Author: beforetherewasadam_050rbj

Wachusett Aqueduct – Open Channel

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir The Open Channel Section 11 https://vimeo.com/837240002 Completed section of the open channel  Section 11   Open Channel   In the final leg of its journey to the Sudbury Reservoir the Nashua River water, having passed nine miles through a rock tunnel, arched masonry aqueduct and a bridge over a river, entered an… Continue reading Wachusett Aqueduct – Open Channel

The Carpenters

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com The Carpenters It has been said, and it is plainly evident, that the construction of the Wachusett Dam was primarily a massive masonry job. Much credit also is often given to the lowly shovel men, both local and immigrant, and the horse. Overlooked perhaps are the multiple other specialized trades. … Continue reading The Carpenters

Construction Site Management

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com Construction Site Management Wachusett Dam, looking southerly, downstream side, Clinton, Mass., Nov. 11, 1902 “Every picture tells a story”, so the saying goes, and this one is not any different. It’s one of my favorites because it shows nearly all of the major activities used by the contractor to construct… Continue reading Construction Site Management

The Compressors

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com The Compressors The main contract for the construction of the Wachusett Dam was made on October 1, 1900 with the McArthur Brothers Company of Chicago, IL. This work would require that large quantities of rock blasted from a remote quarry be placed by derricks into position at the dam. Twin… Continue reading The Compressors

The Bastion

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com The Bastion If you have driven past the Wachusett Dam lately you may have noticed substantial construction work in progress across the valley from the entrance gate on Boylston Street. The Owner of the property, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), has found it necessary to effect repairs to the… Continue reading The Bastion

UFOs (??) Over the Dam

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com UFOs (??) Spotted Over The Dam I happened to be visiting the Wachusett Dam one sunny day and saw this mysterious object flying overhead. That’s my dog, Max, doing the barking. See the video below to unravel the mystery. Thanks, Paul Marquee… Menu… Post Views: 137

John F. Philbin’s “mutilated” building

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasaadam.com John F. Philbin’s “mutilated” Building In anticipation of the new Wachusett Dam & Reservoir project, Boylston Street would replace the soon to be discontinued River Street as the main road to Boylston. The road, which passed between John F. Philbin’s house and barn, was to be upgraded and widened to… Continue reading John F. Philbin’s “mutilated” building

Houses Under the Dam

Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com Houses Under the Dam One of the many little mysteries and unanswered questions that keep turning up in the study the archives is this one. Why, right in the middle of a vast construction project, should there have been two largely undisturbed houses left in place…on the upstream side of… Continue reading Houses Under the Dam

The Biggest Boulder

Wachusett Dam &Reservoir beforetherewasadam.com The Biggest Boulder The site chosen for the location of the Wachusett Dam was across a narrow gorge lying between two hills, with the Nashua River running between them in Clinton. It was required that the millpond there be drained and the riverbed soils be excavated to bedrock all the way… Continue reading The Biggest Boulder