The Virginia American Water Company Collection Finding Aid MS103

The Virginia American Water Company Collection Finding Aid MS103


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Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library

717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Business Number: 703-746-1791
lhsc@alexlibraryva.org
URL: http://alexlibraryva.org/lhsc

Angie Rickwalt

Repository
Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library
Identification
MS103
Title
The Virginia American Water Company Collection (MS103) 1866-1988
URL:
https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/19
Quantity
7 Linear Feet, 15 Boxes
Creator
Virginia American Water Company
Language
English .

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

[Item identification], Virginia American Water Company Collection, MS103, Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections, Alexandria, Va.


Biographical / Historical

The Virginia American Water Company was originally founded in 1852 as the Alexandria Water Company. The idea for a supply of clean water can be attributed to Benjamin Hallowell, who after losing three children to disease, may have realized the importance of clean water. The Alexandria Water Company was chartered by the Virginia Legislature on March 22, 1850 and Hallowell served as its first President. The company expanded in the early 1900s and again in the 1950s. In 1972, the company merged with the Old Dominion Water Corporation and the Prince William Water Company to become the Virginia American Water Company.

Content Description

The collection consists of financial records, such as account books from the 1800s; dividend payments; income tax returns from 1919-1928; company records and reports; an employee records book from the 1920s-1940; letters of correspondence; company histories; franchise map; and newsclippings from various newspapers in 1956-1957. Of particular interest are the 1867 property book and the book containing the "Copies of Deeds, Agreements, & Contracts" from 1853-1892. Both contain drawings and diagrams of where water pipes had been laid in Old Town.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in six series as follows: Series I: Correspondence, 1866-1980 Series II: Company Records, 1859-1960 Series III: Financial Records, 1852-1929 and Annual Reports, 1851-1879 Series IV: Legal Documents, 1924-1948 Series V: Company History/Photographs and Miscellaneous Items Series VI: Drawings and Sketches

Related Material

Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Box 202; Alexandria City Records, Box 19MM, Box 19UU (Water and gas pipes, 1855); Boothe Family Papers, Box 164 (Annual Reports, 1851-1879); Box 195.

Erickson, Philip M., Cdr. Alexandria Water Company Permits: The First 1000 'Pipers.' Alexandria, VA: City of Alexandria Archaeology, 1988. Hallowell, Benjamin. Autobiography of Benjamin Hallowell. Philadelphia: Friends Book Association, 1884. Swain, Perry Carpenter. "Robert Hartshorne Miller, 1798-1874, A Quaker Presence in Alexandria." Graduate Thesis, George Washington University, 1988.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Alexandria (Va.) -- Economic conditions
  • Alexandria (Va.) -- History
  • Municipal water supply -- Virginia -- Alexandria

Significant Places Associated With the Collection

  • Alexandria (Va.) -- Economic conditions
  • Alexandria (Va.) -- History

Container List

Series I: Correspondence
1866-1980
Scope and Contents

This series includes business letters, letters to employees, and other various correspondences pertaining to the early years of the Alexandria Water Company

  • Text box: 1 folder: 1
    Outgoing and incoming letters to the State Corporation Commission
    September 1919, December 1920, December 1922-January 1923
  • Text box: 1 folder: 2
    Circular letter to Cameron Run Pump House employees
    1921-12
  • Text box: 1 folder: 3
    Worker compensation claim by Alan Cogan
    1919-10
  • Text box: 1 folder: 4
    Letter of complaint by Mrs. Kate N. Taylor
    1922-11
  • Text box: 1 folder: 5
    Letter regarding the company audit
    1922-12
  • Text box: 1 folder: 6
    Note for D.J. Howell.
  • Text box: 1 folder: 7
    Letters to and from War Department regarding soldiers bathing at Edsall Station
    1911-06
  • Text box: 1 folder: 8
    Pipe distribution in Rosemont (see also blueprint collection).
  • Text box: 1 folder: 9
    Letter to Chief Engineer from National Board of Fire Underwriters regarding cleaning of water mains (includes drawings)
    1917, 1922
  • Text box: 1 folder: 10
    Letter regarding high water pressure
    1929-04
  • Text box: 1 folder: 11
    Letter regarding water main on Duncan Avenue
    1921-04
  • Text box: 1 folder: 12
    Letter to Fairfax County regarding Belle Haven Golf Club
    1927-04
  • Text box: 1 folder: 13
    Letters regarding assessment of American Water Company properties by Commonwealth of Virginia
    1929-06
  • Text box: 1 folder: 14
    Letters of Gardner L. Boothe, company attorney
    1948-10-1948-11
  • Text box: 1 folder: 15
    Copy of letter to Robert H. Miller taken from the Autobiography of Benjamin Hallowell
    1873-04
  • Text box: 1 folder: 16
    Alexandria Water Company Centennial Story
    1980
  • Text box: 1 folder: 17
    Miscellaneous letters and correspondence
    1920s
  • Text box: 2
    Correspondence book
    1866-1899
Series II: Company Records
1859-1860
Scope and Contents

This series contains various company records, such as personnel records, various reports and lists, all pertaining to the running of the water company.

