Culver Water Department  

1903 - Oct 22 - The city council fixed the tax levy for 1903... water works 30 cents on each $100 valuation...

February 1906 - Population 700. The status of the fire department was given No stem no hand engine no indpendent hose cart no hook & ladder truck. Water Facilities Not Good …

1906 Jul 5 - Call for Citizen's Meeting The citizens and tax-payers of Culver City are requesterd to meet at 8 p.m. Friday July 6, at the school house to dicuss the subject of waterworks and fire protection. By order of Towon Council

1906 -- Jul - 5 Waterworks For Culver

The People are Getting Together on this propostition.

The Money Can be Raised Another Year Will See this Spendid Improvement Secured

The recent fires and the discussion of the matter of fire protection has developed a strong sentiment in favor of water works.

Everybody admits the necessity of doing something to prevent the destruction of the town by fire, and from, the best evidence at hand the majority of the people have expressed a preference for waterworks

The Citizen also believes that a waterworks system is a desirable improvement to go after, and the sooner the better.

The members of the town board see no serious financial difficulty in handling this project, and unless they or the property owners get "cold feet" Culver will next year be in the enjoyement of a plant that will be adequate for fire and domestic purposes.

Mr. Fred Cole, representing the National Waterworks company - a corportation that has installed plant all over the country - has made a verbal proposition to the board to build a system and furnish ample equipment for two companiers for $7,000.

This will provice for a line fo four-inch mains extending from the south end of Main street to the depot.

The system is known as the air-pressure system and is in use in a large number of small towns.

The town board will thoroughly inform itself - and is in fact alreay investigating - of the merits of the system, and whether thator some other type of works is adopted the people may rest assured that no contract will b e let hastily or without full information on the part of the board.

The money can be raised partly bby a bond issue and partly by floating warrants.

The present bon limit is about $5,000. Upon the petition of two-thirds of the property owners the board can make an issue without resorting to an election.

This method will be easier, quieter and more certain of suscess than through the medium of an election in which disinterested men will have the same voice as the largest property owners and in which some personal or outside issue may be raised to defeat the project.

Provision will be made by which property onwers off the line of the parent mains can be supplied with water in their houses.

One way of doing this is for the property owners to pay for lateral mains, the money to be refunded to them as soon as the town is able. As a futher inducement the town can supply them with free water for a term of years.

A member of the town board said to the Citizen: "The majority of the property owners and all of the largest ones are decidedly in favor of waterworks. The more we look into the marrer the more facorably does the board regard the proposition,and I confidently believe that next year we will put in a system."

This is good news and the Citizen hoists its flag and shouts "Waterworks for Culver".

1906 - July 12 - Waterworks Proposition Is Gaining In Favor

Detailed Statement of the Plan Which Can be Adopted to Secure the Improvement

In a response to a mass meeting called at the public school building on Friday evening about thirty citizens listened to a proposition from Fred Cole, representing the National Construction Company to construct a system of waterworks.



What Mr. Cole said was, in substance, as follows: The Construction Scheme
My compnay will furnish Culver with a system that will give fire protection to nearly every piece of property in town for $7,000. The plant will conccist of one mile of four-inch mains, ten hydrants, a Fairbanks & Morse 20 horse power gasoline engine; a triple expansion pump with a capacity of 250 gallson per minute, an air compressor, and a tank 8X36 feet.

The town will have to furnish a building 25X40, 10 feet high and a well or wells.

One 10 inch will ought to be large enough, but if preferred three or four 5 inch wells, connected, would do as well.

The pumping station could be located on the lakeshore, but the would necessitate more pipe in order to reach the mains, and the water would bot be as good for drinking putposes.

The cost of operating such a plant would be about 35 cents a day for gasoline. The marshall would start the pump in the morning and let it run itself long enough to fill the tank, so that an engineer would not be ncessary.

The compressed air system will furnish a constant pressure of about 75 pounds which is plenty for fire purposes


So much for the constrcution propsosition. The financial condiditons, as stated by Mr. Cole are as follows:

The Financial Scheme
The assessed valuation of Culver is $200,000. On a 2 per cent basis $4,000 can be raised by issuing say ten-year 6 percent bonds.

The balance of $3,000 can be provided for by organizing a stock company and issuing 6 percent preferred stock. THe stock would be subkject to retirement at the rate of $300 a year. The amount to be raised therefore would be $720 the first year with a diminishing amount each year as the stock and bonds are called in.

This amount would be further reduced by the income from water-takers. This, on a comservative estimate, would not {be} less than $450. Add to the expense of payiing the conds, stock and interest the $800 annual payment on the school building and the mount needed for village expenses, and the total to be raised by taxation for town purposes would not average over $1,500 a year, or about 73 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation.


Mr Cole said he was so certain that the people of Culver would subscribe for the preferred stock that he would not be afraid to guarantee that he could go among them and secure the subscribers himself.

The investment would be absolutely as safe as government bona.

As to Objectors

The town, Mr. Cole continues would never be better prepared to build waterworks than now.

Put it off two, five, or ten years and you would find the same objections or the same hesitancy to assume the responsibility that may exist today.

There is always a timidity about going into such an expenditure, and there are always some objectiors

Human nature will be the same years from now as at present, and meantime the town would be without fire protection and without the comfort and convenience and sanitary condition which result from waterworks.

The plunge must be made some time, and now is as good a time as any.

The system of issuing preferred stock has been abopted successfully in a great many cities where the financial condition is the same as Culver.

The compressed air system, Mr. Cole contended, was the best for the least money, as hundreds of towns could testify. He would give the town board a list of towns comparatively near by and the board could send a committee to post itself thoroughly.

Committee to Investigate.

After some questions had been asked, John Osborn's motion that the town board appoint a committe of three to visit some other towns was varried without a dissenting vote though a number declined to vote either way.

Dr. Rea moved that the investigating committe report to a public meeting and the motion prevailed.

Mr. Cole made another point which is important, and that was the desirability of taking action at once before the summer is further advanced. The difficulty of securing pipe greatly increases as the season advances.

If a system is contracted for soon it could be constructed this year; otherwise it would have to go over until next year.

Points to Consider

The people now have something tangible and definite to work on.

If the financial plan sugggeted by Mr. Cole is adopted it will be well to dicuss the adviabnility of not quite exhausting the bonding limit of the town and issuing a larger amount of preferred stock.

It must also be remembered that $7,000 does not represent the total cost as there is a building to be constructed, a well or wells to be sunk, and hose cart and other fire equipment to be bought.

The investigating committee cisisting of A. A. Keen, C. C. Shilling and S. E. Medbourn went to North Judson on Tuesday and expect to visit one or two other towns before returning.

1906 - Jul 19 - More About Waterworks

The Report from the Committee Sent Out Last Week

Pleased with the System

Whole Question Now is, Has the Town Enough Resources?

A reperesentative gaterhing of citizens assembled at the school house Friday evening to listen to the repoert of the committee appointed to investigate the merits of the air-pressure system.

