York’s Reservoir Hill drips with things to see
The snow isn’t there right now, but the view is the same from reservoir hill. At one time, York Water Company’s uncovered reservoirs overlooked York, complete with fountain. Today, the reservoirs are covered and the fountain is no longer there. Also of interest: Check out these facts, artifacts about York Water Co.’s building.
If unsung York Valley Inn is tucked away in the middle of a cemetery, York Water Company’s reservoirs are hidden in plain view atop a hill.
Many folks have never been back to the twin reservoirs off Grantley Road, the impoundments that give Reservoir Hill its name… .
Before the mid-1990s, these reservoirs overlooking York resembled large swimming pools. But government requirements caused the construction of covers, impairing the beauty of the setting and costing more than $1 million.
And post 911, razor wire has been raised up atop fences. Interestingly, post Pearl Harbor, watchmen rushed to the reservoirs lest conspirators sabotage York’s water supplies.
Anyway, even with the water covered, there’s much to see atop Reservoir Hill:
— The view of York is about as good as it gets from the ground.
— The water company’s works has interesting architectural touches, including round windows, a beautiful oval-shaped window, ornamental turrets and stonework with keystone above the windows.
— A much-carved pavilion made of twisted logs, a donation from China to the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 and brought to the hilltop in 1930, offer shelter in case walkers are caught in the rain. It formerly was located in the garden of Samuel Small, replaced by the York Water Company’s main office at 130 E. Market St.
— A large flag flaps from a pole dedicated in 1982 by the water company, remembering the principles of freedom.
A recent visit (current hours are 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.) revealed something I had missed before:
York Water Company gives out free samples of its product. A water fountain is available to quench the thirst of the many walkers who circle the reservoirs each day.
Many walkers bring their dogs, and a bucket filled with bowls hangs from the fountain to give Fido a slurp.
Oh yes, wear old shoes because Fido’s owner sometimes forgets his pooper scooper.
For other unsung or overlooked York County sites of interest, click here.
