Maine Memory Network

Contributed by City of Portland - Planning & Development

• MMN #148234
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Description

In 1887, city engineers extended the Pearl Street sewer over six hundred feet into the Back Bay area. They drove sturdy piles into the tidal flats, girded and planked them with wood, and secured them using bolts and spikes of galvanized iron. Additionally, they built a further extension (shown) into the Back Bay to meet a channel the U.S. government had newly excavated.

In the background, a tall pile driver is visible on a small float with a shed. A close look reveals a man on a skiff nearby. Over on the right lies a sizable pile of planks.

Two Portland city civil engineers, wearing suits and straw hats, pose for the camera with their survey transits. On the right, in the foreground, is William S. Edwards. Behind him, to the left, is Edward H. Foster.

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About This Item

• Title: Pearl Street Sewer extension, with engineers and pile driver, Portland, 1887
• Creator: William S. Edwards
• Creation Date: 1887-07-09
• Subject Date: 1887-07-09
• Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
• Media: Photographic Print
• Dimensions: 11.4 cm x 18.4 cm
• Collection: Edwards Album
• Object Type: Image

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Baxter Boulevard (Portland, Me.)
• Civil engineers--Maine
• Portland (Me.)--Sewer design
• Portraits, Group--Maine
• Sewerage--Maine
• Storm sewers--Maine

People

• Edwards, William S.
• Foster, Edward H
• Goodwin, William A

Other Keywords

• Back Bay
• Back Cove
• Bayside
• engineering
• engineers
• excavation
• working people

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Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

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More to Consider

Item 148220

Portland Civil Engineer Edward Foster in a one-horse buggy, 1887

Item 148222

Portland civil engineers surveying Pearl Street sewer, Portland, 1887

Item 148225

Portland Civil Engineers at Pearl Street sewer, Portland, 1887

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