Messrs. A. A. Keen and Shilling spoke for the committee who were unaimous in their conclusins that the system was entirely satisfactory and the best that could be adopted by Culver.

The committee visited Manteno, Kankakee county, Ill., a town of 1,200 inhabitants, where the system has been in use ten years. It was started with four block of eight-inch mains in the business section and has grown until there are now between thee and four miles. All the extensions are four-inch. The Manteno citizens took a very friendly interest in the visit of the committee and the town board ordered out the hose company to exhibit the capabilities of the works. With a pressure of 65 pounds over top of the grain elevator.

The committee talke with a goodly number of the citizens and heard nothing by words of praise for the system.

In view of the fact that this was one of the first plants put in by the National Construction company, and that the engine was only 10 horse power the committee felt perfectly satisfied.

Mr. Fred Coles of the National Construction company was present at the meeting and restated his propostionm namely to constoruct a pplant in Culver for $7,000, payable in ten or twnety years.

The plant will consist of a mile of four-inch mains, ten fire hydrants, a 20 horse power engine, an air compressor, a storage tank 8X36 feet, a cart and 500 feet of hose.

Mr. Keen read the schedule of rates in force at Manteno showing that a consumer pays only $1 per month for a tap in his kitchen, another in his bathroom, one on his lawn and another in his barn.

Many questions relating to details of construction were asked either of the committee or Mr. Cole

J. H. Koontz finally concentrated the whole discussion into a motion. He said that the question was purely a financial one.

Nintey-nine property owners un Culver were in favor of waterworks if the town could afford it.

Can the town legally raise such an amount of money as will, after providing for all present indebtedness and annul running expenses pay for such portions of the plan that are not included in Mr. Cole's bid, the sinking fund necessary to provide for the water bonds and the interest on the bonds? If this could be done, well and good, let us have the woterworks and have them at once; if it could not be done we should let the whole matter drop.

He moved, and it was unanimously carried, that a committe of three be appointed - one by the town board from their own membership, one by this meeting, and one by the two thus selected - to ascertain the lawful taxing resources of the town, the annual espenses, and the amount needed to fully equip and operate a waterworks plant.

The town board thereupon selected A. A. Keen, the meeting Henry Speyer, and the two names T. E. Slattery as the third member

This committee may also canvas the property owners to ascertain who will agree to take th water service and to what extent.

This information will give the town authorities a definite idea of what the income of the town will be from this source and what can be figured on as an available resource in addition to the tax levy.

The matter has now take shape and there is no reason why the question should not be settled one way or the other at an early date.

1906 - July 20 - The enterprising residents of Culver are making an attempt to secure a water works system for the place. -Rochester Sentinel, Friday, July 20, 1906

1906 - Aug. 23 - Outline of The Plan

Method to be Adopted in Organizing Waterworks Company

Opinion By Town's Lawyer

Endorsed by Public - - Committee Will Solicit Stock

At a called meeting of the citizens on Wednesday night of last week the report of the committee was presented, accompanied by Atterney Parker's opinionn as printed herewith.

The sentiment of the meeting was entrely harmonious. Apparently there is no opposition to the plan as outlined for constructing a sustem of water works in Culver, and President Keen of the town board was authoized to appoint a committed of five to solicit subsxriptions to the preferred stock.

If $4,000 can be thus raised a contract will be entered into and the plant will be installed before the season closes:


Report of the Committee

We the undersigned committee who were appointed to ascertain whether or not the town of Culver could legally bby taxation raise money enough , about $4,000, with which to install a water works plant submit the following report:

We find that the cost of the plant would be about $8,000. The plan is for the town to own half of the stock, and the other half to be sold to private parties as preferred stock.


We further estimate that the running expenses of the plant would be baout as follows:



Taxes		$	0100
Dasoline			0110
Extra Salary for Marshall			120
Repairs			0050
Interest on Prefereed Stock			0240
Retiring Preferred Stock			0200
Interest on Bonds			0200
Total Expenditure			______
		$	1020
Income -
Rentals		$	0250.00
33-levy on $235,000			0775.50
Total Revenue			______
		$	1025.50



Making the income $5.50 per year more than the yearly outlay.

We therefor recommend that work of installing said plant go on with as little delay as possible.
H. M. Speyer,
A. A. Keen,
T. E.Slattery,


Attorney Parker's Opionion

Suggestions for a Plan under which a Water works Plant may be Constrcuted in the Town of Culver:

In presenting the following suggestions it is assumed that the water works plat will cost $8,000 and that the town may contact and indebtedness of $4,000 without violating the cection of the constitution fixing the per cent of the assessed valuation for taxable purposes of all property within the town as the debt limit.

This plan involves several steps which will be stated and explained in their order.

First. The organization of a corporation under the act [cited] providing for the formation of companies to carry on the following purposes: "To supply any city, town, village or community with water, light, heat or power"

This company should have a capital stock equal to the entire cost of the plant.


Second. The town shall become a stockholder in the corporation to the extent of $4,000, Towns are nox expressly authorized to become part stockholders in water works companined formed to supply water to themselves and their inhabitants [Statute cited]. To pay for it stock the town can issue its bonds and sell the same and use the proceeds for that purpose. These bonds may bear interest at a rate of not exceeding six per cent per annum payable annyally or semi-annually as the board of trustees may determine, and shall be sold for not less than their face value. These bonds may be made payable at such time or times as the board may fix and the proceeds can be used for no other purpose that to pay for the stock in the woter works company.

By pursusing this course, and following the assumption still that the cost of the plant will be $8,000, the town will contribute hald the money and own half the stock of the water works company. The town will not be able to contribute more or but little more, than the $4,000. If interested citizens are willing to take the other $4,000 of stock and to pay for it upon exactlly equal terms with the town, these suggestions might end here. But it is fair to assume that citizens of the town may not wish or be willing to take stock on the same terms as the town. This brings us to out next step

Third. The stock should be divided into 800 shares of the par value of $10 a share. The 400 shares that the town will take should be common stock. From 10 to 5r0 shares more should ce common stock. The balance should be preferred stock. This is so because the business of the wter works company must be managed by a board of not less than three nor more than eleven directors. These directors must be the stockholders in the company and the holders of the preferrred stock are excluded from any voice in the management of the affairs of the company. The town should have one member of the board of directors and the other holders of the common stock the other members. Any citizen who will take any considerable amount of the preferred stock as an investment for the reasons hereinafter stated, will want a voice in the management of the buisness of the company. He can only secure that voice by takinge one or more shares of the common stock. The preferred stock, under our law, presents the following disadvantages:
a. As stated above the holders of preferred stock cannot participate in the manaagement of the business of the company.

b. In case of insolvency or upon dissolution of the company al debts and liabilities of the company shall be paid in preferences to the preferred stock.


