Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-08-22
THE R|VERDALE DAN.

The flood Of last spring has carried
away the dam at Riverdale the pro-
perty of our townsman ]. w. Robin
son. Mr.. Robinson has been having
the same rebuilt and the Riverdale
Promoter of last week said:
The old dam here which was de
stroyed by the floods last spring, has
been replaced by a modern structure
of strength and resistance. J. w.
Robinson of Alma, owner OF the dam
has spared neither time nor money
in making it complete in every detail,
and now has one of the best water
powers in this part of Michigan.
The race which had been washed
out has been reinforced with foot
sea wall on the west side while the
race walls are made of concrete and
are heavy enough to withstand the
heaviest flow of water. On the east
side of the race, extending souther-
ly, a heavy timber sea wall sixty feet
in length has been constructed and
this wall has been reinforced with
rocks to insure no washing away by
the race current. a strong embank-
ment of stone and gravel - feet deep
has been placed between the race
way and the river channel and is
strong enough to withstand any pres
sure of high water or current.
The race gate proper is built with
four Sideways so that the flow Of
water can be regulated to any extent.
On the east end Of the dam a new
concrete spillway 1890 feet has been
constructed The walls Of the spill
way are 3H feet in thickness at the
bottom and taper to Is inches at the
top with concrete floor averaging
from 2H TO 81 feet in thickness,
making it practically indestructible.
The waste gate at the state road
bridge has been rebuilt of concrete
replacing the old timber affair which
formerly occupied the site. Its dimen
sions are 2S X 30 feet, is composed of
concrete walls 81 feet at base and 24
inches at the top with a solid con-
crete floor. The raceway leading TO
Mr.. Robinson's lumber mill has been
cleaned out and repaired.
The main shute is yet to be retm
bered but material for the work is on
the ground and in short time every
thing will be in place.
The principle feature Of the new
dam is the fact that the spilling capa-
city is at least fifty per cent greater
than heretofore The new work has
rendered it possible to use ali the
power the river can make, while the
old one permitted great per cent OF
that factor 10 waste.
In the reconstruction Of the dam
much credit should be given Mr.. Rob
insou for the Improvement he has
made as it opens great opportunities
for the upbuilding OF our little city.
With the new dam completed, River
dale has a means Of securing better
than 200 horse power which is enough
to run any indu. tries she can secure
With the cost reduced to a minimum.
For We r. there has been a crying
need OF a Touring mill here and this
new power has made it possible for
some 'enterprising firm to get in on
the ground floor. An electric light
ing plant could be installed with an
industry Of that kind and furnish light
for both this place and Elm Hall and
even surrounding towns at a very
small cost and a good income to the
promoters. 1t is chance for any
one who has a manufacturing plant
If any kind to secure cheap power
and an opportunity for our citizens
to secure much needed lighting sys-
tenn for our growing little village.
The concrete work was all erected
under the supervision Of Franklin
Beli<nap, OF this place and reflects
much credit upon the abilities of that
Young man who has had quite an ex-
tensive experience in the building
line