By Patricia Jones
In the western part of Dobby’s Frontier Town, by the steps going into the church, is a curious small metal structure. This is a cistern pump.
Cisterns are underground waterproof storage tanks and were common prior to indoor plumbing. Cisterns were used to hold the collection of soft water, usually rain water that was fed from the building’s downspout. Some families used rain barrels, but cisterns held more water.
In our area the water pumped from underground wells can be hard, containing minerals. The soft rain water was used to wash clothes, rinse dishes, or wash hair.
The cistern pump at Dobby’s was one style used to bring water up from the underground tank. A group of cups are attached to a chain, and they bring the water up to be spilled into a funnel, which then comes out the spout on the front to pour into pitchers. A group of cups on a chain are in this cistern, and another chain of cups hangs on the church wall.
Notice that the cistern pump has a removable lid. It is important to keep cisterns covered so the water doesn’t fill with debris or provide a place for mosquitoes to hatch. Visitors are welcome to remove the lid and turn the handle to see how the cups move water. However, we don’t recommend you drink it! And please make sure the lid is replaced when you are done.
Cisterns are still common in many parts of the world. In the United States cisterns are often used by greenhouses to meet their water needs.
Dobby’s Frontier Town is located at 320 East 25th Street/ Nance Road, Alliance. The town is open 10:00-6:00 daily for self-guided tours. Please mark your calendar for Dobby’s Fall Festival September 18-19. Donations are appreciated and much needed for repairs after our recent hail and windstorm.