This photo is the shop of F.A. Grier Sr. which sat between where R.C. Holloways and Farmers and Planters stands today. He was a machinist and repaired steamboats and water craft engines. Mr Grier was the fire chief from late 1880's to 1900.
On April 10th we created the following article, SALISBURY’S “STANDPIPE” – JUST HOW “HISTORIC” IS IT REALLY? and now we have answers as to just how "OLD" the Standpipe is, thanks to Bryan Records. He left the following message andf assisted us in finding the proper information above in the photo provided above.
Bryan Records said...
During my research for the Fire Department Heritage Center I was able to track the standpipe to around 1899. On March 13, 1899 the Jackson's Mill burned and the city was alomost burned a third time. The mill ran down Mill St. from around Lemon Hill La. to the middle of where Rt. 50 sits today. The standpipe was erected using Sweedish steel and the contractor was F.A. Grier SR. and his brother Robert. The site was selected because of its elevation as the high point of the City. The plot of land was known as Firemans park where outdoor functions were held. I have a photograph of F.A. Grier's shop on the river in 1903 that clearly shows the standpipe in the background.
Look how clean the water was.
ReplyDeleteVery cool thanks for sharing Brian!
ReplyDeleteIs there a collection of old photos like this available somewhere? I am fascinated by images of how this area used to be.
ReplyDeleteOther than age along, what makes it "historic" and why dump over $100,000 of public funds (plus more later) to beautify and preserve it?
ReplyDeleteIf that "Fireman's Park" site includes where the retirement home is now located, lets tear that down in the name of hisotrical correctness -- better yet, lets give it all back to the Indians.
ReplyDeleteIf they ever tore it down you bet I'd be out there looking for some arrowheads : )
ReplyDeleteGo at night with flash lights tied to my ankles.
Thanks Bryan.
From the information that Bryan supplied, it is clear that the standpipe represents a significant part of our history. For our forefathers to have erected the standpipe on the highest piece of land in the city indicates that they felt it served as a fitting symbol for Salisbury. Because it dates to the end of the 19th century, it deserves to be preserved.
ReplyDeleteJust because it's old, doesn't mean it's historic.
ReplyDeleteWrap it in beige colored latex and make it a memorial to Barrie Tilghman.
ReplyDeleteto anonymous 9:45,
ReplyDeleteThe reason that the standpipe was
erected on the highest point of
land is simply that it would have
the highest water pressure to serve
any area that was lower than it.
Phil H.
9:45 --
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of infrastructure that's old, so should be preserve all that too?
How much are you willing to donate -- do you even pay city taxes or sewer and water fees?
10:34, yes I do pay city taxes and water, not that that is germane to this discussion. I've owned my Camden area home for over 40 years. I am also a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so I have a more-than-average interest in preserving what we have. I can envision the standpipe being refurbished and "Salisbury" written down the side. Have you ever been at the N. Div./Rt. 50 light and had time to look at the standpipe, esp. the elaborate ironwork at the top? It really is a treasure that ought to be preserved.
ReplyDeleteDid that shaft have "Salisbury" written on it all those years ago -- I don't think so. If you like and want to preserve "the elaborate iron work at the top" then put that stuff on the top of the Government Office Building and scrap the rest of the standpipe.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the stairs on the pipe.
ReplyDelete