But the preferred stock presents the following advantages which it would seem out to make it fairly desirable as an investment, or at least sufficiently desirable to induce a patriotic citizen to take and pay for a reasonable amount of it.
a. It can and should be made to draw a semi-annual dividend of not exceeding four per cent. The rate of dividend should be stated in the certificates issued for the stock. This ividend is payable from the net profits of the company, and must be paid before any dividend is set a side or paid on the common stock. The dividend should be made cumulative so that if the net profits at any dividend-paying time are not sufficient to pay the dividend the unpaid part can stand over to be paid when the net profits are sufficient to warrant payment.

b. This, as will as the other stock, is non-taxable

c. In case of the dissolution or insolvency of the company the holders of the preferred stock are to have all the assets of the company applied to the payment of their stock, with all arrearaheds of dividends, after the payment of the debts of the company, to the eclusion of the common stock.

d. The company cannot convey any of its real estate or mortgage any of its property without the written consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of the preferred stock; nor can the company, without such consent, declare any dividend upon the common stock that will impair its capital.

f. The preferrred stock may be paid off or redeemed at such times as may be expressed in the certificates.


Fourth. The town shall grant a franchise to the water works company to use the streets and alleys for the laying of its mains and pipes, and should make a contract to take and pay for water for public use for a period of years to be determined upon a careful calculation and made to approcimate the time when the income of the company, after paying taxes, running expenses, keeping up repairs and dividends on the preferred stock, will pay off and retire the preferred stock. [Here follow figures which are covered by the report of the committee.]

1906 - Aug 2 - The Waterworks

There is nothing especailly new to report in the waterworks situation.

The project has bot been dropped by any means. In order to assure themselves beyonf peradventure on all the legal phases of the case an opinion has been asked from a second attorneyu.

When this is received and it is expected daily, the town board will clearly understans its rights and authority, and will know how to proceed.

An election will be necessary, for one thing, before bonds can be issued, a majority vote in favor being requisite.

There is still time to get work well under way and possibly completed, before winter sets in.

1906 - Aug. 16 - The Coast Is Clear

No Financial Obstaclie in Way of Town Having Waterworks.

This Should Settle Matter

Town Can Issue Bonds and Take Stock in Company.

The Talk of waterworks still continues.

An not the report of Attorney Parker on the feasibility of the plan proposed is received and is wholly favorable.

Consequently the movement, in the course of the next week or two, will probably crystallize either into definite acction or into complete abandondonment of the idea.

It seems entirely within the truth to say that not one persent of the people who ware expressing their opinions on the street are oppoesed to getting a wterworks system here, and most who talk are not only for it but enthusiastically for it.

Ther is a feeling, of course, that the villahe should proceed with caution. It would be bad to enter into something that the town could not carry through.

But Attorney Parker's report largely dissipates this fear and places the consideration of thep project on the basis altogether of popularity, and the ability to finance the scheme according to the plan.

Attorney Parker's report first gives an outline of a plan by which the village can secure the desires system, and then an illustrative set of figures to show how the plan works out.

The important thing about the report is that there is no question in it as to the town's ability to buy, provided the additional amounty necessary can be raised among the citizens and those having money to loan.

For the latter (that is those having money to put out at interest) the plan really offers an opportunity for the security is gilt-edged, and the loan pays six per cent and is not taxable, in that respect being the same as government bonds.

To quote from the report: "The preferred stock presents the following advantages which, it would seem, ought to make if fairly desirable as an investment, or at least sufficiently desirable to induce a patriotic citizen to take and pay for a reasonable amount of it."

If those who feel then that it is to the interest of the town to habe waterworks will loan a reasonable amount towards this end, piecing out the $4000 which the town can raise, there seems to be no very great obstacle in the way to having fire protection and water in the house.

Since the foregoing was put in type the committee (Keen, Speyer and Skattery) appointed at a citizens' meeting to investigate the town's financial resources, have held a meeting and decided to recommend to t a public meeting that the town proceed with the plan heretofore outlined and to contract with the National Construction company for putting in the compressed air system.

The total cost to the town for the first year will be %770, necessitating an additional tax of 33 cents on the $100.

1906 - Aug. 30 - Waterworks Canvas

The soliciting committee - Messers. T E. SLattery, S. C. Shilling, H. M. Speyer, S. E. Medbourn, John Osborn - are circulating the subscription papers for the $4,000 preferred stock which must be sold in order to insure the building of the plant.

With the amount already signed and those which the committ feel reasonably sure of getting, $2,000 of the stock ought to be regarded as secured, leaving an equal amount as an uncertain factor.

The committee will endeavor to see every man whom they think will be a possible subscriber to even a single $10 shre of stock.

The investment is a good one in point of safety and liberal resturns. The preferred stock is quaranteed to pay 4 per cent semi-annually. Thi sought to bring out every spare dollare in town.

The business men and the most progressive citizens gereally are all in favor of giving Culver the fire protection that it needs, and the prestife which will accrue from having a system of waterworks.

Those who want the town to grow are the supporters of the project.

Be a boaster when it comes to advancing the interests of your town. It pays every time.

That is the experience of all towns when questions of punlic improvement are under consideration.

1906 - Sept 27 - Waterworks Secured

1906 - Oct 18 - The Waterworks -

The town board at its meeting Monday night authorized the issue of $4,000 of 5 per cent waterworks bonds, in series of $400. The first is due in 1916 and one each year following, the whole covering a period of 20 years.

McFarland is at worok on the well wich is now down 45 feet. It is possibly that the machinery will be here next week.

1906 - Oct 18 Notice of Bond Sale

Notice is hereby given, that the Board of Trustees of the incorporated town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana will on

Thursday, October 26, 1906

At the councul chamber in said town at two o'clock p.m. on said date, offer for sale he waterworks bonds of said town amounting to the sum of Four thousand dollars ($4,000), The daid bonds are in the principal sum of FOur hundred dollars ($400.00) each, due one each year commencing on November 1st, 1916; said bonds draw five per cent interest per annum. payable semi-annually on the first days of July and January each year from date. Said bonds will be sold to the highest bidder for cash at not ledd tha par.

Copies of the proceedings authorizing said bond issue may be examine at the office of Levi A. Osborn, town clerk of said town.


Witness the hand od the undersigned, town clerk, and the seal of said town hereunto affixed this 15th day of October A.D. 1906 - (seal) Levi A Osborn, Town Clerk

1906 - Oct 26 - Contractor McFarland is now as work on the second well for the waterworks. A good flow of water was struck at 68 feet in the first well

1906 - Oct. 25 - Water Works Plans

Specifications Ready For the New Culver Plant

Following is an abstract of the details of the plans of the water works as far as they are of general interest;

The Puming Station
The building, 40X24, 10 feet to the eaves, is to be constructed of concrete blocks. The waslls are to be 10 inches in thickness. The roof is to be a hip roof. The floor is to be concrete and the ceiling of pressed steel.


The Stoarge Tank
The tank is to be 36X8 feet, guaranteed to resist a pressure of 65 pounds to the square inch.


The Machinery
The gasoline engine of 20 horsepower is to have all its parted interchangeable and to be equipped with a governor.

The pump is to be of the verticle, single-acting triples type, having three plungers 8X8 inches with an 8 inch stroke and provided with pulleys to give a speef of 200 to 250 gallons per minute

An air compressor with a resistance of 100 pounfs per square inch.


