Looking Back at the Water Tower Through the Years
Pictures, both words and literally, of the simple but lasting icon that said so much about State over 120 years, the last tower standing nearly 100 years.
It’s impossibly huge. A looming giant. Up close the wear and tear is noticeable. Old gold and dark letters faded with age. — Erica Kitchen
The Tower Tank, adorned with the insignia of aviation, rises majestically above the campus of West Virginia State College. A landmark for travelers by auto and train, by boat and plane, it is a symbol of the mission of the College in leading youth to acquire vision for service. — President John W. Davis and Prof. James C. Evans
The sun reveals the faint yellow paint and bleached black pain. Its vintage style radiates. Gives our campus extra character. It is tall and alone, while birds sing their song side by side atop it. Now the rusted water tower that has stood since 1920 is being deconstructed. — Sydni Harless, YJ Social Media Editor
The original wooden Water Tower was erected in 1897 as part of the campus water distribution system. Well water was too salty and the Kanawha River contained excessive iron sediment. — Drain-Jordan Library Archives
A second tower with tank was added and filtration system developed to provide sufficent water for the school in 1912.
In the old photos here, you see an early tower between East Hall its original location and the first Fleming Hall 1 (1892). Also two wooden towers to the left and right of the A.B. White Building.
On top of those rusty beams sits a yellow tank-like structure. It is pale yellow. “WV State College” is there in faint black retro writing. The weather has taken its toll on the cylinder hovering over campus. Now it is unsafe. — Aric Taylor
In 1920 the two towers were replaced by the 154 foot forged steel tower/tank that supplied the college water until 1969 when the West Virginia installed water lines.
In the 1980’s the tower was in dire need of repair and a consultant recommended it be dismantled. A “Save Our Tower” motto rallied students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to raise money for the tower’s renovation and refurbishment.
The faded WV State water tower stands ominously against a black, cloudy sky, as if it knows its life is about to end. Bright orange patches of rust dot the tower’s surface, serving as battle scars from braving 98 years of elements. The wicked winds whip against the creaky and decrepit water tower, but still it stands tall and proud with its head held high. However, due to safety concerns, this year will finally see the fall of the long-legged landmark. — Alisha Jarrett
Dates of all towers
- Water Tower 1897-1920 Wooden structure;
- Water Tower 1912-1920 Wooden tower;
- Water Tower 1920-2018 Steel tower.
For now, the water tower is at ground level, protected and being readied for placement in a not-as-tall monument on campus as a symbol for future generations of students.
See the Drain-Jordan library for more.
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