The pump house was built
in the 1940's to provide water for the Sylvania Plant down river. The property
includes the tower, switchgear room and lower pump room below water level. |
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The property extends just
behind where this photo
was taken and includes a
dock area at water level. |
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An earlier railroad bridge
was blown up during the
Civil War by the South to
slow the Union Army. |
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Same bridge as it extends
to the northern side of
the Rappahannock River. |
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The walkway and the upper
section of the pump house are well above the 100 year flood level. Large
things such as motors and the switchgear were brought in and lowered 60'
down the tower to be set in place. |
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The walls of the tower are
made of concrete and
range from 2' to 4' thick
near the base. |
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Floors were added to what
was essentially a hollow tower with cat walks that descended the 60' to
the lower pump area. Two floors of living space were created. |
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The door and beam above
were used to bring in and hoist down large pieces of equipment to the bottom.
The original overhead lights were reused on this level. All other
wiring for appliances and outlets are new. |
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Outside view of loading
door and beam. |
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A view out the window towards
the bridge. |
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A view down the original
stairs to the
second level of living space. |
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At the bottom of those steps
is a view of the library and bathroom area. All wiring for lights, switches
and outlets on this level are new. Incoming electrical service, furnace
and water heater are in a utility space behind the back wall. |
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These steps lead down 6
floors to the
lower switchgear and pump
areas. |
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Looking into the bathroom
and shower area. |
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At five flights down the
room opens up to the
switchgear and pumps below. |
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This lowest level where
the pumps still remain
is actually below the river
level. |
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Looking up the tower one
can see the floors that were added to create living space. |
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View on top of the tower
where an original light had been restored and was being put back in place.
The snowy area just to right of Brad is where George Washington is fabled
to have thrown the Silver Dollar across. |
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This light shines on the
dock area some 90' below. |
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Getting the light adjusted
to it's original position. |
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