Existing comment:
Baltimore County Water and Electric Company: 1910:
Avalon Pumping Station and Settling Basins:
After the State of Maryland purchased the water works for Patapsco State Park, the Pumping Station was converted into the Park Shop.
In 1909, Victor G. Bloede exerted pressure upon Baltimore County and Baltimore City officials to address the growing problem of inadequate water supply services to the industries, businesses and residences of southwest Baltimore and southern Baltimore County. Finding these officials apathetic and apologetic about the problem, Mr. Bloede took matters into his own hands and formed the Baltimore County Water and Electric Company.
In 1910, the company built a water filtration plant on the site of the former Avalon Iron and Nail Works. The site had not been used since the tragic flood of 1868 when the Iron Works was destroyed and abandoned. A large brick building was constructed to house the pumping machinery, and concrete holding ponds were built behind the structure. A new dam, pumping stations, and a canal were built upriver from the plant. Water was diverted from the river, channeled down the old mill race into the filtration plant for purifying, and then pumped into nearby Baltimore City and County commissions. The waterworks operated until 1928.
Avalon Dam -- Rebuilt in 1910.
Destroyed by tropical storm Agnes -- 1972. |