2444 Fresno St, Fresno, CA
This is the premier landmark of Fresno. It has played prominently in the travel advertising for Fresno, as well as a TV Mini-series called Fresno, staring Carol Burnett and Tim Conway.
George Washington Maher, a Chicago architect, was commissioned to design Fresno's water tower in 1891. Completed in 1894, it was in constant use until 1963, when the pumping machinery was no longer adequate. The original design called for a library on the second and third floors, but it was never installed. For several years the first floor was used as a parking meter repair facility. In 2001 the second floor was removed and the interior of the tower remodeled to become the visitors' center for the City and County of Fresno. As part of this remodeling a landscaped plaza and separate restroom building were built adjacent to the tower. The water tower today remains Fresno's most distinctive and enduring architectural symbol.
If you have never been inside the water tower, it is fascinating. The brick walls tower above you, curving inward to form a ceiling.
In 1989, the Fresno Water Tower was
dedicated to George M Bowman. This was, in the words of the plaque on
the tower:
This water tower is dedicated to George M. Bowman in
recognition for thirty-six years of dedicated service to the city of
Fresno and for his accomplishments as a naval officer. He was the
city's first chief engineer and became general manager of the Water
Department. He designed innovative electrical systems for street
lighting, several well known public buildings and Chandler Air Field.
Attaining the rank of Rear Admiral in the Navy, his career was
distinguished by courage, leadership and diplomacy. It earned him the
Silver Star, one of the nation's highest medals for heroism awarded
by the President of the United States. In conspicuous gallantry
aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga carrier he restored power to the ship,
saving the crew and vessel. The Chinese government decorated him with
the Cravate Blue of the Order for Meritorious Participation in the
Sino-American Cooperative Organization. For his outstanding
contributions to the Armed Forces, the Veterans and Reservists, he
received the Governor Earl Warren Trophy. We remember a man of valor
who worked toward progress, world peace, understanding and the
well-being of others.
My great-grandfather was the parking meter repairman in the water tower.
ReplyDeleteThis building has been used for a lot of things. Hearing Roger Taylor talk about it has been a delight. He talked about the parking meter repair usage when he talked about the building. Thanks for the comment.
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