Dusting Off the Old Ones (73)

As we all know, there are a number of artesian wells around Miles City today, but we wonder how many folks know where the first one was drilled in this vicinity and how much of a flow it had. The first well was known as "Brewery No. 1" and was sunk at Bullard's brewery at a depth of 350 feet on the south side of the Northern Pacific tracks and west of the present Farmers' Union oil station in the fall of 1883. A strong flow of water was tapped which never ceased until long after the sale yards were built in the early 1900's. Well No. 2 was sunk by Schmalsle and Ullman in 1884 in the rear of what was then known as Redd's building, presently occupied by the John Aye office. There was not much drilling in 1885, but in 1886 a number of wells were drilled--Comstock, Logan and Huffman drilled on the rear of the property now known as 314 North llth Street. J. W. Strevell drilled the well in Wibaux Park, and J. Riddle drilled what was about the shallowest well, 166 ft. deep, and a well of the largest capacity, with a flow of 90 g. p. m. This well is on the property now occupied by John Roberts, across the river, formerly known as the old Lindeberg ranch. Another well was drilled on the Eichhorn place, but we do not know when and at what depth.

It is interesting to note the comments made by the reporter for the Yellowstone Journal at that time concerning the water from these wells: "The water from these wells is clean and sparkling and was first thought to possess medicinal properties, but its use for drinking and cooking has of late been discarded. But for laundry and toilet purposes, it is unexcelled, being, if anything, softer than rain water. It is delivered by wagon around town, and nearly every barber shop used it altogether for bathing purposes, and he who has never bathed in it does not know what it is like to be clean."

How many of you readers remember "High Water Jack" who delivered artesian water all over town from his water wagon?