Campo in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Hatfield – The Rainmaker

Photographed By Dean Whittle, November 6, 2011

1. Hatfield – The Rainmaker Marker

Inscription. Charles M. Hatfield agreed with San Diego City Council members, after a four year draught, to “make it rain” sufficiently to fill Lake Morena Reservoir for $10,000. His “rain enhancing” tower and pans were erected south of this monument. Hatfield and brother Paul worked diligently burning chemicals into the sky. Suddenly it began to rain, dumping 35 inches in one month on San Diego County. Two rainstorms in January 1916 caused great devastation, destroying Sweetwater Spillway, bursting Otay Dam, wiping out Otay Valley and Mission Valley, isolating San Diego and killing 14 people. Hatfield hurriedly left town and was never paid by the city for his services. Charles and Paul went on to “enhance moisture” around the world.

Erected 1999 by County of San Diego and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1916.

Location. 32° 41.122′ N, 116° 31.551′ W. Marker is in Campo, California, in San Diego County. Marker is on Morena Reservoir Road. Marker is located at the intersection with the road that leads

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to the boat ramp. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Campo CA 91906, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Buckman Springs (approx. 5.6 miles away); Campo Stone Store (approx. 6.1 miles away); Site of Camp Lockett (approx. 6.7 miles away); Descanso Town Hall (approx. 12.8 miles away).

Also see . . . The Flooding of 1916. In shorter form, this article was originally published as “1916: The year a rainmaker says he ended city's drought,” by Rick Crawford, in the San Diego Union-Tribune, January 10, 2008. (Submitted on November 25, 2011.)

Photographed By Dean Whittle, November 6, 2011

2. Hatfield – The Rainmaker Marker

Photographed By Dean Whittle, November 6, 2011

3. Hatfield – The Rainmaker Marker

Photographed By Dean Whittle, November 6, 2011

4. Hatfield – The Rainmaker Marker

Photographed By Dean Whittle, February 18, 2012

5. Lake Morena

The dam is visible in the background.

The Dam in the Evening image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dean Whittle, February 18, 2012

6. The Dam in the Evening

Photographed By Dean Whittle, February 18, 2012

7. Lake Morena

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2011, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 1,811 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 25, 2011, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 26, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.