The Mains
There will be 1,000 feet of 6 inch castiron water mains and 4,000 feet of 4 inch laid in trenched 5 feet deep. If rock is encountered which requires blasting the contractor is to be paid 8 cents per cubic feet extra.


The Hydrants
There are to be 15 standard 2 1/2 inch double nozzle hydrants , set on 4 inch branchers. The vlalves are to be of bronze.


Fire Equipment
The contraxcting company is to furnish 500 feet of seamless woven rubber lined 2 1/2 inch hose, guaranteeed to stan a pressure of 300 pounds, with brass couplings; also two 30 inch play pipes with interchangeable screw tips and swivel handles.

One hose cart is to be furnished equipped with 50 feet of drag rope, tool box, fire ax and crow bar


Certain Points in the Contract
The system is to be in peration within 60 days from November 1, 1906, at which time work must have been commenced. The efficiency of the plant is guarantedd for one year from date of completion, under bond of $1,000.

Any defect in construction, materials or working efficiency is to be made good at the expense of the company, provided that such failure is not due to icompetence of the part of the engineer.

Streets and sidewalks are to be left in good condition on the completion of the work


The price
The contract price is $7,800, payment to be made as material arrivesand work progresses, to the mount of 85 percent of the estimates; balance to be paid on the completion of the work. The money or bonds and stock are to be provided on or before the date of the commencment of the work

1906 - Nov 1 - The second will for the water works plant was completed Thuesday at a depth of 70 feet

1906 - Nov 1 - Waterworks Bonds

In responses to the adversisement of the town board two bids were received for the $4,000 issue of waterworks bonds on Thursday.

One was from Charles Stahl of Cuvler for a portion of the issue, and the other was from Breeder & Harrison of Cincinnati for the entire anount, the bid b eing $4,250.

The bidder failed to enclose a certified check, and the bid was not accepted; but the check has since been received and the board will, either at a special meeting this week or at the regular meeting next Monday night, formally accept the bid.

The premium of $250 is very gratifying to the board and fully as much much as was expectected.

1907 - Apr 4 Will Begin May 1

John Osborn interviewed the officals of the National Waterworks company at South Bend last week, and learned that the material for the Culver plant had been ordered and that it will be on the ground in time to begin work about May 1.

The company thinks better progress will be made and betterwork done by waiting until the spring rains are over and the weather is settled

Contractor Osborn began work on the cement pumping station this week Monday,and will propbably complete the walls this week.

1907 - Aug. 22 - Water Works and Fire Company are Now Ready for Business

The officers of the water company will next week begin a systematice canvass for water-takers.

Although the plant has been ready for bbusiness two weeks Charles Hayes is the only person who has made formal application, and his livery barn will ive in the annals of local fame as the first permanent pattrion of the Culver water works.

The business of the company is therefore not starting off with a mad rush, and doubtless it will require time to educate the people up to the utility and comfort of this modern concenience....

1908 Sept 17 - Culver Endangered by lack of sufficient fire-fighting facilities ; damaged fire hoses

1909 - Aug 6 - The Water company has purchased meters and will install them on every connection in town. Rochester Sentinel, Friday, August 6, 1909

1911 - Feb 2 - There are now 137 water takers listed on the Culver city water company's books. The number slowly but surely increases and the company is paying 4 per cent interest on its preferred stock and keeping up its current expenses. Unless some unusual expense is incurred this year it is probable that a dividend on the common stock will be declared. - Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, February 2, 1911
1912 - Oct. 24 - R. C. McFarland's well drilling outfil has been brought from Warsaw to Culver tp put down two 6-inch wells, one for the town pumping plant and one for the academy... - Citizen

1914 - on Sanborn Fire map the fire department was located on Plymouth St. across from what is now Grace Reformed church of Christ and the property is now the churches parking lot.

By 1914 the fire department condtions had improved some what - - No. Steam & no hand engine; Two hose carts; One hook & ladder. Water facilities: Pressure tank system capacity of Tank 7,500. 1 National Constrution Co. F. P. triple 3"x0" driven 20HP gasoline eingine supply from 1.6" & 3.4" wells. daily consumption not known domestic pressure 30-60 lbd. fire pressure 60 lbs. 1 1/2 miles 4" & 6" water pipes 17 double hydrants installed 130 extensions since

1914 - Jun 18 - Exentison of Water Mains

The Water company has complered the layinf of 1,100 feet of water mains tat the extreme ends of Scott and Main streets, as far as the brick paving will extend,

The expense will be about $700.

Proptery owners who contemplate using water in the future will do well to get busy and have service pipe laind to their lot lines at once, as it will cost much more after the brick paving is down, and it is possible that some future boad may refuse to tear up the paving for parties who may later conclude to take water.

1917 - Feb. 17 - Frozen Mains - For the first time the unpleasant experience of frozen water mains had been the lof of several Culver poperty owners. The winter has beem imudual for its continued severe cold which combined with a lack of snow, has sent the frost down 3 1/2 to 4 feet. Where the dirt has not toroughly settled the frost has reached the mains.

1922 - Apr 5 - Extensive Improvement Being Made By Company On the City Water Plant

McKee Bros., are drilling another well for the Water company. It will be 74 feet deep (At which level a two inch dirll struck water) and 8 inches in diameter - 2 inches larker than the present wells.

A new triplex (three-pump_ engine hase been ordered at a cost of $1000. This engine will be put into daily sercvice, and the old engine will be sent away for overhauling. When returned it willbe used as auciliary for emergencies

With two engines delays and shutdowns will not be necessary when repairs are required.

There will be about $3,000 spent in putting the plant in proper condition after a continuous service of 15 years.

The plant will soon be taken over by the town under the terms of the charter

The preferred stock subscribed by citizens (about one-half of the capital issue of $8,000) has been nearly paid off.

The town owned an equal amount of common stock.

The town will inherit $5,000 or more of indebtedness caused by the inadequate rates. The taxpayers will have to foot the bill, and it is more than likely that rates will be raised

However, as consumers are now paying only 25 cents per 1,000 gallons there can be no reasonable complaint if rates are somewhat increased.

1923 - Dec 5 Notice of the Sale Town Bonds

Notice is hereby given by the undersigned, Board of Trustees of the incorpporated town of Culver City, Marshall county, Indiana, that on Friday, Decemebr 28th, 1923, at ten o'clock A. M. at the office of W. O. Osborn, attorney, the the State Exchange Bank Building in Culver, Marshall county, Indiana. they will proceed to seel to the highest and best bidder for cash and for not less thanthe par value with accrued interest, the bonds of said town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana in the aggregate principal sume of $5,000.00, amounting to and maturing as follows:
Series No. 1, being six bonds of $100.00 maturing one bond each year beginning January 1, 1925

Series No. 2 being seven bonds of $400.00 each maturing one bond each year beginning with January 1, 1925

Series No. 3 being six bonds of $500.00 each maturing one bond each year beginning with January 1, 1922


Said bonds all dated November 1, 1923 and draw interest at six per cent from date, payable semi-annually on the first days of January and July

The issuance and sale of said bonds were duly authorized by a resolution of the Board of Trustees of said town under date of October 1, 1923, in strict complaiance with the laws of the State of Indiana and with the approval of the Public Service Commission of the State if Indiana.

