The Evolution of Longmeadow’s Water System: A Journey Through Time

Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a quaint town with a rich history, has seen its water system evolve over the years. This blog post takes you through the journey of Longmeadow's water system, as documented in Reflections of Longmeadow published by the Longmeadow Historical Society in 1983.

The Early Days
In the mid-19th century, Longmeadow had a primitive water system. A private company created a public water supply from Cooley Brook. A large waterwheel was connected to a pump that brought water from the brook which was then conveyed through hollowed out pine logs buried underground to a set of two public water tubs. Additional pipes carried water to houses and barns. However, the logs leaked so much that the system was abandoned after several years. See the earlier Longmeadow Historian blog post --> Longmeadow’s First Public Water Supply.

The Landmark Water Tower
In the late 19th century Longmeadow embarked on a mission to establish a modern water system. The town purchased land along Cooley Brook for the water works and water shed. The water works included a covered basin to settle out sand and a roofed storage reservoir with a capacity of 65,000 gallons. A 105-foot standpipe, or water tower, was constructed, which became a highly visible landmark. Water was pumped from the storage reservoir into the water tower.

Water Tower- Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow Historical Society archives

Longmeadow Water Works- 1920
[click image to enlarge]

The tower, consisting of an 88,000-gallon steel tank set atop a 70-foot steel trestle, stood for forty-two years off Longmeadow Street near the present St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. About nine acres of land along the Cooley Brook east of Longmeadow Street were purchased for the water plant and watershed. The town’s layout made the construction of a public water supply system practical. Main lines were laid out along Longmeadow Street, with lateral lines extending to the side streets. The springs that fed Cooley Brook were chosen to provide the town with water.

From the tower, water flowed under pressure in mains throughout the town, providing a sufficient supply of clean water certified by the state Board of Health for residential use and also for the first time supplying enough water for fire protection.

Expansion and Modernization
As Longmeadow's population expanded, additional watershed lands were purchased along Cooley Brook, the reservoir was enlarged, and a new concrete reservoir was built.

In 1912, the town took two important steps to ensure its future supplies: the installation of meters to encourage water conservation and an emergency connection with the city of Springfield. The meters led to a considerable reduction in water usage.

The Shift to Springfield Water Supply
In 1922, the emergency connection with Springfield (Little River system) was opened permanently, and Longmeadow abandoned its waterworks, becoming fully dependent on Springfield for its water supply.

The Post-War Era
Despite further engineering improvements in the distribution system, water pressure failed to keep up with the accelerated building of homes in the post-war period. The prolonged drought of the 1960s, together with uncertainty about Springfield's reliability as a supplier, led the town to think about its future water supply. Two solutions were chosen: the building of a million gallon water tower off Frank Smith Road in 1965 and in 1971 the drilling of two wells. These wells could produce 1 million gallons of drinkable water daily and were intended to provide the town's primary water supply, supplemented by water from Springfield during the summer months. These two wells were later closed. 

Water Tower- Frank Smith Road
[photo courtesy of Longmeadow Water Department]

Today’s Water Supply
The Town of Longmeadow currently purchases all of its water from the City of Springfield which originates from the Cobble Mountain Reservoir located in Western Massachusetts near the towns of Russell and Blandford. This water supply is filtered and chlorinated before it is delivered to Longmeadow. The Longmeadow water system begins at the Water Pumping Station located on Forest Glen Road in Longmeadow where fluoride is added. From this pumping station, the Town of Longmeadow is serviced by approximately 96 miles of water distribution mains.

Longmeadow Pumping Station- Forest Glen Road
[photo courtesy of Longmeadow Water Department]

Conclusion
The history of Longmeadow’s water system is a tale of innovation, community effort, and adaptation to changing needs. From the early days of hollowed out logs to the modern piped-water system, Longmeadow's water system has evolved to meet the needs of its residents, reflecting the town’s commitment to ensuring a reliable and safe water supply.

