October 8, 2015
Water Works' final 2015 open house is October 10
Come out this Saturday for the sixth and final open house of 2015, as fall colors light up the 1883 Fort Collins Water Works and its acreage. Whether or not you've toured the Water Works before, intriguing details seem to emerge every time you see the place. For example, on the pump house wall, have you ever
Early October bathes the Water Works in autumn brilliance.
noticed the brickwork pattern? Some bricks have their long side facing out, and some have their short side out, as shown in the close-up photo of the east exterior wall.

According to local historian Wayne Sundberg in his book Fort Collins' First Water Works, "Bricklayers used the American common bond method to build the pump house walls. In this method, the bonding course of headers (using the short end of the brick), appears once in every five, six, seven, or even eight courses. The great variation in the placement of header courses creates an informal appearance, typical of late-nineteenth century picturesque architectural revivals."

Water Works brick detail
Note how some bricks on this exterior wall of the Water Works pump house have their short ("header") side facing out, and some have their long ("stretcher") side out. This bricklaying technique is called American, or common, bond. The pattern creates an informal look typical of the era in which this building was constructed.
Have you seen this type of brickwork in other historic buildings around town? Tell us on our Water Works Facebook page and/or give us a shout on Twitter @PoudreLandmarks.

Come see the brickwork and many other details this Saturday!

What, When & Where
Water Works Open House
October 10, 2015, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2005 N. Overland Trail, Fort Collins

Free admission; donations appreciated.
No reservations required.
PLF is on Twitter
Poudre Landmarks Foundation is now on Twitter @PoudreLandmarks. Follow us for PLF news, fun history tidbits, recaps of our events, and more. Help us build a Twitter community centered on a love of Fort Collins history. Check out who we're following, and let us know who else we should follow.


Ho- Ho- Ho-liday Events at the Avery House

Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday! See the Avery House bedecked with vintage decorations and receive tours from costumed hosts. Shop the Avery Carriage House boutique for craft items, gifts, books, baked goods, and homemade toffee.

Thanksgiving Weekend
Tours and Boutique
Sat & Sun Nov 28 & 29 - 1 to 4 pm

Holiday Open House
Tours and Boutique
Sat & Sun Dec 5 & 6 - 11 am to 4 pm

'Twas the Night Before Christmas
$3 per child includes book reading, house tour, and refreshments
Fri Dec 4 at 6 pm & Sat Dec 5 at 4:30 pm

Holiday Tea at the Avery Carriage House
Varied times and dates available for groups of 10 to 12 guests. Email or call for details and pricing and to make reservations: [email protected] or (970) 221-0533

Admission to holiday events is free unless otherwise specified. Donations always appreciated.
Reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Avery House
Shop the Avery Boutique
Crafted items, gifts, candy and baked items, books. Enjoy complimentary hot cider while shopping.
Sat & Sun Nov 28 & 29 - 1 to 4 pm
Sat & Sun Dec 5-6 - 11 am to 4 pm
Sat & Sun Dec 12 & 13 - 1 to 4 pm
Poudre Landmarks Foundation Board of Directors
Thom Tisthammer, President | Jennifer Kutzik, Secretary | Tom Boardman | Cheryl Donaldson | Doug Ernest | Lynda Lloyd | Kimberly Miller | Pat Nelson | Jacques Rieux | Robin Stitzel | Pam Thomas | Alexandra Wallace | William Whitley

Staff
Jennifer Beccard, Exec. Director | Linda Harty, Admin. Assistant
Fort Fund Logo

Coloradoan Logo

108 N Meldrum St
Fort Collins, CO 80521
970-221-0533
Like us on Facebook