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