  • Text box: 3 folder: 1
    Personnel records
    1920's-1940
  • Text box: 3 folder: 2
    List of pipe laid
    1851-1917
  • Text box: 3 folder: 3
    Rules, Regulations, and Rates
    1867 and November 1918
  • Text box: 3 folder: 4
    Report of Holmes Run Storage Reservoir
    1904
  • Text box: 3 folder: 5
    Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia, Wheat v. City Council of Alexandria
    1982-02
  • Text box: 3 folder: 6
    Meter lists
    1928-07
  • Text box: 3 folder: 7
    Personal correspondence, possibly by Robert Miller
    1868
  • Text box: 3 folder: 8
    Consumer premises data
    1920
  • Text box: 3 folder: 9
    American Water Works Association, certificate of corporate membership
    1909
  • Text box: 3 folder: 10
    American Water Works Association, resolution concerning effect of war conditions upon maintenance and management of water works
    1918-04
  • Text box: 3 folder: 11
    Report to Virginia Board of Health
    1923-11
  • Text box: 3 folder: 12
    Test by New York Water Board on mortar with sand
  • Text box: 3 folder: 13
    Statistical report on pumping stations
    1933
  • Text box: 3 folder: 14
    Inspection report
    1931
  • Text box: 3 folder: 15
    Agreement with stockholders
    1929-04
  • Text box: 3 folder: 16
    Meeting minutes
    1926
  • Text box: 3 folder: 17
    Minutes from annual meeting of stockholders and newly elected Board of Directors
    1927-11
  • Text box: 3 folder: 18
    Location of valves
  • Text box: 3 folder: 19
    Meter installation documents
  • Text box: 3 folder: 20
    Report to the Honorable J.M. Hill, city council
  • Text box: 3 folder: 21
    Report to stockholders
    1925-06
  • Text box: 3 folder: 22
    Proposed pipe extension
    1923-09
  • Text box: 3 folder: 23
    Drawings of properties to be plotted and properties completed
    1920s
  • Text box: 3 folder: 24
    Fire hydrants
    1920s
  • Text box: 3 folder: 25
    Advertising
    1933, 1964
  • Text box: 3 folder: 26
    Statement made by P.H. Dowdell at meeting of Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
    1960
  • Text box: 3 folder: 27
    Materials pertaining to Fairfax County
    1967-1972
  • Text box: 4
    Property Book
    1867
    contains drawings of pipes laid
    Existence and Location of Copies

    photocopy available in vertical file

  • Text box: 5
    Copies of Deeds, Agreements & Controls
    1853
    Existence and Location of Copies

    photocopy available in vertical file

Series III: Financial Records and Annual Reports
1851-1929
Scope and Contents

This series contains documents such as income tax returns, account books, a dividend book, and other various financial documents as well as the annual reports from the President and Board of Directors to the stockholders.

