The Flickr site of the NYC Dept of Environmental Protection just posted these 2 images of the demolition of the aqueduct conduit in Central Park in 1931. These images show the original brick tunnel where it ended upon entering the Receiving Reservoir at approx West 85th St. The brick tunnel, showing a plastered inside surface here, continued to the southern division of the reservoir where it entered a gatehouse structure. When the water left the reservoir it continued downtown on 5th Ave. in 2 iron mains of 36 inches each to the Distribution Reservoir at 42St and 5th Ave. for distribution to the built up part of the city to the south. Belvedere Castle, now at the south end of the Great Lawn,adjacent to the 79th St. Transverse Road through Central Park, shows in the distance.
The Flickr NYC Water website is an excellent source of current and historic images of the water infrastructure of NYC.
Coincidentally, celebrations for the official opening of the Old Croton Aqueduct were held on October 14, 1842.
Out of the Archives: Before Central Park’s Great Lawn welcomed millions of picnickers, sunbathers, and leaf-peepers, the site held the Old Croton Aqueduct receiving reservoir. Part of the City’s first reliable source of clean drinking water, it was built in 1842, before Central Park even existed. The park developed around it, and when the old reservoir was no longer needed, the City started filling it to create more recreational space for New Yorkers. This photo shows demolition of the old brick-lined aqueduct inside the park, facing south toward Belvedere Castle on October 14, 1931. Remnants of the reservoir can still be found throughout the area.
Coincidentally, celebrations for the official opening of the Old Croton Aqueduct were held on October 14, 1842.
