New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-05-02
NETWORKS EARLY WATER SUPPLY.

When New-YOrk City extended only to
Chambersst in 1898. the residents for the
part dependent upon few wells and springs for their
water supply. This made necessary much carrying OF
water which annoying to those nvng mt distance
from the wells. A thriving trade done by those
who carried the water around the town In large
tanks and sold It, The water, however was
brackish at best. Tie increased demand led
10 the formation Of the Manhattan Company.
which obtained a charter from the State in 1899 10
supply NewYOrk City with water In accordance with
this charter the company began the erection OF rcscr
yor and enginehouse. The reservoir iu the lOcl;
now facing in Centrc-st, and running 30 feet back Ia
Reade ana Chambcrssts. 1t was built on stone foun.
dation with brick facing, and was OF the most solid
construction. II was fed by n series of wells,
which ran north from Readc and Centre-Fts. These
wells were seven in number and Of various sizes, rang
ing from eight TO twenty feet in diameter 1be supply
was mostly taken IRON two Of the main wells. twelve
and twenty feet in diameter the others being used
reserve Leading from the reservoir wooden pipes
running through the lower portion of the city.
None were laid north OF Chambcrs-st. These
pines are sun I'm an excellent state OF pre-
servaton. Early last year, while several workmen
we're engaged in c1cavatng in Broadway near the City
Hail. for the purpose Of laying gas MAINS they struck
one Of these pipes 1t seemed perfect the day 1t
was frat use0.
Directly opposite the northern end Of the reservoir
and in Rcade-st was the engDe-hOuse This two
brick building 40 feet by 30 feet haviCg two
sons one So by feet the Other 10 feet by Is feet
Extending to the northwest, aud another Is feet by 90
feet extending the east. This building contained
f0rty-horse power pumping engine what was then
The most approved style. IL alsO contained boiler
room and stOrngerOom for all necessary appurtnances.
Years terward the Alauhatan Company ouEd
sarV as well profitable TO destroy the reservoir and
vide the ground Which IL ItJOd into binding Lore.
However ia order 10 retain the charter the directors
built small reservoir tank, situated close the
eastern wing Of the engine This tank forty
feet ia dnmeter and circular II was built AND laced
with brick At this time the completion OF the Croton
houeduct and the introduction into the city OF CrOtOn
water mad rendered the Manhattan Company unncccs.
sary Tue wntcr supplied Ivy II WAS brackiBh and
cecdneiy hard But some of ITS old friends stood by It,
A certain stublc-keepcr continued to use II 0s
late as 1910. When the managers OF the COM
pany round there was no possible use for their water
suuply they turned their attention 10 banking,
aod had nil the property divided into building lots on
the site of the old there the build
ing OF the American News Company and several largo
strIlcures occupied by hardware manufacturers The
old engiue-house lot was bought and built upon BY A.
r. StsWart. Several small buildings have been erected
upon the place formerly occupied bY the tank but
now a portion OF its upper wall be Eeen The wells
have been covered up. but the water OF " Od Now
York still remains IN them aud Whenever the Men
haitian Company bRs It's annual dnnefI Sumo or this
water is drunk with ceremony.