A daily feature from our surrounding historical societies.
Recently we posted a story about Lansdale’s landmark water tower near 3rd St. & Richardson Ave. Construction of this tower was big news in the 1950s, and its opening was a proud moment for the town.
As early as the 1870s Lansdale’s residents were strongly advocating for a public water system. In 1883, the newly-formed Lansdale Water Authority built a standpipe next to their office at 2nd & Chestnut Sts.
The newspaper reported that the 104-foot pipe would “give us a supply of water sufficient to control a fire, …and we believe the town will double its population in five years.” Also, “Manufacturers can now locate here with full confidence in a sufficient supply of water…”
A larger standpipe was built next to the first one in 1906, and it was replaced in 1932 with a pipe that dwarfed the others at a height of 120 feet and a 30-foot diameter. The tank was painted a dark forest green, and the town’s name was boldly printed from top to bottom in white letters. During WWII, those white letters caused some concern among civil defense workers who feared the letters could be seen by enemy aircraft.
In 1949, a small water tank was added behind St. Mary Manor near Knapp Rd. This Hillcrest neighborhood often experienced low water pressure because its elevation was higher than the previous water tanks on Chestnut St.
(Credit: Lansdale Historical Society)The Hillcrest tank was replaced with a new water tower in 2020.
Lansdale Historical Society was founded in 1971, and its purpose is to preserve the history of the Borough of Lansdale and the greater North Penn area, and to share its collection of material and resources with the greater community, particularly the youth. It has its headquarters in a two-building complex, located on Jenkins Avenue in the center of Lansdale, Montgomery County, PA. The buildings are owned by the Borough of Lansdale.
Volunteer for or donate to the Society here. Follow them on Facebook.
