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Blairstown in Warren County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

The Water Works

 
 
The Water Works Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 10, 2016
1. The Water Works Marker
Inscription.
For many years the people in and around what was to become Blairstown relied on streams, springs, and hand dug wells as a source of water. That was all going to change. With an ever increasing population of people, cattle, and other domestic stock, pollution could and did create problems. At the same time, Blair Academy's Campus was expanding and the lack of water, especially under pressure, was a lesson that was learned from past losses.

In 1889, John Blair, as was his style, decided to rectify that problem. First, he sunk wells near the mill and had pumps installed to pump the water to a stand pipe erected on Academy Hill. This not only provided a reserve, but also increased water pressure. The pumps were operated by the same under shot water wheel which provided power to the mill. The water works functioned even better than expected and, because of its capacity, water was made available to the residents and businesses of the village.

By the time Blair Academy was almost 50 years old, increased enrollment led to a need for improved services. Laundry, then done on campus, was occupying a building was now needed for instruction. Blair moved the laundry to the site of the electric generating station, in Paulina. An artesian aquifer was discovered, pipes installed, and an improved water works supplanted the existing
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one. The new water works pumps in excess of 140 gallons per minute, and over 70,000 gallons of water a day providing service to over 190 customers.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & CommerceSettlements & Settlers.
 
Location. 40° 58.993′ N, 74° 57.622′ W. Marker is in Blairstown, New Jersey, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Blair Place, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 Main Street, Blairstown NJ 07825, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Rainbow Confectionery (a few steps from this marker); The Mill (a few steps from this marker); Branigan’s Pharmacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Flatiron Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Roy’s Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. John C. Johnson Residence (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blairstown Hotel (about 400 feet away); First Methodist Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blairstown.
 
The Water Works image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 10, 2016
2. The Water Works
The Water Works image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 10, 2016
3. The Water Works
Blairstown Water Works
Built by Hon. John I. Blair
1889.
Tippett and Wood.
Contractors
The Water Works image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 10, 2016
4. The Water Works
The Water Works is next to The Mill
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2016, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2016, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.

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Mar. 28, 2024