Catskill Aqueduct relics presented to the company that built it

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Catskill Aqueduct

NEW WINDSOR – Officials from the Virginia engineering and architecture firm Mason & Hanger came to the shoreline of the Hudson River at Kowawese Unique Park at Plum Point to celebrate the incredible feat over 100 years ago of the building of the Catskill Aqueduct, and two young men who were out metal detecting and found artifacts in the area of the Moodna Siphon Shaft.  

The shaft brought air and supplies to the workers and mules below who were constructing the tunnel that was to bring water all the way from Ashokan and Schoharie reservoirs and ultimately dig through bedrock over 600 feet beneath the Hudson River and on to New York City during over a span of about 11 years.  

Mason & Hanger President Ben Lilly made the trip up to Plum Point, which has a spectacular view of Storm King Mountain and Breakneck Ridge, to accept a special gift commemorating the colossal accomplishment. 

“I think this represents a great historical moment for New York and an aqueduct that was constructed to supply water to New York City back in the early 1900s and the history of Mason & Hanger as part of that infrastructure development,” he told Mid-Hudson News.

Local metal detector Chris Schaut and his friend Alan Morasky had been out detecting in the area and found items left behind by workers long ago. 

They included eating utensils, a helmet, coins, suspender clasps and copper work ID tags stamped with Mason & Hanger Co.  

The find happened in 2017, and the friends kept the items until this past spring when Morasky passed away and Schaut decided that as a tribute to his friend the items should go to the company that constructed what many at the time considered the greatest engineering feat of all time.  The timing was also good because the highly respected company is coming up to its 200th anniversary in a few years.  

“I have always been fascinated by history and how it affects us. The life force and history here is undeniable. To hold a piece of it and share it means everything,” said Schaut. “I think our connection to where we came from shows us just what we are capable of in the future, immeasurable heights and a legacy to make the world a better place.”

Not only was this an unprecedented architectural and engineering feat, but by bringing water all the way from upstate reservoirs it allowed New York City and its social life to grow and prosper.  Today the Catskill Aqueduct still provides approximately 40 percent of New York City water, and an additional branch is being created to provide water to a community in southern Orange County.

Mason and Hanger built other remarkable engineering structures in New York as well, including the Lincoln Tunnel, Fulton Street and Rutgers Street Tunnels and almost $50 million in subway contracts. Much of their work these days is in US Government contracts.




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