Many of our citizens remember the old hand-engine, the wells in our streets at Flat river level, the power pump in Wisner Bros. flour mill,--Lowell's protection against first. Our fellow townsman, the later Dr. O. C. McDannell, was largely instrumental in bringing into existence the Lowell Water and Light Company, which would not only supply our citizens with water, but with electricity, to replace the old post kerosene lights. A thirty-year franchise was granted to this company in 1887. The first lights for our city came from the power supplied by the James Ecker planing mill engine, but that is another story.

Both water and reservoir sites were purchased from the late E. J. Booth. The water site was located in the southeast part of the city along Grand river. Twenty 2-inch wells were driven by Bradley Denton. Water in large quantity was found at a depth of 18 to 22 feet. A 40 H.P. upright steam boiler and small double acting steam pump were installed. Four six and eight-foot water mains were laid to meet the needs of the day with 60 Chapman fire hydrants. This system was known as the gravity system. The reservoir of about 65,000 gallons capacity located 145 feet above Main street business remains in use today.

The first business house to install this new water service was in all probability Charles McCarty's, though a few others were installed at practically the same time. For the first year or two this plan was operated about four hours out of the twenty-four hour day. The first man in charge was Harry Slingaland. After a four year service, Adam Hendricks became engineer and was followed by F. G. Hoffman, Porter Carr, and the writer.

After a period of years this small plant became inadequate--a water power pump and deep open well were installed at the old Buchanan dam north of Lowell. The well was located not far north of the present municipal Kelley well. A water connection to Flat river was made to be used in case of fire. Due to this fact Lowell was saved from great disaster in 1905. The franchise of the Lowell Water & Light Company required six fire streams to be maintained. For a period of time eleven fire streams were in play. Lowell's veteran fire fighter, Homer Avery, grasped the situation and said to me, "How about the water?" To which I replied, "As long as Flat river holds out."

This company was subject to financial crisis as well as what may be termed physical. It changed hands at least half a dozen times during later years of existence. In 1917 the original franchise expired. The municipality of Lowell purchased all rights for the sum of $25,000. Much needed improvements have been made and Lowell can boast of a very fine plant and its citizens may feel assured that the water supply is as pure as can be found anywhere.

Truly we can say the Lowell water system was founded in Lowell and "like bread upon the waters, returned after many days," there to abide and supply the citizenry with this great necessity for a long time to come.

Respectfully yours,

Harley Maynard

Superintendent, 1905-1917