The Overhead Water Tank: The End of an Era

The Larimore family home has been occupied by Larimores for 84 years. It was built in 1937-38 by the early generation of Tomlinson and Averett men…well-known carpenters of their day. There was only a water well to supply water to the house. A windmill pumped the water up into an overhead water tank, which was then piped into the house. Water was used sparingly to conserve the water level in the well.

They designed a shower under the metal tank in the rock tower. The men would come in from working in the field and take a shower before entering the house. It was the way of country life in the late 1930s.

In 1980, when I first began to do art, I did a painting of the old overhead water tank. It was definitely a beginner’s piece, but I was very proud of it. I entered it in an area art show in the amateur category. To my surprise, the judge gave it an “Honorable Mention” ribbon! It was the beginning of my art career that has lasted for over 40 years.

Through the years, the old water tank has been a landmark for the property. It has weathered many storms and stayed secure in spite of the rotting condition of the base.

We recently decided to remove the metal tank before a tornado might come and send it crashing into the house. Our carpenter had a design in mind and proceeded to redesign the tower—a beautiful job.

It was my husband’s last project— The end of an era…September 2021.