Documentary History of American Water-works

Portland

Portland, Michigan

Portland was incorporated as a village in 1869 and as a city in 1969.

The village built a small fire protection system in 1879 using a steam-driven force pump to distribute water to three hydrants using Wyckoff wood pipe.

The village built a complete standpipe system in 1890.

Water is supplied by the city of Portland.

References and Timeline
1880 Evart Review, January 30, 1880, Page 6
A fire occurred in Portland Mich., last Friday night breaking out in the edge tool shops, which were destroyed, together with a planing mill adjoining before water could be had from the water works, there being no steam up. Rather expensive economy.

1886 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Portland, Ionia County, Michigan. January 1886
Water works, direct system, 1 Ottawa steam fire pump at Newman & Riches Flour mill, 4 double hydrants

1888 "Portland," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 1.

1890 "Portland," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 2.

1891 "Portland," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 3.

1892 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Portland, Ionia County, Michigan. May 1892

1897 "Portland," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 4.

1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Portland, Ionia County, Michigan. March 1900

1906 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Portland, Ionia County, Michigan. May 1906

1918 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Portland, Ionia County, Michigan. March 1918