USA > New Jersey > Passaic County > Paterson > Paterson, New Jersey : its advantages for manufacturing and residence: its industries, prominent men, banks, schools, churches, etc. > Part 6
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the mouth of the pipe, caught the first flow of water and scattered it on the bystanders.
A dim, misty tradition belongs to that night and the two following days ; but as there is no record of it in the books, it may be deemed as untrue It is that there was a very open house kept by "mine host" at the falls, and that ail were made welcome to eating and drinking as they pleased to come, and it is said too, that a good many came.
LARGE PURCHASES.
In 1871 the purchase of the Oldham's property was made, taking in the mills, machinery and lake connected there- with. This was done mainly for the possibilities for storage of water in the lake and its surroundings.
No efforts for utilizing this prop: rty as to a water supply have been made up to this time, and the only benefits to the Company have been from the buildings, the water power and the control of the lake with the ice which is formed thereon.
The following year the Company made the largest of their purchases. This was the whole tract, comprising the Falls property not already acquired, and taking in the property where the "Totowa reservoir" now stands, and all the lands between Totowa avenue and the river. This purchase was $270,000.
In 1872 and 1873 Totowa was supplied with water. This could only be done by building a reservoir high enough to serve this elevated part of the city. No less than five miles of mains were required for this supply.
COMPLAINTS AND CRITICISMS.
At times during these later years some complaints were heard as to an inadequate supply of water. It was ques- tioned whether there was a proper head, or that the mains were not too small. These comments were developed, or rather intensified by reason of a lack of water for the steamers at two fires, which occurred, perhaps in 1874. Fear was expressed by both people and press that there was a lurking danger to the city by reason of some defic- iency growing out of either of the above named causes, or perhaps from both combined. The subject was taken up by the Board of Trade, who through a committee consist- ing of Messrs. John Cooke. Benjamin Buckley and Wil- liam G. Scott, made a careful investigation. Their report stated "that there was no foundation for the unfavorable reports which had been circulated," that, "in their judg- ment there was an abundant supply to keep our steamers in full operation during the existence of any fire." The report goes on to say, "this opinion is based upon the fol- lowing facts : that the two reservoirs which are in use, ex- cluding the new Totowa reservoir, contain ten million gal- lons of water, while the pumping facilities are such that the supply in reservoirs can be replenished at the rate of six millions per twenty-four hours;" that "the six steam fire engines, when on fire duty. would be supplied for nearly three days steady pumping without any water being
78
PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
supplied to the reservoirs, while the pumps are capable of supplying the reservoirs with twice as much water per hour as all the steamers can use in that time." The com- mittee also gave statements as to mains and gates as well as to the method in which it is made possible "to divert the water from the usual courses, and the whole force of the reservoir be given to one or more sections as may be required." It is worthy of record here, that at this time, attention was called by the Board of Trade to a still greater subject, namely the interest which the large cities in northern New Jersey should take in preserving and utiliz- ing the water supply for their own uses. The committee close their report with these words: "The subject of co- operating with Newark and Jersey City, in regard to a future supply of water for said cities"
is of "such great importance and involving questions which require such careful investigation." that they ask to be relieved from considering it.
We of this day, know that these questions of "such great importance" were not duly investigated by any of the in- terested parties, and they are now compelled to treat with others for a supply ; men of another state, who had the wit to conceive, the boldness to apply and the financial ability to take in hand so great a work are at this time, engaged in an enterprise which once could only be undertaken by a nation.
Notwithstanding the favorable report made by the Board of Trade. the Company proceeded to increase the pump- ing power, and placed a new pump in the Valley of the Rocks with necessary dam and wheel. This was an attempt to utilize the power which had already been used at the falls. This again going back to the old system of foreing the water from the lower basin to the reservoirs above, was so manifestly a waste of power, that it was soon abandoned for the better plan of using coal for power, rather than using water at so great a disadvantage.