Said bonds being issued for the purpose of extending the water mains of the Municipal Water PLant of said town and for the purpose of sinking new wells to be used by the said Municipal Water Plant

Each bidder is required to deposit a certified check or bank draft for $500 as evidence of good faith that they will take up said bonds and pay the money in to the Treasure of the said town within fifteen (15) days after the sale.

A good and sufficient transcript of the proceedings incidental to the issuing of said bonds will be furnished showing a merchantable title.

Said sale will continue from day to day untill saind bonds are sold, and the right is reserved to reject and all bids By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. W. O. Osborn, Town Att'y; George S Williams, Town Clerk.

1922 - May 17 - The Water Company - The town board at its Monday meeeting formally took over the city water plant. The CUlver City Water Co. will retain its legal existencet to validate the $6000 bond issue to complete the purchase. Application has been forwarded to the Public Service commission for its sanction to the transfer.

1922 - Jul 7 - The Low Water Pressure

The low water pressuer in the water mains which is most apparent in the early evening hours is caused by inafequate water supply and limited machinery.

This condition is empasixed at this time when sprinkling is in general progress and when out private houses and hotels are filled with commencement guests.

Another factor which comes in is the increase in the number of new installations of bathrooms since last summer, one plumber alon having put in 75.


When the new pump, recently receifed, is set up and the fifth well (an 8 inch) is connected there will be an ample supply and a sufficient pressure

This connection will be made as soon as this week's demands upon the plant are relieved.

/td>

Water Facilities: Municipal ownership Source - wells. System direct pressure. from 9880 gal pressure tank in pump house Pumps:2 Haberle triples 8" X 10" 350 gals per minute 2 1/2 miles of 2" to 6" mains 28 double hydrants 33,000 gals average daily consumption. Domestic pressure 50lbs. Fur Pressue 100 lbs.

1925 - Sep 23 - New Pump House Being Built for Water Works

I. G. Fisher, superintendent of the Culver Water system, is busily engaged these days with several other men, in the erecting of a new pump house.

The new structures is located just back of and across the alley from the Goss Hardware.

Three new pumping arrangements will be installed in the building to take care of water wants of the community.

Two motors will work on the four wells, and in addition, gasoline engine will be ready at all times to handle the situation should the electric current be shut off.

The building when competed will be 18 X 40 feet. It is said that this will care for the water works for years to come.

1926 - May 19 Water Softener Given Investigation

Plant Cost Not Bic

Local Citizen Goes To The Trouble of Finding The Possiblities Of Such A Plan

Following some unofficial discussion early this Spring concerning the possiblities of the cuty building a municipal water softner in connection with the city's already efficient system, one of Culver's promnent citizens took upon himslef to make investigation of the matter.

He was interested in finding the cost of such a system and whether or not it would be practical for a municpal systen as large as Culver's

His finding were gratifying.

He has found that very little would have to be added to the consumer's water bill each month in order to pay for this investment. He has founf that the average family will use about twice as much chemicals in the home for water softening purposes as it would be neceaasry to pay the city for the same work and not to mention the added convenicne of having soft water in the home.

The letter, in part, which this gentleman received is as follows:
YOur ater, as you already know is very hard and contains a considerable amount of iron oxice

We believe the best way to soften the city supply is with Pressure Sofeners of the Zeolite type but before softening can be successfully done the iron must be removed and to remove the iron it will be necessart to aerate the water and then clear it up with a Pressure Sane FIlter before passin it to the Zeolite Softener.

For softening 125, gallons per day, we suggest the installation of two 96 inch diameter International Crystalite Softeners that would each have capacity of 45,000 gallons of water between regerations, each unit of which would be capable of operation at the maximum rate of 400 gallons per minute. These Softneres should be preceded by one 8 ft. dia. by 14 ft. Horizontal Pressure Sand Filters. Softeners and Filters would cost approximately $9,850.00 installed, rady for piping connections, and not including foundations

The general plan of water treatment would be to take the raw water as it is pumped from your existing well and put it over the aerator where the entrained gases would be liberated and into an open basin whcih woudl serve as a small reservoir or pump suction well for your high service pup. This high service pump should have a normal capacity of 350 gallson per minute agaiiinst the existing head and would draw the water through out of the aerator basin and force it under pressure through the Sand Filter and Zeolite Softener into the distribution mains and elevated storage tank.

This pump and motor with started would cost approximately $500.00 completely installed.

Advatnages of using a pump of this capacity rather than a smaller one would be that it would possibly enable you to cimplete your daily pumping period within 8 hours working time and the pump would also be big enough to nackwash one of the Zeolite Softeners at a time when previously filtered water. The filter would require backwashingto also with filtered water, but this could be done under the gravity head from you 50,000 gallon storage tank

Now as to the construction of the aerator and basin, we cannot very well give you an estimate on this since the arrangement of the basin, etc., would depend upon existing space, location. It would not, however, be very expensive and it would certainly not have to be an unsightly piece of appartus. In fact it could be put in a setting at very little espense to make that feature of the treatment quite attractive

The housing for the Filter and Softeners is also a matter that cannot well be decided upon until after the matter is given some thought.

1928 - July 19 - Town Board Plans Large Tower

Receiving estimates

To Build 50,000 Gallons Steel Tank Back of City Hall for Adeqaute Storage

The trustees of the town of CUlver have decided to erect a water tower with a capacity of 50,000 gallons so that better fire protection may be had and also better pressure.

The tank will probably be placed on the city's prpoperty in back of the town hall

At present Culver has but onr or two hours of water storage, making an evident fire hazard in vsdr anything should happen to the pumping machinery. The large storage rank would eliminarte this danger and may bring about a lowering of the fire insurance rates as a result.

The tank will be placed at a sufficient height to give strong pressure throughout the town and will save the continual runningn of the pumps as at present. This will give Culver a modern water system that will compare favorably with any town its size, especially when a water softener had been added.

The board has yet to advertise for bids on the tower and the closing of the final business details, but with specifications decided it is not expected to take very long.

1928 - Sep 5 - Notice To Bidders

Notice is hereby given that the Incorporated Town of Culver City, Marshall county, Indiana through the Municipal Water Department, will on Saturday, September 15th, 1928 receive bids for the consruction, erection and completion of a fifty thousand (50,000) gallon capacity elevated water tank to be erected at the place to be indicated by the Board of Trustees of said town, in strict complaince with the specifications, prepared on five typewritten pages and drawings now on file in th e Clerk's office of said town.

