Water Tower

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Category: Landmarks

In 1893 the only water supply was from the wells and cisterns.  The citizens formed bucket brigades passing the buckets from hand to hand up ladders and only attempted to keep fires within certain bounds.

There was an immediate and insistent demand for an adequate water system.  In 1895, the water tower was built and the water mains were laid.  Before this time, the water supply was a town pump just south of the hotel.

In the early days, fire alarms were given by means of a bell located in the park and the fire fighting apparatus consisted of a bucket brigade.  After the installation of the water works, a manually operated hose cart was purchased.  These were replaced by an  electric siren and a motor-driven fire wagon.