A photograph taken around 1916 (recently colorized) of the water tower near the roundhouse at the Lykens railroad yard, Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
The railroad needed a regular supply of water for its steam locomotives. On December 7, 1906, the Lykens Standard reported that the tower received a new water line to replace an old one that had become clogged – and as a result of replacement of the line, several railroad buildings were able to receive water service which they had not had before.
NEW WATER LINE COMPLETED
The work of laying a new water line from the Glen to the Pennsylvania railroad tank near the round house was completed this week. The old line, which was laid when Warren E. Ray was superintendent of the Summit Branch Railway, about 35 years ago, had become clogged, and for several weeks past the locomotives were compelled to take water at the tank about half a mile west of town. The telegraph and other railway offices not formerly supplied with water have been connected with the new line, an accommodation which is highly appreciated. William Dixon, the plumber employed by Edward Lebo, is doing the plumbing.
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