1887: Lutheran Church rebuilt, new well and water tower under construction

- Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, President of the Valley Falls Historical Society

Although in the midst of 1887 progress, improved facilities, electric lights system completed, water works plans approved, etc., some despair was evident with the destruction of the new Lutheran Church and citizens wondered if the Board of Trade, newly organized, would survive; however, in November the new Northwestern Depot was declared a beauty and the Valley Falls New Era for Dec. 29, 1887, reported:

"The first regular services in the new Lutheran Church were held last Sabbath morning."

A brief look into pages of 1888 history reveals departure of New Era Editor R.E. Van Meter and the introduction of new editor Lon E. Robinson. The New Era, Feb. 9, 1888, published a list of Delaware Township officers, city officials, school directory, and board of education for 1888, and a church directory, including the Congregational, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, United Presbyterian, and Christian churches, and the following societies: A.F. and A.M., Valley Falls Lodge No. 21; I.O.O.F., Valley Falls Lodge No. 86; G.A.R; A.O.U.W. — Acme Lodge No. 42; Select Knights — Lodge No. 48; Turnverien Society; and G.A.R. Circle No. 7."

The highlight of the Feb. 9 issue and conclusion of reports on progress of 1887 ambitions was:
"Work on the water works' well for the city is progressing finely. They are down in the ground at this writing about 16 feet, and will strike quicksand tomorrow. An engine will be on the ground in a few days to pump the water out.

"The well is 16 feet in diameter; it is located at the north end of Maple Street, north of Clark Street, and within 300 feet of the river. The windmill will be built over the well and water will be pumped by the mill directly into the mains at the nearest points, and through the mains into the reservoir.

"The elevator reservoir or tank on Lord's Hill will be built on a stone tower 35 feet high. The tank will be 20 feet high. The work must all be completed — mains and pipes all laid, and in operation by the last of July."

The water tower still stands on a hill on the 900 block of Frazier Street.

The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.