FEARS OF A WATER FAMINE
The summer of 1875 was an extraordinarily dry one. This was the year when several of the large cities nearly prohibited the use of water, except for the most necessary purposes. The sprinkling of streets, the washing of wagons, the use of fountains and garden hose, with some other uses of water were restricted or prohibited. The Passaic Water Company were not compelled to resort to these measures, but they did doubtless trespass considera- bly upon the kindly feeling of the S. U. M. and probably overstepped the rights which had been accorded to the Company. At any rate, such a claim was made, and was finally liquidated at a heavy cost. Still the people of the city had the water, and that was satisfactory to them, who- ever might suffer in purse for it. The year was a dry one as has been said. Some entertained the fear that the Passaic river was gradually falling away, and that the fol- lowing year or years would be more trying than the pres- ent.
FRANKLIN LAKE.
This apprehension of a water famine, (possibly there were no other reasons) induced the then managing directors of the Company to look to the waters of Franklin Lake as a source of supply. A committee was appointed to in- vestigate the subject. This committee made so favorable a report, that the Company agreed to buy from the "owners. of Franklin Lake, and from the Franklin Lake Company" "all their rights and franchises." At the time this purchase was made there were also purchased all the rights of power and privileges of flooding lands on the river im- mediately below the Great Falls. Whatever may be the ultimate value of these costly grants and purchases, they have thus far been of no benefit to the Company; for in all the varied schemes for securing larger supplies of water, Franklin Lake has borne no part. Indeed so little account was made of these rights, to meet the ever grow- ing demand for more water, that at a meeting of directors held Sept. 28, 1876, the following action was taken :
WHEREAS, in consequence of the unprecedented drouth during the past summer the Water Company has suf- fered much inconvenience from the short supply of water; and for the better providing of an ample supply in the future, and as a guarantee of a perfect and ample supply, on motion of W. Ryle seconded by Peter Ryle,. therefore be it
Resolved, That the Company purchase a steam pump and boilers to be used as an auxiliary to their present pumps and machinery at the Passaic Falls, and that the steam pump shall not be less in capacity than one and a half million gallons in twenty-four hours; and that exca- vations be made at once for the placing of the steam pump and boilers, and that the same be enclosed in a suitable building ; and that the President be authorized and is hereby empowered to make such purchases and improve- ments.
At this same meeting Mr. Edward Osborn was elected a director in place of General Hoxsey who had retired.
In pursuance of the decision for obtaining additional power at the Falls Mr. James Beggs was called in to propose plans and specifications. This did not occur un- til late in the autumn of 1877. The plans provided for a steam pump which would deliver 3,000,000 gallons every twenty-four hours. It is sufficient to say here that at a large expense the new power was put in and the building erected over it under the superintendence of Mr. Beggs. and for all the years since has proved an efficient aux- iliary whenever it has been needed.
A CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT.
In April 1877 a very radical change was made in the. management of the Company. The seats of all the direc- tors except that of Mr. Ryle the president were vacated ; their places were taken by men who had either as stock- holders or bondholders acquired a large interest in the Company. These new men were the late William Ryle, who had in the early history of the Company been a di- rector and officer ; Mr. William A. Hadden, of Hadden & Co., N. Y., Mr. William 11. Fogg, of the China and Ja- pan Trading Co., also of N. Y. Hon. Seth Low was also.
79
PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
elected, but resigned before taking his seat in the Board. His place was filled by the election of the late John Shaw. Mr. Brown also resumed his seat in the Board, which he had some time before vacated. This change in the man- agement was made necessary by reason of the financial embarrassments which the Company had gotten into by a too free use of its money and credit. The new Board proceeded at once to take measures for restoring the credit of the Company, and rescue it from the peril which faulty management had produced. It is not necessary to dwell in detail on this part of the history of the Company. It may almost go without saying that a Board of Directors such as were then in office, would be quite likely to bring order and success to a financial condition, when what was needed was only a right use of the great resources of the Company. This history would be quite imperfect did it fail to record that in this trying time for the Company, the late William Ryle, who as before named, came again into the direction, proved himself a tower of strength. His clear head and persistent efforts were of the most valued kind. He used his position as a director, as a large credi- tor of the Company, as intimately connected in business relations with other large creditors, and his own means as well in this effort to make the restoration of the credit of the Company a success. He had able helpers certainly in some of the other directors, and the First National Bank gave important aid to the efforts of the management. Still a true statement calls for a record that a large measure of the praise for the rescue of the Company from imminent peril, is due to the late William Ryle. This statement is permitted now that he has (with so many of those who were associated with him in this transaction) passed into the land where praises and blame are alike unheeded.
