Participants at a community meeting to discuss improvements to Upper Water Tower Park include (back row from left) Tony Banks, Barbara Diaz, Lynn Horner , Ann Hartzell, Keith Kunz, Douglas Martenson, Anne McNiff, Fran Marcolina, Brian Ames, Diana DiMarzio, James McCafferty and Bob Pomichter . In front are Laura Zhu with sons Sam and Art and CHCA president, Laura Lucas (right).

by Mary Pomichter

Now that spring is upon us, a newly formed group of neighbors and Chestnut Hill residents are launching a Friends of the Upper Water Tower Park committee. The goal of this group is to work specifically on improving the upper park area around our historic Chestnut Hill Water Tower and the adjacent WWII Memorial.

Biannual cleanups of the area have already been occurring, and although these efforts have improved the appearance and function of the upper park, there is much more to be done.

Interested community members recently met to share ideas. Topics included immediate concerns such as cleaning up dead and dying trees and foliage, planting some smaller flowering trees and planting shrubs to create a screen to neighboring properties.

Also discussed were potential larger scale plans for the future such as the possible addition of flowers, seating, improved lighting and signage. The Friends of the Upper Water Tower will work with the Water Tower Advisory Council, the Chestnut Hill Community Association and the Chestnut Hill Veterans of Foreign Wars, which have all offered their guidance and support. The group is also being assisted by a landscaper/arborist and a garden designer, who have graciously donated their planning time and expertise pro bono.

The Water Tower has been arguably the most recognizable landmark in Chestnut Hill since it was built in 1859. It has stood on one of the highest elevations in the area longer than any of the surrounding buildings. Throughout its history, it has been admired and cherished by countless residents and visitors.

The Friends of the Upper Water Tower Park’s goal is to help preserve this treasure so that present and future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate its wonderful legacy. Interested community members are invited to email CHCA Executive Director Anne McNiff at anne@chestnuthill.org to learn more about Friends of the Chestnut Hill Upper Water Tower Park.

The following brief timeline covers some of the highlights our beloved Water Tower’s history:

1856 - Chestnut Hill Water Company incorporates with Charles Heebner as president.

1859 - Water Tower is completed and reservoir and engine house built.

1863 - On December 24, boiler explodes destroying the engine house. Water supply to nearby residents and Mower Military Hospital temporarily shut off.

1873 - Philadelphia Water Department purchases the Chestnut Hill Water Works for $65,000.

1875- Springs no longer viable, so water is pumped from Schuylkill River through other reservoirs to Chestnut Hill Reservoir.

1904 - Chestnut Hill Reservoir is retired from service.

1910 - Agreement is reached between of City of Philadelphia and Woodward family. City agrees to maintain the grounds of water works as a playground “in perpetuity” as a result of donations made by Dr. George and Mrs. Gertrude Houston Woodward. Gift is to honor their eldest son, Henry, who was killed in the line of duty during World War I.

1917 - Wooden tank atop Water Tower is severely damaged in a storm.

1919 - Water Tower Recreation Building is completed.

1947 - WWII Veterans’ Memorial is planned next to Water Tower.

1949 - Water Tower tank is removed, and tower reinforced. Plaque is installed, which read, “Restored in 1949 in memory of Samuel Y. Heebner, son of Charles Heebner, president of the Chestnut Hill Water Company, under whose direction this tower was erected.”

2013 - Roof is repaired and four steel bands are built around the tower to protect building from further deterioration.

Mary Pomichter is a Chestnut Hill resident and a volunteer with Chestnut Hill Greenspace Initiative.