The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-08-31

0848E LA4NI- - ~ y 4-~A--
II is an established and uncontra-
dicted fact, that the citizens Of Mar.
dnsburg are constantly supplied with
pure fresh water, from one Of the finest
springs in this valley, commonly
known as the Town. or Stephens
Spring. aud originally as "Morgan's
Spring. from which. in former times,
the citizens were obliged to carry
water for household purposes. But
now, when We reflect upon the past,
we are almost amazed at the changes
which have taken place in the last
eighteen years.
During 1873 the city council decid-
ed to adopt a system by which the
never failing spring could be better
utilized, in order to decrease labor,
and add to the comfort Of the popula-
ton, so they passed an act in relation
thereto, and submitted it to the people
by ballot. II was carried and the
Holly System was selected, which has
wide reputation as being one Of the
most reliable water works. machinery
manufactured. The building was
erected in 1873, and the dimensions
are about 35x80 feet, being situated
in the Southeastern part of the city
ON the banks Of the Tuscarora, thus
obtaining force power of water al
most sufficient to keep the city suppl
ed, independent Of the machinery,
which Of course is in operation con-
tinually, so as to be ready in case Of
any emergency.
This huge engine Of perfect mechan-
ism is operated by Mr.. J.. M. Shaffer,
who is an experienced and pratical
engineer, who has had charge Of all
the machinery since it was first erect
ed. The engine is sixty horse power
strong, has q furnace six feet square,
and fifty eight fiues in the boiler. Four
immense pumps are working continual
", and a fly wheel nine feet in diame-
ter is running noiselessly. The re-
auired pressure of steam is 60 lbs, and
is kept up all the year, thus requiring
about 200 tons of coal per annum.
Several years ago the building was
enlarged in order to erect another
boiler, to be used in case, one should
fail, thus avoiding any delay.
Large pipes were laid from the water
works to the spring, and through these
the pure, fresh, and crystal water is
drawn by the pumps, which then force
it into six hundred pipes to all parts
Of the city. Little do we think of the
labor and expense that was required in
order to obtain supply Of water in
every building, but were this bountiful
fountain to fail. then the fact Of its
Importance and necessity would be
demonstrated and fully appreciated.
We not only haye this luxury, but
the safety Of our homes is at stake in
case Of confagration, which is likely
to occur at any time. But, with the
Holly System. and the aid of the well
equipped fire department, the citizens
rest perfectly safe as to their future
security. The work of this great i'm.
provement was completed in January,
1874. At first considerable OPPOSE
ton was manifested by some of the older
citizens, who did not wish to be taxed
heavily, but since that time many of
them have lived to see the grand adj
vantages to be derived, and also en-
JOY the comfort of it. The total cost
was about 100000, and the tax has
never been felt The laying of pipes
is constantly being increased as new
buildings are erected.
Well may the inhabitants of Mar
tinsburg be proud of this advantage,
which they derive from one of the most
reliable systems Of water power, and
which is so faithfully managed and
successfully operated by the engineer,
Mr.. Jacob Shaffer, who has had years
of experience. He is well adapted in
handling the immense and fine ma
chinery upon which every il habitant
of the corporation relies. For city
to be thus supplied with one of the
most important necessaries of life, is
one of the grandest conyeniences that
the people at large could desire, and
also one Of the mostNimportant facts to
be taken into consideration by parties
who contemplate locating in any city,
especially in place the size of Mar
tinsburg, which has such fine business
facilities, well regulated markets, and
manufacturing establishments, that
set forth Gne opportunities for all enter
prising capitalists and live business
men.