One of Norwood’s early businesses was literally washed away
In today’s world most modern conveniences are taken for granted, few of us, I am sure give any thought to the many amenities that we use daily.
A perfect example is the turning on of a water tap and instantly water pours forth from our faucet. Our 19th century ancestors would have no concept of this “modern convenience”; in their situation “modern” required the use of a hand pump to bring the water up from the depths of the well.
In 1880, an enterprising Norwood businessperson named James Doughty capitalized on this niche market and opened a pump factory in the village.
Doughty pumps were not made of cast iron as one might expect, they were created from the most plentiful resource available at the time: wood. The Doughty Wooden Pump factory was built on the shores of the Ouse River a short distance downstream from where the mill pond dam is today. (At the time Norwood’s flour/grist mill would have also been there.)
Doughty used the power of the flowing water from the river to manufacture his pumps. Using mostly spruce logs, his pumps were constructed in variable lengths so they were adaptable to any depth of well.
Each section was turned to be no more than six inches in diameter with a two-inch hole drilled lengthwise from one end to the other. On one end the hole was bored slightly larger, while at the other end the log was tapered to allow the sections to be simply “driven together” to create any length that was required.
Steel bands were usually fitted around the logs to provide added strength. The top log featured a cast iron spout and a handle connected to a simple rod and piston that ran down through the centre hole, allowing the user to “pump” up the water.
The wooden construction made the unit considerably more affordable than their cast iron equivalents and by all accounts they were equally just as efficient in their operation.
Interestingly the base design of this type of pump has not really changed very much since it first appeared in Europe in the 1400s. Doughty Pumps were known to be well built and reliable and the factory was a busy place employing up to five men at one time.
In 1886, James Doughty sold his business to a William Neild who continued to operate the company under the Doughty name. Unfortunately, The Doughty Pump met a rather unusual fate, after 18 years in operation the entire factory was literally washed away by the very waters that powered it.
In 1889, with little warning the grist mill dam burst releasing a cascade of water from the mill pond reserve. The wooden building had no hope of resisting the flood of water; it was simply lifted from its foundation and carried down the river. (Parts of the factory were eventually found along the river halfway to Westwood).
After the flood, for whatever the reason Mr. Neild decided not to rebuild his plant and sadly Norwood’s Doughty wooden pump factory was no longer.
Several examples of Doughty Pumps still survive today, one in particular is on display at the Asphodel Norwood Heritage Centre. Others are known to be tucked safely away in barns and drivesheds.
There are even a few covered in many layers of paint that have been used in lawn and garden displays — a unique testament to the longevity of a utilitarian and, for its day, modern convenience.
Fair Ambassador
The Norwood fair will host its annual Fair Ambassador Competition on Aug. 11 and the committee is still on the search for contestants for this year’s contest.
The ambassador program is an excellent opportunity to become involved in the community, gain valuable leadership and presentation skills and of course learn more about the Norwood Fair.
The competition is open to all; however contestants must be at least 17 years of age as of Aug. 1. For more information contact Ashley Calder at 705-749-8748 or by email to ashleycalder@trentu.ca.
Norwood Has Talent
The Norwood Lion’s Club will host “Norwood has Talent” this Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Norwood Town Hall. This variety show inspired fundraiser is an opportunity for individuals who would like to perform and showcase their gifts to take to the stage in front of a live audience.
Anyone wishing to participate is asked to email Norwoodlionstalentshow@gmail.com.
The public is invited to come and show its support and enjoy the show of local talent. As this is a fundraiser to help the Lions with their worthy projects, admission to the show is $10 for adults, $5 for 7 to 12 and free for anyone under 7.
The Lions’ bar will also be open from 1 to 2 p.m. and again during the intermission.
Horticultural plant sale
The Norwood and District Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale is this Saturday. This highly anticipated sale will begin bright and early at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot next to the Norwood Business Bungalow (just south of the traffic lights in downtown Norwood, directly across from the Norwood Library).
There will be, as tradition dictates, a great selection to choose from including vegetables, perennials, native flowering plants, herbs, houseplants, books, gently used garden accessories and some specialty items. Surprisingly they are bucking the current trend, and keeping prices the same as last year.
Payment can be by cash or etransfer. Follow them on Facebook for extra details. A list of what will be on offer will be posted closer to the day of the sale. The annual plant sale is fundraiser for the society; the proceeds are used to support their educational programs and events.
Mother’s Day tea
St. Georges Church next door in Hastings will be hosting a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Enjoy a delectable lunch for $10 per person. Perhaps treat your mom to a special outing and time together.