Chotteau (Manhattan) and Edward F. Keating (Manhattan). This last is a 24-year-old who learned to swim near a pier in the East River. Unlike the others above listed, he was not considered a prominent contender. He lacked the fatty layers that blanket lean muscles against numbing water. . . . One by one they dropped out of the race. Paul Chotteau, after 26 hours, gave up six miles from the finish. The German Vierkoetter surrendered after 14 hours, declaring he would attempt the distance again, when his digestion was functioning normally. Mrs. Dimond dropped out within sight of the goal. Mrs. Schoemmel, who with Charles Toth of Boston unfortunately steered six miles out of the course, left the water after covering 26 miles in 18% hours. Forty-one contestants ended in the hospital ship. None, however, were said to be in serious condition--just cramps and cold pains. Near the end only two men were left, Ericson and Keating. Ericson, after 29 hours in the freezing water, was taken out three miles from the goal. Only Edward Keating finished. He clambered onto the Fort William Henry pier, after 18 hr. 47 min. of ceaseless fighting, to hear the cheers of spectators, see the flare of skyrockets and fireworks in his honor, to receive the prize of $5,000 offered by the American Legion of Lake George, with part of which he intends to provide his mother a much-needed summer vacation near the scene of his triumph.