History of Thomaston, Rockland, and South Thomaston, Maine, from their first exploration, 1605;

6 HISTORY OF THOMASTON,
more or less covered with smaller rocks and stones, and estimating the cost at $1,000,000; but, in consequence of the
rival claims of Owl's Head harbor for a similar work, no appropriation was at that time made for either. It remains to
be settled whether this object is to be accomplished by the
General Government, the people of this city,. the joint action
of both, or given up altogether.On the morning of Nov. 7th, a fire broke out at the rear
of the Rockland House in the boat-builder's shop of the
Messrs. Dyer. This building and its contents were completely destroyed to the value of about $3000, the heaviest
loss falling on Chas. S. Cables, who occupied the upper part
as a carriage shop. Although hotel stables and piles of seasoned lumber were in close proximity, yet by the active exertions of the two fire companies nothing further was even
scorched. This fortunate escape, due in a great measure to
the tide being in at the time, had the effect to awaken the
citizens to a sense of their danger and the necessity of a better supply of water at all times. At a meeting for the purpose, Nov. 28th, $400 in addition to $200 at the annual
meeting, were raised by the town for repairing engines, purchasing hooks and ladders, and constructing reservoirs, to be
expended under direction of Jona. White, C. Holmes, and John
S. Coburn, committee. A voluntary night-watch was also
organized Dec. 1st; Dr. G. Ludwig, S. H. Fuller, and F.
Harden, were chosen officers; hooks were provided; and
members classified to serve by rotation.
The Rockland Water Company was created by an Act passed
August 20, 1850, with power to construct an aqueduct from
Chikawauka Lake into and through the village of Rockland,
to regulate the use; distribution, and prices of said water, and
to hold real and personal estate not exceeding $75,000; on
condition, however,'that at the end of ten years, on the refunding all the expenditures and ten per cent. in addition, the
town, at its option, was to have the right to take and control all the property and privileges, of said corporation. A
preliminary survey by R. T. Slocomb, and estimate of cost
was made; and the subscriptions to the stock, by exertions
of Jere. Berry, and others, soon amounted to within $4000 of
the sum required. This balance was taken by the New York
firm of Ball & Co., in part payment for a supply of their
newly invented Indestructible Water-pipe, of which it was
* Burnett's Report to Lt. Col. Long, Topog. Engineer, dated Concord,
N. H., Nov. 20, 1835.