In one of my books I have a picture of a Bridge crossing a big creek. It is said to be a popular picnic area in the 1880 1890's I have been searching this area and feel i am getting real close. I took pictures of a old what I think is part of a hand water pump. Enclosed are some pictures of what is left of it. I placed a blue 1 gallon container next to it to make it easier to find .My feelings are that maybe this was close to the picnic area. It is about 100 yards from the river. What else would someone have it there ? Looking for ideas and hints
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Congrats!
The single bolt on top should have a mate on the other side. They clamped the open ended ears of the pump housing to the base.
Sink pumps had/have a flat side on the upper piece you have in your picture. Allowing pump to be nearer the sink. Vs a completely round base.
Ladies; had time off. Sometimes expecting them to hike to the creek in thier good shoes and cloths to get wash water or wash thier hands is asking a bit much and lacks appreciation.
A pump would go far in encouraging participation in social functions outdoors. Heck , a guy could get a slice of pie that way , perhaps.
No tank or wooden box showing. Water could be used to chill or keep things cool too. Without getting wet feet or taking a tumble on the creek bank.
Too , horses needed water.
Sure they could be taken to the creek. But while harnessed and hooked up to a conveyance?
Maybe better to bring water to the horses ; than be in the creek with a buggy trying to find reverse.
Some creeks varied in volume by season. And the potability of water often in question.
Water drawn from an aquifer than filtered through the ground offered better odds of not getting ill.
And was cooler usually.
A source I've used during outages and just to use in summer is an artesian well very near a creek. In fact it discharges into a creek. Upstream are remnants of an old concrete tank/box.
Other creeks show them to.
I'm guessing either to chill fresh milk before transportation; or just to keep perishables cool. Or to have cool picnic drinks!