All bids are to be made on forms prescribed by the Town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana with Non-Collusion Affidavit with statement attached guaranteeing that the successful bidder will carry workmen's compensation insurance and each bidder is required to attach a certified check, bank draft or cashier's check, issued by some bank in the STate of Indiana, payable in the sum of Five Hundred DOllars ($500.00) as evidence of good faith that the successful will enter into a written contract for the performance of all work and the furnishing of all material in order to insure a satisfactory completion of said work, the contract for which is to be prepared and approved by the Town Attorney of CUlver City, Marshall COunty, Indiana

The estimated cost of said improvement is Four Thousand Nine Huundred dollars ($4900.00). All bids are to be filed with the Town Clerk-Treasurer in sealed envelopes n ot later than ten o'cvclock A.M. on Saturday, September 15th, 1928, immediately after which the Town Board will have a special meeting in the Town Hall in town of Culver City, Marshall COunty, Indiana, for the purpose of inspecting and examining all bids filed and at which time the contract will be let to the lowest ' bidder it being understood that the Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

By order of Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Town of Culver City, Marshall COunty, Indiana. L. A. Rockhill Town Clerk Treasurer; W. O. Osborn Town Attorney.

1928 - Sep 19 - Water Tower Bid Accepted by Town

Low Bid is $4880

Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steep Company of Chicago is Winner Over FOur Others

THe five fids on the new water tower to be ereced by the town of Culver were opened last Saturday and on Monday night the town trustees accepted the lowest bif, which was for $4880 and was submitted by the Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steep Company of Chicago

The final business connected with the deal will be closed by Twon Attornoey W. O. Osborn at once so that work may start as soon as possible. It is hoped to have the tower erected before cold weather sets in.

Instructions were also given that the company was to paint a huge sign on top of the water tower giving the name of the town and the directions as an aid to aviators.

The tower is to be 100 feet above the ground and is to be vuilt according to specifications approved by the state board of health.

The location has been decided upon and the tank will be place on the town's property in back of the town hall

The new tower will not only give Culve better fire protection and lower insurance rates, but will make a saving in the electic bill of from $30 to $40 each month.

The town will be built without a bond issue as the water company, under I. G. Fisher's careful managemnt, will be able to pay for the improvement from its own funds.

1928 - Oct 24 - Cement Foundation IN For New Water Tower - The five cement piers for the town's new water tower have nbeen completed and all is in readiness for the structural work. It is believed the tank and steel materill will be here by the first of next week and that actual construction can start at once.

1928 - Dec 5 - Erectors Start Work on New Water Tower

Four workmaen with derricks and other tools started work Monday morning erecting the new water tower back of the town hall. It will take four weeks of good weather to complete the job

The water tower will give Culver better fire protection than it had had before and will also effect a saving in the perating expense of the water system

1928 - 19 Dec - It's Up To The Town Board - Sometimes public officials are accused of being "climbers". Whether the charge bu true or not, we hope that the members of the Culver town board will not accept the water tower without going to the top and inspecting it from themselves! (Laughter and applause).

1928 Water tower built - the 20,000 gallon water pressure tank was retained in the town hall as an emergency standby but the new sytem does not need the tank

1929 - Jan 2 - Firen Siren Given New Home and Coat of Paint

The strident voice of the fire siren will now be heard from a new location and a new height. Monday the signal was tken from the tower of the Mehodist church to the second "story" of the new water tower, which places it at a height of 68 feet and should make it heard at a greater range and cleared. The siren was also given a coat of bright red.

1929 - Jan 16 - ... It was also pointed out that the water tower was a danger for planes and that the sides should be painted in large orange and black squares. The mater was referred to a committee for investigation.

1931 - Mar 11 - Some of our town officials were in Indianapolis recently investigating the feasibility of installing a water softener in our water system. We don't think anything will be more welcome or more needed. The expense will be between $5,000 and $8,000, a bill just signed by the Governor permits a town to issue bonds for improvements to run 15 years instead of 10 as at present. This would ease the burden in the event the town desiring to finance the water softener proposition.

1932 - Mar 30 - Town Trustees Work on New Wells

Let Pipe Contract

One Well in South Part of Town Completed; To Start Placing New Main At Once

Contracts for new water mains, fittings and hydrants were let byt the town board last Tueasay night at a special meeting, with the Baker Specialty compant of Logansport receiving all of the contracts outside of the hydrants.

The new mains are to be used in connecting the present water systen with the new wells at the south part of town.

The board is drilling these wells in an effort to secure water that has a smaller iron and lime content that the present supply, and to have the water coming from a higher ground located away from the populated area, thus removing the chances for contamintation

One well has been completed and a satiffactory repor has been given by the Indiana Board of Health. Work is now being continued on the other well, which will be followed by the erection of a pump house.

I. G. Fisher, superintendent of the water department, plans to start work on laying the water mains at once so that this phase of the work will be completed by the time the pumps are installed, and will be ready to furnish the town with the new water supply at once.

It will be necessary to run the mains, which will be six inches in size, up to the center of town to connect with the present system

It is believed that the work will be completed, ready for use by early fall.

1932 May 25 - L. M. Long Named New Water Department Head

L. M. Long, former Culver resident who has been living in Peru, Ind., for the past few years, has been chosen by the town board as the new head of the water department, succeeding

I. G. Fisher, who resigned two weeks ago. Mr. Long was selected from a long list of applicants as his past experience and training seemed to the board to best qualify him for the place. He has had considerable work with pumping and electricity and his pleasing personality will aid him in his contacts with the public.

Mr. Long will take up his new duties June 1, and plans to move to Culver with his family

1932 - Aug 3 - New Water Mains Being Layed by Water Deptwill be used.

1933 - Jun 7 Town Water Works Kept Up in Ship-shape

How many citizens have taken the time to go down and look over the new water works?

They will find it will worth their while to take a few minutes and see who well this new plant is being kept.

Not only is the inside, with its two new pumps, being kept as clean and spotless as a housewife's kitchen, but Pat Murphy, superintendent of the waterworks, is making the ouside attractive as well

The yard has been seeded for grass, a walk has been built with a ros of flowers as a border, and flower boxes have been place in the windows, givig the place an attractive appearance not usually found around a pumping station

1934 - Nov. George Stabenow, superintendent of Water department

1934 - Water Tower Gets Coat of Paint Inside and Out

The water tower is being given a bright new coar of paint, both inside and out. Aluminion is being used on the outside and baklite paint on the interior to withstand the water.

The interior will receice a priming coat and two coats of the bakelite finish, while extra coats will be given on the outside only were rust has appeared.

A Goshen firm is doing the work, which it is estimated will cost about $400, including pain and labor.

1934 - Nov. 14 - Culver Grimaces Over Taste of Paint In Water

Drinking of water in Culver was at a minimum the latter part of last week due to the stong taste of paint

Water had been pumped into the newly painted water tower and many a thirsty Culverite puckerd up his mouth as though they were taking a bitter medicine, while strangers thought some koester had slipped quinine in his glass.

1934 - Nov. 21 - Workmen have completed the job of giving the water tower an aluminim paint finish, with the name of the town in black lettering six feet high.

