Century-Old Photo Provides Glimpse Of How We Used To Get Our Water
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
Q: Roberta, have you ever seen this picture before? - Jennifer Amiel
A: NO I have never seen the photo and I love it!
What a picture! I contacted Jennifer Amiel to find out more about the historical photograph. I learned she is the Director of Education at the Museum on Main Street in Pleasanton. This is only one picture of 10,000 available to see at the East Bay Museum! Jennifer says, the picture is an "artesian well in a field near Pleasanton, circa 1900."
So why are we getting a look at this precious picture now? This historical photo is on display to promote a book written by Pleasanton historian Ken MacLennan. In addition to the new book, Mr. MacLennan will be speaking at the monthly Ed Kinney Speaker Series "An Evening with…"at the Firehouse Arts Center on Tuesday, February 10th, 7pm.
MacLennan, author of Pleasanton, California: A Brief History (History Press, 2014) and curator for Museum on Main, promises a new look at an old story in an insightful review of local history from the eve of the Spanish invasion of California to the turn of the 21st century including rarely seen photographs.
MacLennan will also address water usage in the valley over time. From its early agricultural uses, to today's High Tech Headquarters water needs.
"Before the mid-1890s, Pleasanton's water needs were handily served by sinking artesian wells at strategic points around town; the local water table was high enough that these did not need to be particularly deep."
All events are general seating at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566. Tickets are $10 General Admission, $7 Seniors (65+)/Students (with valid ID), $5 Members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.museumonmain.org, at Museum on Main (925) 462-2766. Tickets purchased by phone and online will be available for pick up at Will Call in the lobby of the Firehouse Arts Center on the evening of the event.
For more information on the Museum on Main Street or it's Speakers Series visit www.museumonmain.org or phone Museum on Main at (925) 462-2766.
I would love to hear from you! Please send weather questions, observations and photos to me, Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com and I look forward to hearing from you!
