In 1895 it was understood that excavation for the dam, down to bedrock, would result in a huge hole but few realized that it would take five long years to complete the preparatory work before the digging could be started.

Major obstacles to be overcome, as addressed in this article, were the diversion of the Nashua River and the draining of the pond of the Lancaster Mills, which the dam would cross.

A coffer dam would be constructed with a wooden flume to maintain tight control over the river flows. A second wooden flume connecting to the new Wachusett Aqueduct would provide up to 300 million gallons of clean water every day to the Water District.

All of this work would have to be before done before the new dam could even be started.

Thanks,

Paul