Grayson County TXGenWeb

At the Water-Works Reservoir, Denison.
Source: Art Work of Grayson County (1895)

In the early summer of 1882 the Dension Water Supply Company composed of ten prominent citizens who were always seeking the betterment of Dension and its citizenship began prospecting for a water supply and the construction of a water works to supply water to the city. They arranged for Mr. C.G. Heron, a civil enginner, to superintend the prospecting. When the tract of land was found that seemed to be what was needed it was discovered that the land was part of a large tract belonging to parties in Sherman who would not sell a portion of the land. In order to accomplish their goal and to purchase the large tract of land the Denison Improvement Company was organized. Once the land was purchased, the Denison Improvement Company once again faced obstacles from the Denison City Council and was forced to assign their francise to Mr. J.S. Drake & Associates. However, Mr. Drake delayed the work and Mr. Abendroth secured a francise from the City Council which he transferred to S.R. Bullock & Co., who also purchased the plant and land from Mr. Drake. Because the Denison Water Supply Company perservered against all opposition, Denison had a sufficient water supply works in 1886, just 14 years after its establishment.