Nostalgia & History > Water Softening Tower

On my posting, Railroad Water 052715, Bob3985, Bob Krieger commented, “Not only does this photo show the Ellsworth water tank but look closely and behind it you will see a glimpse of the water softening tower as well.”  Most of the tower was covered by the steam from the engine getting water. 
 
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?11,3754370,3754370#msg-3754370
 
When I did a search for Harvey E. High on the Denver Public Library I found a second picture of the water tank at Ellsworth that showed more of the water softening tower. 
 
http://digital.denverlibrary.org
 
Picture 1, “Call Number: Z-15941.  Title: Union Pacific 3304 (4-4-2) taking on water at Ellsworth, Kansas.  Creator(s): High, H. E. (Harvey E.).  Summary: Union Pacific steam locomotive 3304 (4-4-2) takes on water at Ellsworth (Ellsworth County), Kansas.  Penciled on original negative envelope: ‘4-F2.’  Title derived from information typed on original negative envelope.  Typed on original negative envelope: ‘U.P. 3304, 4-4-2, taking water at Ellsworth, Kansas. March, 1915.’  Physical Description: 1 glass negative; 13 x 18 cm. (5 x 7 in.).  Is Part Of C Photo Collection 293. H. E. High collection.  Source: gift; Richard Kindig.” 
 

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Picture 2, portion of picture 1 enlarged.

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Picture 3, portion of picture 1 enlarged. 
 

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Say what you want about digital photography, the detail in these old photos is amazing!
 

Flynn,
Yep, that is the water softening tower in Ellsworth, Ks, my hometown. Built in Nov. 1904. It's 9' in dia and 45' high plus the head  is 10' tall and 21' in dia. Finished in Feb. 1905. Found all that info in the local paper and I did find a complete pic. of the whole thing in a neighboring town. upkpfan

Very nice and thank you for following up on this. I do have photos of the remaining standing water softner tower (well what's left of it) at Bitter Creek, Wyominjg.

Bob Krieger
Cheyenne, WY

Flynn, IMO this is your best shot of the many that you have posted!  Thanks for enlarging #3 and sharing this great shot. Happy 4th to you.

Kent in CArmel Valley