Alpha and Emmet Carr married in Ames in 1906 and during their 51 year partnership, adopted three children and provided foster care for over 80 more. Their care and concern for the welfare of children who were swimming in dangerous conditions in the Skunk River lead them to construct a state of the art swimming pool in 1926 when voters turned down a referendum to construct one. Carr's pool became well-known for the purity of its water, and for the quality of its teaching programs, including its innovative Tiny Tots for those aged 2-6 years. The Carr family operated the pool until 1973 when it was purchased by the City of Ames.

On the right is a late 1920s advertisement