Groundspeak Portal

Hi

I was thinking and searched did not find a category for Water wells, old ones that are hand drawn, not a newer mechanical well/pump system.

I have run across a few, but I do not know how prevelant they are or if there is even any intrest in this.

I guess it would have to obviously be acessible and a public well? Any thoughts?

Maybe even  historic wells even if capped, or mechanical  (if there is such a thing) as long as there is like a historical marker or plaque with history?

Thanks

Most of the wells in Pennsylvania and Ohio that are still functional are located in rural cemeteries and just used for watering graveside plants.  Hand pumps used to be common in parks as a source of water for drinking, but they have amost been exclusively capped for contamination issues.  When I was young, these were also quite common in roadside rest stops, but almost all of those rest stops have been taken from service with the wells capped.  I don't recall seeing a marker identifying an old well.

Funny, I was just thinking of these during my week off as well (punny eh?) as "Free Public Use Springs" People bring their own jugs and fill with fresh water either by pumping as you've said, or from where it gushes forth on its own.

Unlike the "Natural Springs" category, these both are for water use by humans (yeah, those pesky critters we let run around on our planet)

And kids just love pumping these things! Fun for the whole family

BQ

I would like to see Both the hand pump style, and the wishing well style.

For the hand pump style, do they have a manufacturer cast into the metal? It might be nice to have that as an optional variable. I don't know if it would amount to anything, but I started noticing manufacturers on the zinc headstones, and I was thinking that it might be useful in the future.

This is a great idea, I can think of at least four or five in my area.

I like this. It's not something I've seen too often in the west, so it'll take some searching. I'll have to bring Lassie with me, just in case. :)

I like the idea.  I know of several very old hand pump water wells.  While exploring old settlement areas from the early 1800's, I have come across a number of wells.  I suppose they would  have used a bucket to draw the water out.  Would old wells such as these be included?

By hand-drawn, you mean cisterns?

Sounds like fun! :)

Redneck Parrotheads:

By hand-drawn, you mean cisterns?

Sounds like fun! :)

That isn't what "hand drawn" means to me. I took it as a bucket or a manually operated pump.



Or





These work in wells and cisterns.

BQ

Kind of nostalgic, but as has been mentioned, in the U.S. these are harder to find now.  Do be aware that in some countries these are extremely prevalent.  I lived one place where they were in found in most towns, and another place where I got my water everyday from one of these - bucket over the side type.

the blue quasar:

Redneck Parrotheads:

By hand-drawn, you mean cisterns?

Sounds like fun! :)

That isn't what "hand drawn" means to me. I took it as a bucket or a manually operated pump.

...



These work in wells and cisterns.

BQ

Oh, that would be included, too? OK, then I know of a few to waymark.

What about those that are added for purely decorative purposes and were never used for getting water?

You'll definitely want to determine if you're including "wishing wells" or decorative wells.