STILL MORE WATER.
The history of the Water Company, perhaps of all water works, private or public, shows a continuous demand for an additional supply of water. Hence, notwithstanding the additional power named above, only a few years inter- vened before the necessity for more water seemed as great as before. Indeed so great was the apparent need for a more plentiful supply that the Board of Trade again took the subject up and appointed a committee to make a care- ful investigation as to the efficiency of the Company in fully supplying the city. This committee consisting of Messrs. William Strange, Watts Cooke, William G. Scott and H. V. Butler, made a very full and elaborate report under date Dec. 28, ISSO. This report may be found in the published records of the Board of Trade for iSSo-1, and showed fully the condition of the Company, with its facilities for supplying the city. Their recommendations were of an important character, and were accompanied with the statement that some of the former promises made by the Company had not been fully carried out. A sup- plemental report made at the beginning of the next year. stated that the Water Company were aware of the grow- ing needs of the city, that they had not been unmindful of the requirements, that a good deal had been done, but that
there had been an unlooked for increase in the consump- tion of water and that it was "admitted that more strenu- ous measures were now needed to insure the city against the possibility of a scarcity of supply in the future." The result of these inquiries and reports together with the knowledge on the part of the Company that the additions were required prompted immediate action, and the Com- pany at once contracted with W. G. & J. Watson for a duplicate set of horizontal pumps the same as were al- ready used. These were placed without loss of time. About this time the Company purchased and placed at the pumping works the large steam engine which had for a long time been lying unused at the Arkwright Mill. now Doherty & Wadsworth's. At this time was also built the high chimney at the pumping works.
These improvements were made after plans of Mr. James Beggs.
THE STONY ROAD RESERVOIR.
In the early part of ISS4. the purchase was made of the property now known as the Stony Road reservoir. The directors of the Company had cast longing looks upon this property for many years. This site and the high lands then belonging to the late Mr. Heins, now part of the Laurel Grove Cemetery, were both selected as admirable sites for what was needed. The last named could have been obtained with little trouble, and was in many re- spects very suitable, but the other was so far superior in every respect, except that of size, that the Company hesi- tated to take anything but the best, and determined to bide their time in hopes that it might be purchasable. This oc- curred as before named, in the spring of 1884. Not for a year after this purchase was any work done in the con- struction of the reservoir. During the following year however the work of construction was put under way and was completed in the most perfect manner as is so well known to those who are experts in such works. To Mr. William Ryle the superintendent, and Mr. T. F. Hoxsey the contractor, great credit is due for the manner in which this noble work was executed.
A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP.
In the year 1887 a great change took place in the own- ership of the Water Company. Some change was also made, though not quite so radical, in the management of its affairs. The large money interests which had so long been held by Mr. John Ryle and to a lesser extent by the directors, resident in New York, had been parted with, with the consequent result of their places in the Board of Directors being made vacant. Messrs. Garret A. Hobart, Edward T. Bell, T. F. Iloxsey and William Ryle were elected in their places. Mr. John Ryle retained his place as president. These gentlemen still constitute the Board. with the exception that the death of Mr. Ryle, the presi- dent, made a vacancy in the Board which had not been filled and compelled the election of a new president.
This change in the ownership of the Company brought into its interest men of large minds and large means.
