The Brainerd, Minnesota water tower was built from 1919 to 1922. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the first all-concrete elevated tank used by a municipality in the United States. A Look At Water Towers, an article on Minnesota water towers, notes that for many communities, a water tower is a part of its identity. This Brainerd water tower has not been used since 1960, but it remains as an attraction and symbol of the city of Brainerd.
Paul Bunyan is another attraction and symbol of Brainerd, and the water tower has become associated with Paul Bunyan in several ways — as his knife handle, his golf tee, his flash light, and his hitching post for Babe.
The Crow Wing Historical Society has historical photos of the construction of the Brainerd, Minnesota water tower.
Hello, I think your build date of 1919 to 1922, is a year out. The dates I keep finding are 1918-1921. If it were 1922, then it could not claim to be the first all-concrete elevated tank used by a municipality in the United States - as the similar tower, Pipestone, came into service on 26th October 1921.
ReplyDeleteRef: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/pipestone/pwt.htm
Also: http://www.emporis.com/application/?nav=building&id=256920&lng=3
Thanks for the link to the Crow Wing construction pictures.
Cheers,
Ferrers
Bwitish Water Tower Appreciation Society
http://bwtas.blogspot.com/