  • Text box: 6 folder: 1
    Annual Information Return
    1921-1929
  • Text box: 6 folder: 2
    Receipts
    1865-1902, 1926
  • Text box: 6 folder: 3
    Income Tax Returns
    1919-1928
  • Text box: 6 folder: 4
    Dividend Summary
    1855-02-1929-01
  • Text box: 6 folder: 5
    Appraisal Summary
    1906-11
  • Text box: 6 folder: 6
    Income Statement
    1923
  • Text box: 6 folder: 7
    Income Statement
    1924
  • Text box: 6 folder: 8
    Income Statement
    1925
  • Text box: 6 folder: 9
    Income Statement
    1926
  • Text box: 6 folder: 10
    Income Statement
    1927
  • Text box: 6 folder: 11
    Income Statement
    1928
  • Text box: 6 folder: 12
    Income Statement
    1929
  • Text box: 6 folder: 13
    Prepaid insurance
    1924, 1928
  • Text box: 6 folder: 14
    Flat rate delinquents
    1929-04
  • Text box: 6 folder: 15
    Taxes
    1928-01-1929-06
  • Text box: 7 folder: 1
    Tax reports to State Corporation Division
    1950s
  • Text box: 7 folder: 2
    List of dividend payments on stock of Domestic and Resident Corporation
    1923-1927
  • Text box: 7 folder: 3
    Materials in transit
    1927
  • Text box: 7 folder: 4
    Salaries, Inventory, Certificates and Canceled Certificates
    1929
  • Text box: 7 folder: 5
    Miscellaneous financial documents
    1920s
  • Text box: 7 folder: 6
    Inventory of filtration plant
    1928-07
  • Text box: 7 folder: 7
    Annual Reports
    1851-1870
  • Text box: 7 folder: 8
    Annual Reports
    1870-1879
  • Text box: 8 folder: 1
    Account Book
    1850-1862
  • Text box: 8 folder: 2
    Account Book (Abstract of Water Rents Received)
    1852-1855
  • Text box: 8 folder: 3
    Account Book
    1862-1865
  • Text box: 8 folder: 4
    Dividend Payment Book
    1855-1887
  • Text box: 8 folder: 5
    Unused account book
  • Text box: 9 folder: 1
    Account Books
    1929-1937
Series IV: Legal Documents
1924-1948
Scope and Contents

This series contains copies of contracts, deeds, and other legal agreements involving the water company.

  • Text box: 10 folder: 1
    103G:1 Document granting Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company the right to construct and maintain lines
    1917-04
  • Text box: 10 folder: 2
    Agreement with Washington Railway Company
    1924
  • Text box: 10 folder: 3
    Contract towards development of "Wilmar" subdivision
    1924
  • Text box: 10 folder: 4
    Contract with St. Agnes School of Arlington
    1926
  • Text box: 10 folder: 5
    Contract for payment of meter rentals
  • Text box: 10 folder: 6
    Documents regarding Occoquan Company and Washington Railway and Electric Company
    1902, 1946-1947
  • Text box: 10 folder: 7
    Deed regarding purchase of Occoquan Company
    1948
  • Text box: 10 folder: 8
    Certificate of Amendment of Charter
    1948
  • Text box: 10 folder: 9
    Agreement with Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company
    1948
  • Text box: 10 folder: 10
    Deeds with Potomac Electric Power Company
    1948
  • Text box: 10 folder: 11
    Documents about dissolution of Occoquan Company
    1948
  • Text box: 10 folder: 12
    Materials regarding Virginia Water Company
    1948
  • Text box: 10 folder: 13
    Documents filed with State Corporation Commission regarding Virginia Water Company and Occoquan Company
    1948
Series V: Company History/Photographs and Miscellaneous Items
Scope and Contents

This series contains two histories written about the Alexandria Water Company, as well as some photocopied photographs of various reservoirs and pump stations, and miscellaneous materials.

  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 1
    History of the Alexandria Water Company, 2 reports
    1959-1988
  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 2
    Photographs of St. Elmo's Reservoir, Cameron Run Station, and Taylor's Run
    1927-1944
  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 3
    Miscellaneous materials pertaining to City of Alexandria
  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 4
    News clippings
    1956-01-1956-12
  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 5
    News clippings
    1957-01-1957-12
  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 6
    Franchise map
    1966
  • Mixed Materials box: 11 folder: 7
    Miscellaneous Company records and documents
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 1
    Photos #1-5
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 2
    Photos #6-11
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 3
    Photos #12-13
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 4
    Photos #14-26
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 5
    Photos #27-31
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 6
    Photos #32-45
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 7
    Photos #46-48
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 8
    Photos #49-64
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 9
    Photos #65-70
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 10
    Photos #71-79
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 11
    Photos #80-108
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 12
    Photos #109-161
  • Graphic Materials box: 15 folder: 13
    file
Series VI: Drawings and Sketches
Scope and Contents

This series contains engineer's sketches and drawings of property and pipelines

  • Text box: 12 folder: 1
    Engineeer's sketches of streets, pipe layout, and equipment
    1920
  • Text box: 12 folder: 2
    Engineer's sketches
  • Text box: 12 folder: 3
    Engineer's sketches
  • Text box: 13
    Large drawings and blueprints; oversized documents
  • Text box: 14 folder: 1
    Virginia American Water Company - xerox of photographs found in photograph collection
  • Text box: 14 folder: 2
    Annual Report for Virginia Water Company
    1952
  • Text box: 14 folder: 3
    Depreciation of account files
    1920-12
  • Text box: 14 folder: 4
    Appraisal and depreciation of company plants
    1906-11