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A LANDMARK WORTH SAVING
Exciting
Update!
Thanks to the help of communication tower
specialists Rob Smith and Jeff Witherell of Dr.Logick's high-speed wireless
internet in Barrie, our water tower has been saved from falling over.
After surveying the tower, Smith convinced us that the lean could be corrected
using a simple system of cables and winches and our initial costly three step
stabilization process would not be necessary. It was a risky proposal. There
was a good chance the tower would topple over during his operation but it was a
risk worth taking given the rapid deterioration of the tower top and the
lengthy time need to secure proper restoration funding.
In early December 2006, Jeff Witherell bravely climbed to the top of the 75
foot tower to attach steel cables to the rings surrounding the barrel and to a
system of anchor points inside of the tower itself. From the ground Rob Smith
was then able to shift the tower top into a near upright position using a hand
cranked winch. After several dramatic and unsuccessful attempts the tower
suddenly creaked and groaned and shuttered into a near upright position. This
can be seen on the video clip below.
The "leaning tower of Stevenson", as it's been known by many locals
for several years, is now standing proud and the risk of it falling over in the
short term has been eliminated due to an internal system of bracing wires and
anchors within the tower top. Minor cosmetic and structural repairs still need
to be done and we hope to add a fresh coat of shiny paint soon. We hope that
this historic structure will now withstand the test of time for years to come.
A special Thank you to Dr.Logicks Rob Smith and Jeff Witherell for your advice
and support!
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Since 1929 the 75ft high water
tower at Stevenson Farms has been a landmark for one of Essa's most interesting
and historical destinations. For miles around the tower symbolizes almost two
centuries of history beginning in 1832 when William and Elizabeth Stevenson
became some of first pioneer settlers in Essa. But history itself threatens to
remove this landmark. Its dire need of stabilization has forced its owners to
consider an offer of it's removal to the city of Tottenham where it will become
a tourist attraction at the Steam Train Museum. This would be a loss to Essa
township, both in terms historical heritage and future tourism. The possibility
of the tower falling over within the next year is very high. To avoid its
removal to Tottenham, immediate measures need to be taken to stabilize the
tower so that restoration can be an option.
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Click the tower pic below left to view
the larger image
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| Artist rendition of
restored tower |
Stephen Milne of Stevenson Farms
receives a donation of $500 for the restoration of the tower from Essa
Historical Society President Brian Baker and Secretary Olive
Lee. |
| James Ehnes performs
J.S. Bach's Partita No III in E Major BWV 1006 "Prelude" by the Water
Tower for a scene in the music video, "Drive by Bach", for the CBC's
On the Arts. |
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THE STEVENSON FARMS
WATER TOWER (circa 1929)
Taking Essa's heritage to hew heights
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