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
Author: beforetherewasadam_050rbj
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: 2,439
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
Coal
Wachusett Dam & Reservoir beforethrewasadam.com Coal at the Dam Before the introduction of gasoline and the internal combustion engine (and proper roads) the movement of goods and people was implemented by steam. All that was required was the fusion of two basic elements…fire and water. Steam engines use the force produced by steam pressure to… Continue reading Coal
Oakdale Station: Anatomy of a Rail Yard
Wachusett Dam & Reservoir Oakdale Station: Anatomy of a Rail Yard Oakdale Station 1897 Road Engine Freight Transfer House Warehouses May Street Freight House Water Tower Engine House Coal Storage Bin Yard Engine Oakdale I decided to write this article when I came across this remarkable collection of images of the Oakdale Station situated on… Continue reading Oakdale Station: Anatomy of a Rail Yard