The notations on the map were: Population 1550. S.W. & W. prevailings winds. Paving: all streets paved or improved. Grades: Level. Water facilities: Municipally owned. Source from 2 deep wells, 14" diameter and average depth 108'. Direct and gravity pressure system. One 60,000 gallon gravity . A large force of men is busy digging ditches and laying water mains to connect the new wells at the south end of town. The large main is being layed on Ohio stree, while connecting lines are being run to nearby streets where the old main is located. A pump house and installation of new pumps must also be completed before the new wells tank, elevated 100' feet abouver ground on steel tower. 1 Worthington centrifugal pump, capacity 450 gallons per mintue, gasoline engine driven. 1 Worthington centrifugal pump, capacity 350 gallons per minute, oil engine driven. About 5 1/2 miles of 2" to 8" water pipes. 38 double and triple hrdrants. Average daily consumption about 50,000gallons. Domestic pressue 42 lbs. Fire pressure 100 lbs.

1935 - May 1 - nstallign Gage for Water Tank - An electric gauge for the water tank is being installed by the water department. The new equipment allows the attendant at the pump house to know the exact tank reading without making a trip to the town hall

1937 - Culver Water Works; Pump No. 1 and wells South Ohio Street.

1937 - Feb. 17 - Town to Use Electic Pump At Water Plant

Plans to change the style of pumping at the water plant were completed Monday night at the meeting of the town board.

A contact was signed with the Northern Indiana Public Service compnay and an order for a pump and motor was approved

The water department has been using a diesel engine for pumping water and as long as it was functioning the trustees did not feel justified in buying electric equipment, even though it was recoognized to be more desirable. Diesel is Damaged

Two week ago the diesel brok a crank shaft and the gas engine was brought into use as an emergency.

Investigations have shown that it would cost more to repair the diesel than it woulf to buy a new electrical equipment, so that all that remained was the securing of a satisfactory rate with the utility company.

This was accomplished and the contract was forally signed on Monday night with George McLaughlin, distric manager, representing NIPSCO. The contract is for a three year person.

Order Pump and Motor

Water superintendent George Stabenow was ordered a thrity horsepower motor and a 350 gallon per minute pump from the Fairbanks Morse Co. Delivery within three weeks has been promised and in the meantime all dependence for pumping water must rest upon the gasoline engine.

1937 - AUg 18 - Lightning Hits Gauge Lien and Takes a Trip - During the recent storm a bolt of lightning stuck the lines running from the wter tower to the pumping station. It is not known jst where the bolt hit, but it ran along the ungrounded wite to the town hall, where it bunred out a mercury switch, then travelled back on the other line to the pump house, where it ruined a relay coil, completing a trip of over a mile

1939 - May 10 - Water Tower Gets First Cleaning in Five Years

The water tower has been given a torough bath and treatment on the inside and spots were rust had come through were repainted.

This is the first cleaning the towen has had in five years

Most people in town knew that the tower was being worked on by the noise from the compressed air drill taking the old paint and rust off the empty tank.

A Kokomo firm did the work>

The old tank in the town hall was used whitle the large tank was empty and the small capacity required George Stabenow and Mont Foss to take shifts in manning the pumps throughout the day and night.

When the work was completed the tank was given a heavy dosing of cholorine as a health prpotection.

1940 - May 22 - Residents of the southeast section of town asked the board to eliminate the dead-end water mains in that area in an effort to improve the water supply. Mo action was tken by the town dads.

1942 - Jan 1 - To Install FLoodlights - As a ware measure the town board has decided to instll floodlights on the water tower and at the pumping station. Bar have also been placed across the windows and door at the latter place.

1942 - Feb 4- Keep off Water Tower - No one has permission to climb the water tower, the town board points out in warning everyone to stay away from the immediate area. The towe is being watched and serious injuries might result if a person is seen climbing the tower, even though innnocent of any intentions to tamper with the water supply

1947 - Sep 3 - Painting Water Tower SO Water May be Rusty

DOn;t get excited if the water from your tap has a rusty hue, for there isn't a thing that can be done about it.

The water tower has been drained and workmen are busy painting the outside and cleaning the interior

Until this work is completed water will directly into the mains from the wells, causing the rust in the peipes to become riled

Water users are asked not to use excessive amounts of water during the next few days and in case of fire to discontinue all use untl the need for all water available is over.

1947 - Sep 10 Faulty Pump Leaver Culver Without Water

Culver was caught with it watter supply down Thursday wher the primer pump at the town's wells got out of time.

The pump was out of commission for a short time in the afternoon and again for about an hour and a hald at night.

As the water tower was being cleaned that usual supply of water was unavailable, leaving many a household warbling, "How Dry I Am."

It was one of those rar coincidences that the tower was empty for the first time in eight years when the pump refused to function. Fortunately, there was no fire during that water-less period.

1947 - Dec 3 - The 20,000 gallon water pressure tank has been removed from the north side of the town hall the 20,000 gallon watas retained in the town hall as an emergency standby but the new sytem does not need the tank and was sold to the Standard Oil comany for a storage tank. It will be buried in the ground at the corner of State Roads 10 and 17 north of culver

1953 - Jun 24 - Town Water Tank To Be Repaired; Let Conctact

The town Board of Trustees has announced the the Speelmon Elevated Tank Co., ROckford, Ill., has been awarded the contract for cleaning, painting and repairing both the inside and outside of the Culver Water Tower

In addition to the painting and repair of the large tank a new overflow line will be installed.

This action is being taken to prevent the overflow and spray of water when the present shutoff control doesn't work.

The tank was last painted and cleaned in 1945

It was explained that if the work cannot be done in the next three weeks it will be done in September. The contract was granted after considering bids of nine different firms.

1956 - Sep 12 - Culver Water supply Fails; Crisis Over

Herculean Efforts of Several Meet Frave Emergency

BULLETIN
Culvers new water pump was installed late yesterday and the STate Health Department officer from the LaPorte branch informs the town baord that it will be becessary to boil the drinking water after noon today. Restrcitions on the quanity used have been lifted and there is plenty of water now.


The biggest story since the last ice house burned was when the town's water supply system went out Friday night.

It is truly a tragedy when 1,600 persons are left without life-sustaining water and for once the townspeople performed in heroic and united proportions.

The waterworks superintendent, Verl McFeely, had gone on vacation and left the matter of operating the pumps in the able hands of Don Overmyer and Town Marshall Donald Mikesell

Electric Pumps Fail
When the attempted to start the two electric pumps nothing happened, and until Saturday morning a situation continued that had everyone guessing.

Mr. Overmyer first called the State Board of Health and a water quarantine was immediately established. A sound truck circulated throughout the town Saturday morning and told people to use as little water as possible and to boilt if five minutes.


LaBounty Mechanical Genius
Into the breach stepped Lester LaBounty, restired chied engineer of the Academy. His widely known mechanical genius came to the fore, and without bailing wire and binder twine, he succeeded in starting the auxillary standy-by gasoline motor to take the place of the electic pumps.

The water supply cut-in worked perfectly and has been the town's nearrow thread of supply ever since. Herman Gardner, Standard Oil tank wagon representative, had a fuelsupply on hand to meet the emergency.




