*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. *** ---page 185--- [ad] Books and Stationery 10,000 Song and Songbooks Curiosities of All Kinds J. E. Mathews [ad] HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 185 placed a layer of specially prepared gravel four and a half feet deep. Through this bed of gravel and perforated sheet iron, the water gradually filters into the tunnel, when again it meets another layer of gravel of similar thickness placed in front and against the perforated sheet-iron bulk-head, and in turn filters through the same into the "in-take." It should, however, be fully understood by the public that the gravel bed and "in-take" go through regular periodical cleansing or washing processes. While everything about this establishment demands labor and care the cleansing process is of easier accomplishment than what imagination might lead one to believe. Since the keys and water-locks are skillfully and mechanically contrived for this very purpose, this plan or system of thoroughly washing the gravel and "in-take" is peculiarly the company's own invention, and is not known to be used by any other water corporation in the United States. The volume of the stream is sufficient to pass about four-fifths of the water unconsumed over the prepared gravel bed and "in-take," which naturally empties into the bay. It is the intention of the company to soon construct a dam some three or four feet high so as to check the force of the current and thereby give the water greater time to seek the outlet through the gravel filter. The pumping engine and outfit which is supplying the force is not stationed at the point where the "in-take" is located, but is situated down the valley, on the banks of Little Elk river, where the main pipe crosses the stream. Here the company have built a large and convenient structure, which serves as a boiler-room, and dwelling house. The quarters are very commodiously arranged for a family--eight large rooms outside of pantry, bath and closets. The Cemented "pump pit" in which is stationed the pumping apparatus, is sunk some eight feet below the surface of the ground. There is considerable slope from the Showers place to this point, which facilitates the pump in draughting from the river. The engine is mainly exerted in forcing the water over the divide which separates Elk river from Eureka, the highest of which is about 150 above the level of the city. For two miles from the confluence of the two forks to the "in-take" the stream flows through and over beds of fine gravel. Through this the water filters and re-filters. This with the additional protection obtained from the main pipe at the suction end, which rests in the reservoir of filtered water, affords every advantage of a pure quality of water. The suction end of the main pipe, which is T shaped and rests about three feet from the bottom on the "in-take;" is especially manufactured for the purpose intended for, and refuses to permit any substance to enter or pass through. All in all the company's skillfully improved facilities to gain and distribute pure and fresh water to the inhabitants of Eureka cannot be excelled. The company have concluded with the Hegeman & Oliphant Filter Co. of New York for a 612,000-gallon capacity filter. This filter is of the latest improved pattern and cost $6,000. This gigantic apparatus is on its way to [ad] Gibbard & Lever, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Undertaking Parlors 3d & H Sts., Pioneer Bdg., Eureka [ad] ---end---