So
PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
They had already, as has been before named, grasped the great idea of utilizing the waters of the Passaic river and its tributaries with the almost limitless possibilities for the storage of water for the cities of Northern New Jersey. Later on than the change thus referred to, the general public has through the newspaper press become aware of the purposes of this combination. It is no less, so the statements are, than that through the various corporations which are more or less under their control. to supply not only the cities of Northern New Jersey. "but for furnish- ing New York City and Brooklyn. when their demands shall exceed the quantity obtainable from their present sources." It is not a part of the history of the Water Company to make further references to this great enter- prise : besides it is already published more fully than it can be here. It is sufficient to say, that the Passaic Water Company have made large and valuable contracts with the corporations controlling the waters of the Passaic, which give a guarantee for the future supply for many years to come, not only to this city, but to Passaic and Clifton like- wise. These great advantages, were only obtainable at large cost, but all the same the benefit comes to the people, and generations to come will enjoy the great benefits, when the schemers and workers are quite fogotten.
CITY AND COMPANY.
Several times during the history of the Company pro- positions have been made looking to the acquirement of the works by the city. At times, there seemed to be a near consummation of it; but some opposition was devel- oped that prevented it. Opinions have always varied as to the policy of the city becoming the owner of the works, and when the matter was referred to the people themselves. as was the case on more than one occasion, the decision was against the acquisition. It is probable therefore, that the present condition of things will continue, and that the city of Paterson and the adjacent city of Passaic will be supplied with water by the Passaic Water Company.
It is a matter of congratulation to all concerned, that there has been so good an understanding, so much of mu- tual forbearance and so little of irritation as there has been, between the two corporations so prominent, and so intimately connected with the welfare of the city, as are the city and the Company. Of course it is understood that their interests are mutual, but still, that does not always insure the absence of unpleasant attrition between large corporations. The relationship between the two are quite well understood, but it may not be out of place to say here, to the general reader, that the city is a large customer to the Company, paying for fire protection and sanitary purposes, while the Company makes large returns in taxes paid, and the willing devotement to the people of the city for their use and pleasure. more than twenty-five acres of park, river and Falls. This superb spot has no parallel in the State and has been made free to all,
CONCLUSION.
Little remains to be said. In this sketch there has been
a studious avoidance where it was possible, of any refer- ence to the labors of those still living, and now connected with the Company. A slight departure may be permitted perhaps, so far as to name at least, Mr. William Ryle, the present superintendent. Much of the present efficiency of the present works, and nearly all of the watchful care dur- ing the later years, over the reservoirs, pipes, gates. engines, hydrants and the score of other things pertaining to the water supply of a city. may be credited to him. He has had the care growing out of the daily needs of the Company's work, and at midnight as well as at midday is wont to be summoned to meet the requirements of some unexpected and untoward mishap. This little allusion to him will not perhaps be gratifying to his modest estimate of himself, but he will first see it here, only with the gen- eral reader, and will have to endorse it as best he may.
IN MEMORIAM.
The late President of the Company, Mr. John Ryle, was it is well understood intimately connected with it, from the very first, but not for that alone, but because of his equally well known work in this city as a leader of men, a place is given here, to make a more enduring rec- ord, of the resolutions placed on the minutes of the Com- pany on the occasion of his death.
EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES, Nov. 14TH, 1857.
"Mr. Hobart then stated that the object of the meeting was, that as the Hon. John Ryle, the t'resistent of the Company, had lately died in England, leaving not only a vacancy in the Board of Directors, but in the office of the President of the Company, it was fitting that some proper memorial or resolution be passed by this Board, expressive of their loss. And upon motion of Mr. Hobart, seconded by Mr. Bell, it was unanimously resolved that a committee of two persons consisting of John J. Brown and Edward T. Bell, be appointed to prepare and sub- mit to the next meeting of this Board, suitable resolutions, expressing the sense of the Board of Directors at the loss this Company has sus- tained."
FROM MINUTES, Nov. 18TH, 1887. "Mr. John J. Brown then proposed the following resolution :
WHEREAS, the painful intelligence has reached us of the unexpected death of our esteemed Associate Director and President, John Ryle, at, or near his former home in England, it is eminently fitting that a tribute of respect should be paid to his memory by those with whom he has so long associated, and by whom his character and virtues are held in loving regard.
Resolved, That in the death of John Ryle this Company has been called upon to sustain the loss of one who as a director of the Company from its fonnation, now thirty-three years since, and its President for many years last past, has ever shown an interest and devotion in its snecess which could only come from the early and constant devotion to its welfare.