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Levels of disinfectant byproducts (chlorination byproducts) have periodically exceeded maximum allowable water quality guidelines in recent years. The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is aware of the problem and have plans in place to improve the water quality of their system. A new West Parish Water Treatment Plant will incorporate new treatment technology to resolve issues with disinfectant byproducts. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed in mid-2028.

Written by Jim Moran/ Guest Historian

1903 Labor Day Picnic at Stuckert's Grove

Trolly traveling north on Longmeadow Street
perhaps on return trip to Springfield, MA after picnic- Sept. 7, 1903
Emerson Collection
Photo courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society

In 1903 Labor Day was celebrated on September 7th!  That was 120 years ago.  In the greater Springfield area many different activities were planned for this holiday. A list of events that took place in the city of Springfield, MA was published in the local newspaper.  There was an interesting variety.  Of special interest was the first listed activity: 
TO-Day- Labor parade and picnic.    

Springfield Daily Republican
Sept. 7, 1903

In downtown Springfield, MA a parade in honor of Labor Day began about 9:45 AM.  Members of labor organizations marched in groups with their fellow members along with bands and drum corps units.  It was estimated that there were 3,500 men who took part in this parade.

Springfield Daily Republican
Sept. 8, 1903

This large parade included about 100 carpenters wearing their caps and light colored shirts.  Tailors and capmakers along with about 100 grocery and provision clerks marched.  Blacksmiths that numbered about 50 men wore black shirts, caps and held hammers.  Brewery workers marched and also had a float.  Painters, decorators, cigar makers and  plumbers were also represented.  The bricklayers and the horseshoers wore their new leather aprons.  Bartenders, machinists, bakers and coal handlers also marched as did more men that had other occupations and also were members of a union.  

The Labor Day parade had a specific route:  Howard Street to Main Street onto State Street. The parade continued to Dwight then Worthington to Main Street onto Carew, and then "countermarch to Court Square".  George H. Wrenn was the Grand Marshall.

George H. Wrenn
Springfield Daily Republican
Sept. 16, 1902

This gentleman was the well respected president of Springfield's central labor union. 
          

Springfield Daily Republican
Sept. 7, 1903

As noted in Springfield's schedule for the day (shown at the top) there was a picnic after the parade!  The location for the picnic was in Longmeadow!  It was at Stuckert's Grove off of Mill Road (near Longmeadow Street).

Springfield Daily Republican
Aug. 3, 1903

Stuckert's Grove was owned by Louis Stuckert.  He and his family lived at 909 Longmeadow (Main) Street after they moved from their home in Springfield.  He had a restaurant/ saloon in Springfield and also had been the proprietor of the United States Hotel on Springfield's Main Street.

1894 Longmeadow, MA Map
see red arrows: Louis Stuckert's House and Stuckert's Grove

The men who marched in the parade along with guests and visitors made their way to Longmeadow by trolly. After getting off of the trolly by Mill Road they made their way to Stuckert's Grove.  Activities had been planned for the remainder of the day along with having lunch. A baseball game between grocery clerks and barbers was the highlight of the afternoon.  An orchestra played at this event, so interested individuals could also dance.  The tickets for Stuckert's Grove had been sold earlier!
 

Springfield Daily Republican
Sept. 7, 1903

However, traveling to Longmeadow on that day was challenging!  So many people needed and wanted to take the trolly.  Extra cars were needed and put into service.  Some individuals who were eager to attend the picnic walked to North Chestnut Street to get on a trolly, so they could then travel to Longmeadow!  The trollys were filled with passengers ready to enjoy their afternoon! 

This Labor Day celebration was very well attended and very successful!  The large parade was enjoyed by many people.  Then, nearly 5,000 people traveled to Longmeadow to enjoy themselves at Stuckert's Grove.  The picnic began in the afternoon and lasted until night.

Additional Sources:  1898 Springfield, MA Street Directory; 1900 U.S. Federal Census; Springfield Republican: July 4, 1891 and 1905 Longmeadow, MA Street Directory.

~Written by Judy Moran         

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