News from 1948: $100,000 improves water system

Unusual vote tally showing 137 favoring and only one opposing meant a new $100,000 improved water system for Columbia Falls in a special election. There were 201 registered voters in 1948.

Mayor John O’Connell said there were three plans or bids in rebuilding the system. First for the pipes, second for construction of the big main from Cedar Creek and third for building the new distribution system within town limits.

Low bid of $100,904.07 was awarded to O’Connor Construction Co. The Columbia Falls firm would furnish labor, materials and rebuild the present system. Water source was Cedar Creek springs, located 3 1/2 miles north and 158 feet above the town. Old and leaky eight-inch main had made the system inadequate.

Excavating 3,420 feet for the supply line and 34,050 feet for distribution trenches for the town itself were required. Contract called for O’Connor Construction to furnish and lay 9,420 feet of 12-inch pipe, 5,400 feet of 8-inch pipe, 18,000 feet of 6-inch pipe and 4,650 feet of 4-inch pipe, in addition to fittings, valves, hydrants and gate boxes.

Contract completion called for 90 days.

Other bidder was Kirkpatrick Bros., Kalispell, asking $115,121.90.

The $100,000 worth of general obligation bonds were sold to the State Land Board and would bear 3 1/2 percent interest.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.