The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-01-07
The Water Works.
A GRAND SUCCESS /!

Friday, January 1st, 1886, was me-
morsble day in the history of Ra-
VIENNA. After much discussion, and
opposition, the question of water
works was submitted to the people
about year ago. resulting in an over
whelming majority in favor of the
works. Bonds to the extent of $75, 900
were issued, the contract let, and work
began the 10th of July last.
The work has been pushed vigor-
eusly. and few days before New
Years 1t was announced that the test
of the works would be made on that
day. About IL o'clock m. a large
number of citizens had assembled to
witness the success or failure of the
trial. Many and various were the
opinions expressed-some being conf.
dent of success, while others were
somewhat dubious as to the result, and
few carried on their faces the wisea-
ere expression of So told you So" tax
Ing 1t for granted that their prophe-
cies of failure would prove true.
At fifteen minutes past II a. m. the
pumps were started, and in ninety
minutes from that time the question
of the success of the works was settled.
The result surpassed the expectations
of the most sanguine. At first there
were but two sections of hose attached,
but soon two more were added, and
four large streams were playing beau
tifully from one hydrsnt. Then be-
gan the real test. The most intense
interest was manifested by those pres
ent, and as the streams mounted high.
er and higher the interest increased
cOrrespondingly. The four streams
were thrown 25 or 80 feet above the
Empire Block-a feat never accom-
plished by our steamer. The next day
it was announced that an attempt
would be made to reach the statue of
Justice on the court house cupola.
Not only was the lady literally drench-
ed. but the water was thrown fifteen
or twenty feet above the head of the
statue.
After making these satisfactory tests
another one was made on Monday,
with equally good results. From the
ground to the top Of the figure the dis
tance is l16 feet, and adding Is feet to
this, we have total height of l31 feet,
which distance, without the aid of
any other power than the pumps at
Crystal Lake, the ~~ater ~ras easily.
thrown, with the pressure far below
the maximum.
There was but one defective pipe
found in the ten miles of main, and
this was the only flaw found any,
where.
To sum it all up, the trial was a
grand success. Every portion of our
city Is now sbundantly supplied with
water, and consequently protected
from fire. The result is gratifying in
every point of view, affording us all
the advantages of complete water
works system, and also demonstrating
that the many objections urged against t
the feasibility of ever forcing water
from Crystal Lake, were groundless,
aud that those fsvoring the project did
not, like Icsrua, blindly fy into the
face of burning sun.
The highest pressure during any of
the trials was 135 pounds.
The New Year marks a new era in
the industrial advantages possessed
by our city. AS manufacturing and
shipping point it has few equals, and
with its complete system of works
furnishing pure WAGER, we may rea.
zonably anticipate that capital will
avail itself of the opportunities hers
presented for Its remunerativs invest.
ment. AS residence town, sIso. Rs
VIENNA now possesses great attractions
especially as regards health. It's citi.
zens are no longer dependent unon
"the moss covered bucket" laden
with the impurities necessarily gener.
ated in the stagnant waters of th.
well-our former dependence-but in
stead We can now indulge in a spark
ling beverage. pure and wholesome.
We can not only congratulate tn,
pioneers in the advocacy of this en-
!, ,terprise upon its successful consum
nation, but may, also, congratulate
Yourselves, as intimated above, ND ol
the possession of the means of growtl
which will assurediy add largely t
our population and business. Ls
every citizen now labor to secure thi
grand result. In the accomplishment
of which all are alike interested.
The following facts and figures vii
be of interest:
There were $75, 200 worth of bond
issued, and $71 900 worth of bonds sole
The proposals made in response t
the advertisements previously publis