Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, December 25, 1975 -- Commentary on Looking Back photo -- In April of 1925, the city of Staunton began surveys of how best to supply the growing city with clean water. After studying the alternatives, it was decided in October, 1925 to build a dam on the Cahokia-East Fork site as recommended by Illinois State Department of Health. In December, 1925, the city council approved an ordinance authorizing construction of the reservoir, water tower, and filtration plant and naming Cole & Fauber as general contractors. Cole & Fauber sublet the contract for construction of the dam to Wm. Dankieff of Mt. Olive. Our pictures were taken in May of 1926. The July 15, 1926 issue of the Star-Times reported good progress on the dam, the water tower, and the pipeline connecting them. They noted that work on the filtration plant and water mains in town would begin soon. The March 16, 1927 issue reported that Staunton's water system was the best in the state. The new 100,000 gallon tank and filtration plant were in operation and the water samples taken had passed all the government tests with flying colors. There was 20 feet of water in the reservoir and it was expected the spring and summer rains would fill it completely. Engineers said, when full, the lake would be able to supply Staunton with water for one full year without any rain.

The sewer system was under construction at this time also. Staunton was a growing community and began paving roads in town. The years between 1925 and 1928 were some of the most constructive in her history.

In April of 1927, the City Council voted to name the reservoir Lake Willoughby in honor of Staunton's Mayor during the planning and construction of the dam. They set water rates at 66 cents per 1,000 gallons for the first 16,000 gallons with a minimum of $1.50 per month.

Well, here we are on the eve of 1976 with the same water and sewer system installed 50 years ago. Somewhere along the way we lost the name Lake Willoughby. We don't know why – maybe the next Mayor who complained of the enormous debts left to him by the previous administration had the name stricken. We now have a new water tower which hopefully will be in operation next summer and our next Mayor will probably complain about Staunton's financial problems left to him by Mayor Masinelli.

The Star-Times received the following news release from Paul Findley dated December 15, 1975. "Rep. Findley today received word from the Farmers Home Administration, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, of a loan for $550,000.00 for 40 years at five percent to the city of Staunton, for the purpose of improvements to an existing water system. The Staunton community will receive better service and a good supply of water for domestic use, as well as fire fighting purposes. A total of 1998 homes and other establishments will be served by this community project."

The new 500,000 gallon water tower was badly needed. It will increase available supply and pressure but this is only half the problem and the increase in pressure may bring built-in problems with it since it will be connected to the old lines.

Any change in water flow through old lines is guaranteed to create "rusty" water. Hopefully, it will be a temporary problem solved by flushing. One simple fact to remember is that rusty water will not just go away - it has to be flushed out of the lines. Hot water heaters will also have to be flushed regularly.

Another problem we can look forward to is an increase in water line breaks. In 1975 there were eight breaks in the mains. Most of these were small and affected only small areas, however, we won't soon forget the break on Main Street October 2. The Water Department employees deserve the gratitude and praise of all Staunton citizens. They will also need the patience and understanding of everyone in the coming year. We should all remember that they are not responsible for future troubles. Neither can responsibility be laid upon the present or future councils.

After a visit to the water plant, one develops a deep respect for the work done in 1926 and city employees who do the best with what they have. It is a sad fact that Staunton was so proud of her water and sewer system that we sat hack and did nothing to prepare for the future. We added on and expanded – in essence - built a new house on a crumbling foundation.

Unfortunately, we have no magic solutions to offer, only an understanding of the problems. Staunton has made a start in modernizing the water system with the new tank. The costs of replacing water mains in Staunton is unthinkable at this time but let's hope we don't wait another 50 years before we make other needed improvements.

Hospital Opens Respiratory Therapy Dept. -- Mr. George Schneider, Administrator, announced Wednesday the opening of the Respiratory Therapy Department at Community Memorial Hospital. Respiratory Therapy is a support service which aides the physician in the treatment of respiratory diseases of both the chronic and acute patient.

The Department is under the medical direction of Dr. Fredrico Macaraeg with technical procedures being performed by two staff – Practical Respiratory Therapy Technicians, Mr. Casey Roberts of Gillespie and Mr, Keith McCrady of Staunton. Technical support and supervision is provided by the Pulmonary Care Service at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

430 Children at Snack with Santa -- The Staunton Junior Service Club would like to extend thanks to the Knights of Columbus for the use of the KC Hall to hold their annual Snack with Santa. 430 children attended to talk with Santa and have their picture taken.

Each child received a gift, a letter and a take home snack. The committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the day a success