Out of the Archives, Now and Then

The J. Waldo Smith Memorial stands today at Ashokan Reservoir as it did exactly 103 years ago. Back then it was known as the McClellan Triangulation Monument, dedicated to Mayor George B. McClellan, namesake of the act that gave New York City authority to acquire land to ensure supply of clean water, which led to the establishment of the Board of Water Supply and construction of the Catskill system.

Left: J. Walso Smith Memorial photographed on June 16, 2020; Right: J. Waldo Smith Memorial photographed on June 18, 1917.

Surveyors used the tower to elevate their measuring instruments above any sightline-blocking obstacles. Photographers also climbed up it to capture sweeping panoramic views of the reservoir.

A panorama of Ashokan Reservoir shortly after it was filled for the first time, on December 13, 1916 (taken by photographers from atop the Memorial).

In 1936, the memorial was rededicated in memory of Smith, the chief engineer who oversaw all NYC water supply projects from 1904–22.

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