Kind readers may recall the recent post about the awe-inducing strength of Ypsilanti's water system. The engineers and spectators at the Cross Street bridge that day were out to test the strength of the system. First was a test of how far the water could spray horizontally.
"A plug was fastened to the end of a long tape-line, and inserted in the nozzle of the hydrant. At the word, water was turned on, and away shot the plug, leading out the line like a bomb of a life saving station"
Well, what do you know but one kind reader kindly sent in photos of just such a life-saving station! And bomb!
Turns out it's a missile shot by a cannon and connected to a rope, neatly stored on a pegboard.
Presumably, the sorta-ancient mariner, pictured, is trained to not actually strike the unfortunate drowning person with the missile...kinda defeats the purpose, there. But anyways, enjoy these pix, thanks to our kind reader!