Resolved, That the Board of Directors as individuals and as a body, tender their sinecre sympathy to his family, confident that they will find the consolation which may well be obtained, in looking back over a life so worthily lived.
Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be recorded in the mumtes of the Board of Directors; a copy of the same be trans- mitted to his family, and that they be published in the journals of the city.
Upon the unanimous adoption of the above, Mr. Bell then moved that the Directors of this Company attend the funeral of their late l'resident as a body, which was also adopted."
PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
THE END.
Except for a few statistical statements this history ends here. Not so, however, the work of the Company. This must go on ; for every extension of the city brings other requirements. These have hitherto been fairly, per- haps not always quite in time, but still fairly met. The present managers desire to keep abreast with all demands made upon them as far as possible. As an illustration, it may be stated that the costs of last year's extensions alone amounted to $39, 106.00.
As may be supposed, the interests of the Company now require much supervision. The demands upon it are ever increasing. Its revenues and disbursements are sec- ond only to that of the city itself. It is quite well under- stood that the interests of the Company, unlike that of many corporations, are two sided. for the large obligation of supplying a people with water. both plenty and pure. is an ever present responsibility.
The following are some of the statistics of the Company :
Year.
Miles of Mains.
Hydrants.
Water Takers.
Revenue.
1800
14
100
400
$9,100 00
1865
25
10J
600
13,270 €0
1870
30
320
1,470
45,319 00
1475
35
400
2,160
83,390 00
1880
40
475
2,630
97,600 00
1885
45
590
4,250
140,000 00
1889
55
790
6,275
197,000 00
CAPACITY OF RESERVOIRS.
PUMPING POWER.
No. 1, Lower,
8 million galls.
Steam Pump,
4 mill. galls.
" 2, Middle,
12
" 3, Totowa,
2
66
Horizontal, St'm Eng., 8
" 4. Stony R'd, 25
66
.. Water Wh'l, 6
60
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, 1890.
GARRET A. HOBART, President.
JOHN J. BROWN, Treasurer.
JOHN C. RYLE, Secretary.
WILLIAM RYLE, Superintendent.
EDWARD T. BELL
T. F. HOXSEY, ONE VACANCY.
Horse Railroad Facilities.
It is extremely doubtful whether there is a city in the country in which more money has been spent on horse railroads than in Paterson. Horse railroads were built long before the erection of houses in various parts of the city justified any such expenditure of money. The princi- pal object was in no case the accommodation of the people who had settled in Paterson but the development of vari- ous portions of the city and the accommodation of the peo- ple who would in the future settle there. There was no doubt as to the future of the city ; there was no doubt as to the continued increase of population : there was no doubt that sometime in the future horse railroads would be a paying investment, but it took years to bring about the de- sired result. The histories of the horse railroad compan- ies in Paterson are alike : heavy investments with limited capital, the issue of bonds, running the road for years at a loss and final failure tell the story of all. Some years ago Paterson had a number of horse railroads ; now they have all been consolidated and are being run by one company ; the population to make horse railroads pay has come and to-day horse railroad stock is considered a safe and desira- ble investment.
In 1868 the Paterson & Passaic Horse Railroad Com- pany was chartered and tracks were laid from the Erie depot to Cedar Lawn cemetery, the capitalists interested in the new project being also interested in the development of Cedar Lawn and vicinity.
The late Franklin C. Beckwith built the road for the company of which he wasalso the president. The first spike was driven by Mr. John J. Brown, then mayor of the city ; the second by Mr. Beckwith and the third by Mr. James Crooks, who had been instrumental in securing the charter and organizing the company. Owing to an inadequate capital the company issued bonds ; the road was run at a loss for many years ; no dividends were ever paid and the company succumbed in the panic of 1873. All who had invested lost their stock and even the second mortgage bonds were wiped out. Before this took place. however. the company had built a line through Willis street and Vreeland avenue to the cemetery ; subsequently the Mar- ket street line was abandoned, and the tracks taken up, leaving Market street one of the finest drives in or about the city. In 1875 a line was built to Lake View through Market street and Trenton avenue but this was shortly af-
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