Title
I Remember Old Tuscaloosa, December 24, 1970
Subject
History--Tuscaloosa (AL)
Maxwell, Fred (Frederick Richard Jr.), 1889-1988
Description
Fred Maxwell wrote "I Remember Old Tuscaloosa" for a weekly newspaper in Tuscaloosa called The Graphic from December, 1970 through December 1971. The Graphic was founded, owned and published by Maxwell's daughter Camille Elebash and her husband Karl Elebash beginning in 1957. It was sold to The Tuscaloosa News in 1976 and ceased publication sometime later.
To see the complete article enlarged click on the image.
To see the complete article enlarged click on the image.
Creator
Fred Maxwell
Source
Camille Elebash
Publisher
The Graphic
Date
December 24, 1970
Contributor
Brenda Harris (Description)
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Identifier
1481
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Text
Late in the Nineteenth Century Tuscaloosa obtained its “tap” water from a private company later purchased and operated by the city (circa 1910).
The “Pump House” was just west of Riverview and the water was drawn from the bottom of the river some distance from the riverbank and thence bumped to the “Water Tower” located on 27th Ave. just north of 5th St.
Many citizens filtered the water to remove the muddy discoloration while most families boiled their drinking water or imported in jugs or demi johns the necessary drinking water.
To obtain a better and more palatable supply of drinking water the City of Tuscaloosa had an artesian well and drinking fountain installed in the heart of town. The four-sided fountain was installed in the center of the intersection of 6th St. and 24th Ave. The well was bored midway between the Alston Building and a store, just east of the line of pedestrian traffic. The pump and motor were in a pit below ground. This water was extensively used for drinking for all who would come after it.
An interesting incident occurred one day when the water failed to flow although the pump was operating at normal speed. City policeman Alex Simpson was accompanying Clayton Strickland who was called to locate and repair the trouble. The trouble was located instantly. When a match was struck in the pit there was a terrific explosion. The well was emitting an inflammatory gas instead of water. Clayton Strickland received severe injuries from this explosion resulting in lifetime facial scars and the loss of most of the exterior of his ears.
Soon after this incident the city filtered and treated the “tap” water so the fountain was no longer needed and was removed.
The “Pump House” was just west of Riverview and the water was drawn from the bottom of the river some distance from the riverbank and thence bumped to the “Water Tower” located on 27th Ave. just north of 5th St.
Many citizens filtered the water to remove the muddy discoloration while most families boiled their drinking water or imported in jugs or demi johns the necessary drinking water.
To obtain a better and more palatable supply of drinking water the City of Tuscaloosa had an artesian well and drinking fountain installed in the heart of town. The four-sided fountain was installed in the center of the intersection of 6th St. and 24th Ave. The well was bored midway between the Alston Building and a store, just east of the line of pedestrian traffic. The pump and motor were in a pit below ground. This water was extensively used for drinking for all who would come after it.
An interesting incident occurred one day when the water failed to flow although the pump was operating at normal speed. City policeman Alex Simpson was accompanying Clayton Strickland who was called to locate and repair the trouble. The trouble was located instantly. When a match was struck in the pit there was a terrific explosion. The well was emitting an inflammatory gas instead of water. Clayton Strickland received severe injuries from this explosion resulting in lifetime facial scars and the loss of most of the exterior of his ears.
Soon after this incident the city filtered and treated the “tap” water so the fountain was no longer needed and was removed.
Original Format
Newspaper