Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-10
0NANC0CK'S BIG DAY.
THE wATER-wORKs SYSTEM PUT
INTO OPERATION.
The Occasion Made a Regular FroIic.
Ducking Citixens-A Description
Of the Improvcment-To He Greatly
Extended.

ONANCOCK, VA, September s.-(Spe-
eial)-Yesterday was a great day in the
history of Onancock, as .narlSng the
completion of the system of water-works
which Mr.. Charles 8. York, of Baltimore,
has been building for several months
| past. Just before the turning over OF
the work to the town authorities, an ex-
| hioltion Of the flow and force of the
| water in the reservoir was given in the
| presence of the officials and other resi-
| dents of the town. The water v.os turn
ed into the main and a powerful stream
was thrown through an ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ter nozzle over the highest buildings of
zontal direction. Crowds OF boys and
men lined the sidewalks, while ladies
and children looked on from the open
doors and windows of stores and resi-
dences. Things became lively when
ever the men who held the hose would
direct the stream of water at the crowds
along the sidewalks and put them TO
flight. Mayor Taylor, Sergeant Riley.
Contractor York, and some members OF
the Town Council were among the first
who were forced to take refuge under
the cover of the Mayors office Dogs
and cats that ventured out on the streets
had their legs cut from under them. and
were sent scampering away before the
fast-hyfng water. such scenes were
never before witnessed in Onancock, and
the fun lasted for more than an hour |
Every fre-hydrant In the town was
thoroughly tested with the same salts |
factory
which have been heretofore briefly de- /
scribed in the Dispatch are located in |
beautiful lot In the northwestern part /
or Onancock, near the main branch OF /
Onancock creek itself a bold and pic
turesque estueary of the Chesapeake bay.
The huge well, or circular pool from
which the water Is obtained. Is 20 feet in
diameter, and Is l-2 feet deep, cased I'm |
hard red brick. The water comes from
q thick stratum of white sand, and ap-
pears to be excellent in quality. From
this pool the water is forced by means
of an improved Otto electro-gasoiine
engine and a powerful triplex, heavy
pressure pump. into circular reservoir
having capacity of $1,000 gallons, with
It's apex about 30 feet above the ground. |
This reservoir Is supported by twelve
circular steel pillars 6S feet high, strongly
braced, and resting on granite bases, all
together forming graceful tower. which |
Is the most conspicuous object as one
approaches the town. and from the top
Of which one can, If he is bold enough
TO make the ascent. command a fine view
)f all the surrounding country, the Ches-
lpeake bay. and the Watts and Tangier
Islands. The engine-house, which
stands between the pumping-pool and
he reservoir tower, is neat little brick
structure 1Sx26 feet.
The fire-hydrants are all of the Lud- !
wv pattern, each having 1-2-inch out |
sts. and the town authorities have just |
urchased 500 feet Of the best cotton |
icketed hose, and are now prepared to |
rotect from fire all buildings on the |
treets where the water-mains have been
i'd. Unfortunately, the amount II | ,
loney at the disposal of the town aH- ,
lorities was not suMcient to extend | :
he system beyond the main business
ortion of the town. but it is proposed |
get special act from the General | I
ssembly next winter which will en-
Die the town to borrow an additional
mount sufficient to extend the water
aims through all the streets where they |
ould be likely to be utilized.
Mr.. York, the contractor, and his son, /
harles s. York, Jr.. under whose su- c
.rvision all the work has been done, | I
serve and have received the thanks |
the people of Onancock for the salts v
ctory manner in which the contract | Y
Is been carried out. The best mate u
al that could be gotten has been used | y
every part of the work, and every =
dy here is delighted over the consum- +
alton Of this great enterprise. Espe- "
lily does it bring joy to the town b
theirs who inaugurated and carried out le
o movement in the face OF fierce CT
d bitter opposition. which has entirely
in the light of the present
bievenant / Ci