Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Soda Acid Fire Extinguisher
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Stone Water Tank
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 25, 2024
1. Soda Acid Fire Extinguisher / Stone Water Tank Marker
For years, the only way to fight fire at the Observatory was with a soda acid fire extinguisher. This was a 30-gallon extinguisher on wheels that mixed water, soda and sulfuric acid (for pressure.) It was once used to save V.M. Slipher's house from burning down, and also to fight forest fires. To keep the extinguisher from freezing in the winter, the room was insulated with sawdust and warmed with a 200-300 watt bulb. The thick door also helped hold in heat.
To see the soda acid fire extinguisher, press the button to the right while looking through the window
When Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894, the only way to get water up the hill was to haul it in 55 gallon drums using horse and wagon. Around 1901-1902, the Observatory built the circular water tank that is still located on the north side of this building. Water was pumped up from Flagstaff, and the 12,000-gallon tank held the Observatory's water supply until 1964, when a new tank was built a few hundred yards north of here, near todays Pluto Walk
Erected by City of Flagstaff.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 35° 12.118′ N, 111° 39.843′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff
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Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country and in Hopi. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lowell Observatory (within shouting distance of this marker); Clark Dome Weather Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The San Francisco Peaks (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sundial (within shouting distance of this marker); 42-Inch Reflecting Telescope (within shouting distance of this marker); U. S. Astronomer Percival Lowell, Specialist Of Mars, And Anamizu (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry Lee Giclas (about 600 feet away); The Lawrence Lowell Telescope (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flagstaff.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 25, 2024
2. Soda Acid Fire Extinguisher / Stone Water Tank Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
