Friday, September 24, 2021

FLASHBACK: Dorchester's Old Water Tower Came Down 8 Years Ago



Eight years ago this month, Dorchester's skyline changed significantly when the old water tower -- a Dorchester landmark since the early 1900s -- was taken down in a matter of hours. (In the spring of 2013, the new water tower, complete with modern village logo, had gone up in the southeast corner of the village near the railroad tracks.)

While the new water tower, with its imposing shadow and modern shape, was welcomed by most town residents, in September 2013, we heard several residents talk about how they would miss the old tower's rustic charm and iron grit.

Records show Dorchester's old water tower had been located south of the City Park since the late 1880s. 

It is believed that the old tower was constructed prior to the the passage of Dorchester's $15,000 water works bond in 1914. The exact construction date is unknown due to a 1913 fire that destroyed all of the village records.

Over the decades, the structure had undergone several upgrades and renovations.  

Dorchester leaders decided in 2010 to replace the old tower based on cost estimates to refurbish it, as well as its short life expectancy even if the restoration been completed.

13 comments:

  1. Too bad they took down the water tower that you could actually read the name of the town on. If the logo on the new one would face directly to the south it might be visible from the highway. The design is too small and faint to read and it faces the wrong direction as you cannot see it at all while driving from the west. It couldn't possibly be worse. Oh well.

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  2. You want some cheese with that whine? I don't live in dorchester but I pass the new tower every day to work. Looks darn nice, I think.

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  3. I agree with the 1st anonymous.....stupid placement and way too small. If we had to pay for that, we should probably ask for a refund.

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  5. And there you have the reason Dorchester doesn't make forward progress. Three of four posts are negative about the tower or the kids. Also the reason I don't like to read the Dorchester Times - too much negativism.

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  6. I'll bet you're the one leaving some of the negative comment, oh-holier-than-thou Anonymous.

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  7. Ummmmmmmm, a $1.5 million new water system. To the person above (9:41 AM), how is that not progress? What other town nearby has a new water delivery system?

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  8. For what it's worth, I like the design on the new watertower, as do all my girlfriends. Good job village leaders.

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  9. No one can control the comments - Let's hear it for the excellent journalism and talent of the story writer. Always factual, positive and informative. Great job Dorchester Times!

    The letters on the Tower are a bit small and the Tin Man will be missed.

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  10. The design is nice, but I agree, it's way too small and very, very hard to read while driving. An extremely important detail that didn't hit the mark. It was a good effort, just fell short on delivery. My suggestion: use bold font next time.

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  11. Ya gotta love the people who complain about this blog and how they hate it and all the negative comments.

    They are obviously reading it and they are adding to the negativity. I'm kind of impressed that you guys have been able to stick around this long, but good work.

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  12. Ya gotta love the people who complain about this blog and how they hate it and all the negative comments.

    They are obviously reading it and they are adding to the negativity. I'm kind of impressed that you guys have been able to stick around this long, but good work.

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  13. All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.

    Havelock Ellis

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