New-York tribune., 1896-07-22
A DRINKING FOUNTAIN NEEDED.
HOW THE CITY WORKS DEPARTMENT CAN
MEET THE WANTS OF WHEELMEN
IN THE ROCKAwAY ROAD.

The large number Of wheelmen in Brooklyn great
ly appreciate the thoughtfuness for their wellare
manifested by Park Commissioner Woodrun IN
placing a number Of drinking fountains along the
Coney Island Cycle Path There are four OF these
fountains on each path, and like provision has
been made for people walking in the Ocean Park
way since the same number Of fountains have been
provided on the sidewalks Nor have the needs Of
horses driven TO Coney Island been overlooked. as
OPPORTUNITIES for them to slakc their thirst have
also been supplied
The fountains for the wheelmen so situated
that by the use of a lite dexterity can take
drink without leaving his saddle. To do this he
rides as near possible TO the fountain and quick
" grasps the bowl OF II with one hand. steadying
himself and maintaining the equilibrium OF his ma
chine. After that the rest is a simple operation
The fountains all Of the bubbling variety. as
is called which has long been familiar to fire.
quenters Of Prospect Park The water flows con-
tinually. emerging from little cups. to which the
lips are placed Where the stream has sufficient
force to rise half inch moro from the cup
one can easily drink without touching his lips to
anything but the water. Cleanliness. an essential
part of a public drinking place, Is thus main
tanned.
Every week great numbers Of wheelmen go ont
from Brooklyn to enjoy the good roads OF Long
Island. After leaving the city line at Liberty-ave.
their usual route Is along Broadway, In the town
Of Jamaica, for three-quarters OF mile, and
then by half turn to the right into the Rockaway
Road which Is followed far the pumping
station at Jamaica South. This pumping station is
a part Of the Brooklyn waterworks. and tho pipes.
connecting with the driven wells. from which
large quantity Of water Is taken daily. are plainly
visible to any passing along Rockaway Road.
1t Is no uncommon thing for thirsty wheemen and
women to turn down the road leading past the
pumphouse and get a drink at Of the open
wells in that neighborhood.
Some OF the riders who have frequent occasion to
pass along this road have recently conceived the
idea that 1t would be a good thing II the Depart
ment Of City Works should set drinking fountain
of the bubbling style close to the Rockaway road
this point. There be question that II
would be great convenience, and IT Is obvious
that the cost would be trifing There is water in
abundance and spare close at hand; apparently
all that would be needed would be the carving OF
a pipe a short distance and the purchase and
Commissioner Theodore b. Willis. of the Depart
ment of City Works, when spoken TO about the
subject day two ago. said that 1t was an en-
tirely suggestion. but he saw no reason why 1t
should not be carried out. He favorably I'M
pressed with the idea. and showed a disposition to
do anything in his power to meet the wishes OF
wheelmen in this respect. He added that IL the
subject was brought to his attention In a formal
way he would consult the engineers of the Depart
mcnt and see just what was necessary to be done,
and also get estimate of the cost The cost. In
any case. he remarked. could not be large and he
saw at n glance that such a fountain would be n
decided benefit TO the tired and thirsty bicyclist
Another official Of the pepartmemt S, said act 5hat 1T
far as the supply of water was concerned, as
there plenty right at hand but In MS opinion
n more serious question would be the disposition of
the overflow water, as there are no sewers at % the
noint I'm question, there are along the ocean
parkway 1t is believed. however, that that sub
jcct can be arranged without difficulty and 1t Is
Understood that steps Will soon be taken TO bring
the question before Commissioner Willis in formal
way so that the plan can be carried out In time
to allow wheelmen TO ENJOY the resulting pehehts
in the present season. ,
That there Is a demand for such convenience
Is shown by the fact that on some days when many
DcopIe are out a-whee thirty or forty may be seen
M one time waiting their turns TO get drink AT
the humping station itself To turn down there.
however makes II necessary TO so out or ones way
several rods. and halt that many do not care TO