Meanwhile water pump salesmen decended on the town like a flock of turkey buzzards, alerted to the situation by their local representatives. About all they did was stare and get in the way Town Trustees on Job
The Town Trustees to their eternal credit - Donald Osborn, Jesse Sims and William Easterday - with the help and able advice of Harry Winkler, clerk-treasurer, all neglected their businesses (with the exception of Mr. Easterday whose undertaking is largley waiting out the inevitable)spent many long hours deciding what to do.

Thet selected the best outfit in Northern Indiana, the Indiana & Michigan Water Development Corporation to take over.

At this writing this firm is installing a new turbine electric pump which will pick up the burden from the gasoline emergency motor and assure the town of a stable water supply as soon as it can be installed.


Schools Dismissed Early
Meanwhile schools are opened each morning at the usual time and dismissed at 11 o'clock so that they get credit with a school day, an all drinking water fountains are shut off.


The StateBoard of Health has been in constant attendance to see that all drinking water regulations are enforced.

It's not too difficult to boil water or tote it from one of the many aeresian well on the east-sout-north sides of Lake Maxinkuckee.

System Terribly Obsolete
What has happened is that the old system is obsolete as I said in the Citizen two weeks ago. a breakdown was overdue and it was united the community as never before.

My calling attention to the obsolescence of the water system was not based on "water witcheing", or was not a rabble-rousing attempt as some nitwits said, but was an analysis of the community situation that I did as a veteran newspaperman when he goes out on a story.


Thanks for all the compliments, which in the light of fast developments were not entirely justified. The good Lord was on my side

Some of the keen observers at the scene should be mentioned: They are Township Trustee Tibbetts; Bob Rust unofficial town and Academy public relations expert; School Principal Ives; Wilbur Taylor, Republican town chairman, Earl Foreman, lone dissenting member of the township school advisory board; Lon Wolverton, the old pump man, and many more who haven't too much to do but "set and think". - by Robert Kyle

1960 - Oct 26 Clogged Water Mains Cleaned Out By Street Department

Street Superintendent Verl McFeely and his staff are doing a good job around town cleaning out the old water mains which have casued low pressure in nearly 20 homes

The latest to receine atteniton was the Lester Brown residence on E. Washington St., where water could not be obtained on the second floor.

After digging up the street, rust and shale are remoced from the service lines, after which they are blown out by the Fire Department. This treatment corrects the situation.

1961 - Local Water Dept. Has Outstanding Saftey Record

Will receive State Award of Merit

The outstanding saftey record of the Culver Water Department will be recognized by the Indiana Section, American Water WOrks Association at the annual district meeting of the Indiana State Board of Health Northwest Branch on Wednesday, Sept. 27...

The local water utility will receive the Award of Merit from O. W. Summers, chairman of the Saftey Committee of the A.W.W.A. state group..

Each year the Saftey committee analyzes the accident frequency rate of water utilities, which combined with the number of eomployees, deteminies their qualifaications for the saftey award...

1962 - Oct 3 - Culver Water Dept. Receives Saftey Award

The outstanding saftey record of the Culver Water Department, will be recognized by the Indiana Section, American Water Works Association, at the annual metting of the Indiana State Board of Health, Northwest Branch on EWednesday, Oct. 3...

The local water utility will receive the Award of Merit from O. W. Summers, chairman of the Saftey Committee of the A.W.W.A. state group...Verl McFeely, Superintendent of the Culver Water and Sewage Department, will be present to recieve the award.

Each year the Saftey committee analyzes the accident frequency rate of water utilities, which combined with the number of eomployees, deteminies their qualifaications for the saftey award...

1964 - May 6 - BIds on Water lines

Bids on the proposed new four inch water line to be laid between Cass Street and Lewis Street on North Slate Street were presented by Ray Houghton and Don Stubbs. Verl McFeely, water commissioner, by order of the town board had asked for bids just on digging the water line trench and bids for both the didding and the laying of the water line.

Mr Houghton bid only on the digging. His bid was for $450. Mr. Stubbs' bid on the digging was $510 or $925 for both digging and laying the line.

In the interest of saving time and getting the line in, the board awarded the contract to Don Stubbs, who with the aid of water commissioner McFeely, is to dig the trnch, lay the pipe and bback-fill the dirt.

In discussing the North Slate Street water project, it was brought to the board's attention that the water line on South Stree was in nearly as bad a condition as on North Slate. It was pointed oy by Mr. McFeely that in the very near future this area would require larger water mains to insure adequate water pressures for all users on the line.

1969 - Feb 20 - Chlorination Of Water To Start Friday. Feb. 21

Announcement was made this week that initial steps for operation of the new water treatment plant on S. Ohio St. will be started on Friday, Feb. 21, 1969.

One of the first steps is to activate the chlorination system through scientitic measuring equipment installed in the new plant.

Owners of aquariums are advised to let the new chlorinated water stand in an open vessel at least 48 hour before changing the water in their aquariums.

In connection with the operation of the plant there will be periodic flushing of water lines.

This flushing operation will take place only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday until the plant is in full operation.

The entire process cf acivatingthe new plant will take several months and, of necessity, wil cause some inconveniences to users of water in Culver. However, it is hoped that these can be kept to a minmum.

2013 - Culver eyes new well, water plant, $1.5 million project

Culver's town council heard recommendations for a new well and water treatment plant at its March 12 meeting, though the changes won't come cheap: they're expected to cost in the neighborhood of $1.5 million. This according to Mark Sullivan and Steve Bender of Commonwealth Engineers, the firm hired to study the condition of Culver's two current wells and water treatment plant, located on South Ohio Street. Proposed is an addition to the existing plant building, which Bender noted uses equipment 45 to 50 years old, to enclose the present wells, which lie to the north of the old building. The new space would incorporate a horizontal pressure filer, electrical and mechanical and storage rooms for chemical feed, and an office. Some components of the old system can be incorporated into the new, said Bender, such as an aerator and concrete retention tank. A separate storage and maintenance building would be added later. "You can take some satisfaction knowing (the old plant) served the town well, but it's at the end of its useful life," Bender added.

He said state law requires at least two wells be functional, and that the old wells could stay in service. They've slowly lost production, however, and Commonwealth is suggesting a new well 100 feet off the corner of Davis and Main Streets, on property currently owned by Wade McGee. Test drilling would have to take place at the site to determine if the proposed well would be usable for the 350 gallons per minute utilized by the other wells. Bender noted tests showed no problems with the groundwater supply at the existing pumps, though he said prior tests of groundwater in the swamp behind the plant were unsuccessful and produced a green slime. The new building and equipment, said Bender, would cost around $1.23 million, with the new well and well house around $234,000, not counting the cost of purchasing the land at the proposed new well site.

Council members discussed concerns that the property owner at the proposed new well site might not wish to sell, to which Bender replied another location would have to be sought. There would likely be an added cost in that event, since infrastructure would have to be added to carry the water further to the plant for treatment.

It was noted grant dollars may be available to help offset the cost to the town. - March 21 - 2013 - By Jeff Kenney Citizen editor