Longmeadow's First Public Water Supply

Longmeadow, Massachusetts embarked on an ambitious endeavor in the 1850's with the establishment of a public water supply system by a private company, drawing water from Cooley Brook.  A large water wheel was connected to a pump that drew water from the brook. The water was then transported via gravity through hollowed-out pine logs buried underground to two public water tubs. These logs also carried water to houses and barns. 

Public Water Tub
Intersection of Bliss St and Longmeadow St
(computer generated)

The vision was clear and the execution innovative. However, every pioneering venture comes with its challenges, and the wooden pipe system was no exception.

While wood was an abundant and sustainable choice for constructing pipelines at the time, the system soon presented problems that couldn't be ignored. Leaks in the wooden pipes became a frequent issue. Not only did this result in water loss, but it also compromised the reliability of the supply to the public water tubs which were a  primary water source for many in the town.

The constant need for repairs and maintenance led to increased costs, both in terms of finances and public trust. As a consequence of these persistent issues, by the late 1850's, the wooden pipe system was deemed unsustainable and was eventually abandoned. It was a tough decision, marking the end of an era that had begun with such promise.

However, the challenges faced by this initial system did not deter the town's commitment to sourcing water from Cooley Brook. The lessons learned from the wooden pipe era were invaluable. Recognizing the brook's potential as a consistent water source, efforts were made to reevaluate and redesign the water supply system.

By the end of the 19th century, Longmeadow witnessed the birth of a new, more efficient system. Drawing from the experiences of the past, this system was built with improved materials and engineering techniques. It not only rectified the problems of leakage and unreliability but also ensured that Cooley Brook continued to serve the community, quenching its thirst and catering to its needs.

In retrospect, the journey of Longmeadow's water supply system from the 1850's wooden pipes to its late 19th-century revival underscores a vital principle: challenges and setbacks can serve as stepping stones to progress. The initial setbacks faced by the town only fueled a determination to develop a more effective system, ensuring that the vision of using Cooley Brook as the primary water source was not only preserved but also enhanced.

Here is a reprint of a Springfield Republican news article from 1910 wherein Mrs. George E. (Caroline aka Carrie) Brewer- historian of the Longmeadow Historical Society provides a description of Longmeadow's first water supply system...

Springfield Republican- October 29, 1910
Longmeadow's First Public Water Supply System
[click image to enlarge]

Below is an 1855 map showing the configuration of Longmeadow's first public  waterworks system.

Longmeadow's First Public Water Works
[click image to enlarge]

Below are photographs of wooden pipe sections used in the 19th century to convey water to homes and businesses.

Wood pipe sections

Wood pipe section with connection for home/ business

Mrs. Brewer outlined in her description above that the system was comprised of a large water wheel, 12 to 15 feet in diameter that was connected to a walking beam and a vertical pump made by Littlefield of Springfield, MA. Below is a video showing how such a system might have been configured to pump water from the Cooley Brook through a series of wood pipe sections to a public water tub at the intersection of Bliss Street (Road) and Longmeadow Street.  

Today, as we enjoy the benefits of modern infrastructure, it's crucial to remember and honor the perseverance, adaptability and innovative spirit of the Longmeadow community that turned challenges into opportunities, shaping a better future for its residents. 

Written by Jim Moran/ Guest Historian

B. Halsey Spencer- Successful Longmeadow Florist

Around 1922 Longmeadow, MA resident Benjamin Halsey Spencer found a new career after he was no longer able to continue working as a bank teller due to health issues.  He had been employed at the Union Trust Company in Springfield, MA.  Trying to reinvent himself, Mr. Spencer reminisced about his childhood hobby of raising flowers. This is how his new business began! His former hobby became his business.  Mr. Spencer became a successful florist raising gladiolus!  

In 1920 he, his wife Valida and young son Biron moved to Longmeadow and they lived at 97 Hopkins Place.  Mr. Spencer had a "green thumb" (as the expression goes) and was very successful in growing gladiolus on his property.  

Spencer's Gladiolus- 1922
Emerson Collection
Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society
photo enhanced courtesy of Brooke Wawrzyk

His business grew and in 1924 Mr. Spencer was elected secretary of a newly formed organization- the Gladiolus Bulb Growers' Association. The meeting was in Buffalo, New York. At this time period gladiolus were given the nickname "king of flowers".  Growing them had become a large industry in the United States and new species of these flowers were developed. 

At first he raised the flowers and bulbs on his property, but his business expanded. 

Source: Springfield Republican
Aug. 5, 1925

Mr. Spencer placed ads in our local newspaper such as this ad in 1927.

Source:  Springfield Republican
March 27, 1927

In 1929 four men were working for him.  This florist was shipping gladiolus spikes to New York.  He was one of the most successful gladiolus growers in the United States.

Source:  Springfield Republican
Dec. 8, 1929

Special care was taken when shipping the gladiolus spikes.

Source: Springfield Republican
Dec. 8, 1929

In addition to shipping the flower spikes, bulbs were also sold and shipped to customers.  A catalog was published in 1930.

There were now fields on Ely Road and storage was located at 408 Longmeadow Street.  Large, Medium and Small bulbs were sold.    

A small sample of bulbs available for sale
~1930 Catalog~

An ad for his business was published in the book Longmeadow's Sesquicentennial.  This souvenir book was published in 1933 celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Town of Longmeadow, MA. 

B. Halsey Spencer had created a new business in the town of Longmeadow that was very successful!  Then, around 1939 he also became interested in Real Estate.  Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and now their two sons (Biron and Francis) continued to live at 97 Hopkins Place in Longmeadow.  B. Halsey Spencer went on to become the executive secretary of the Building Trades Employers' Association.  

Springfield Union
Nov. 17, 1950

This gentleman had a successful business selling gladiolus spikes and also bulbs for many years.  The residents of Longmeadow and the surrounding communities probably visited his showroom and also purchased bulbs that he sold.  After planting these bulbs, they would grow, flower and add to the beauty of their gardens locally!

Additional Sources:  Springfield Republican- Nov. 29, 1924 and Sep 8, 1929; Springfield Union- Jul. 4, 1947;  
1924 Longmeadow Directory and 1920, 1930 and 1940 U.S. Federal Census.  

 ~Written by Judy Moran