Hiram Newton Savage papers
Processed by the Water Resources Collections and Archives staff
Special Collections & University Archives
The UCR Library
P.O. Box 5900
University of California
Riverside, California 92517-5900
Phone: 951-827-3233
Fax: 951-827-4673
Email: specialcollections@ucr.edu
URL: http://library.ucr.edu/libraries/special-collections-university-archives
© 2005
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Note
The Savage papers (previously SAVAGE), Savage photographs (previously MS 76/16), and Barrett and Morena Dams Collection (previously
MS 76/9) were merged into a single collection with a combined finding aid in April 2020 by Andrew Lippert, Special Collections
Processing Archivist. The old Savage papers are Series 1, the photographs are Series 2, and the Barrett and Morena Dams materials
are Series 3.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Hiram Newton Savage papers
Date (inclusive): 1905-1934
Collection Number: WRCA 061
Extent:
21.75 linear feet
(24 boxes)
Repository:
Rivera Library. Special Collections Department.
Abstract: Materials related to Hiram N. Savage's involvement with U.S. Reclamation Service projects and other water projects in San
Diego County.
Languages: The collection is in English
Access
Collection is open for research.
Collection Arrangement
The materials in this collection are arranged into three groups of materials as outlined below.
- Series 1. Papers
- Series 2. Photographs
- Series 3. Barrett and Morena Dams
Biography
The following biographical sketch was written by Charles P. Williams, M. Am. Soc. C. E., for the American Society of Civil
Engineers:
Hiram Newton Savage, M. Am. Soc. C. E.
Died June 24, 1934
Hiram Newton Savage was born in Lancaster, N. H., on October 6, 1861, the son of Hazen Nelson and Laura Ann (Newton) Savage.
He was the son of a farmer. After his public school education, Mr. Savage worked his way through the New Hampshire College
of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, at Durham, N. H., from which he was graduated in 1887, with the degree of Bachelor of
Science. In 1891, he was graduated from the Thayer School of Civil Engineering, of Dartmouth College, with the degree of Civil
Engineer. In 1913, the University of New Hampshire conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.
In 1888, Mr. Savage was Assistant Engineer, and, later, Resident Engineer, of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railway, the
Nashville and Tellico Railway, and the Athens (Tenn.) Improvement Company. From May to July, 1889, he served as Assistant
Engineer of the Hydraulic Mining Company, in the San Pedro Mining District, New Mexico, and from July, 1889, to April, 1890,
he was Chief Engineer of that Company and of the Rio Grande Water Company, in New Mexico, in charge of a survey of the Ortiz,
San Pedro, and Tejon Grants, embracing 100,000 acres; placer-mine prospecting and locations; ditch location and construction;
and preliminary location and estimate for a pipe line, 58 miles in length. From April to September, 1890, he was Engineer
of Billings Park, White River Junction, Vermont. In September of that year he located an extension of the sewerage system
of West Randolph, VT.
After his graduation from the Thayer School of Civil Engineering in 1891, Mr. Savage went to Southern California, and was
employed by the San Diego Land and Town Company, of National City, CA, as Chief Engineer, in charge of the construction of
the Sweetwater Dam and Distribution System that was to be used to furnish irrigation and domestic supply. His work included
the construction and reconstruction, operation, and maintenance of the System; the partition and subdivision of 40,000 acres
of land; the location, construction, and maintenance of the National City and Otay Railway; and the construction of Sweetwater
Park and Race Track, at National City.
In 1895, Mr. Savage became Consulting Engineer to the Southern California Mountain Water Company, in connection with the Morena,
Upper Otay, and Lower Otay Dams, and the water-carrying system to San Diego, CA.
From 1898 to 1903, he was Consulting Engineer for the San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway Company, the San Diego and La Jolla Railway
Company, the Coronado Beach Railway Company, the Cuyamaca Water Company, and for the Contractor for the Zuninga Shoals Jetty,
in San Diego Harbor, a Government project.
In 1903, Mr. Savage was appointed Consulting Engineer in the United States Reclamation Service, the organization of which
had been begun the preceding year, and, from 1905 to 1915, he was Supervising Engineer of the Northern Division of that Service,
including the States of Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The District included eleven primary projects: The Huntley, Lower
Yellowstone, Sun River, Milk River, St. Mary (storage), Flathead (Indian), Blackfeet (Indian), and Fort Peck (Indian) Projects,
in Montana; the Williston and Buford-Trenton Projects, in North Dakota; and the Shoshone Project, in Wyoming; all of which
were under construction and operation within the period of his service. He also investigated the irrigation possibilities
for about ten secondary projects, with a view to their construction when and if funds were made available. Among the many
important structures built on the primary projects were the Shoshone Dam, a concrete arch, 328 ft in height above the foundation,
then the highest dam in the world, and the Corbett Tunnel, 11 ft in diameter and 3 miles long. In addition to his work in
the Northern Division of the Reclamation Service, Mr. Savage at times served on Consulting Boards relative to the work in
other Divisions.
He resigned from the U. S. Reclamation Service in 1915 and, in 1916, became Consulting and Supervising Engineer for the Sweetwater
Water Company of California, engaged on the reconstruction and enlargement of the Sweetwater Dam, the spillway and abutments
of which had been damaged by the record flood of 1916.
From 1917 to 1923, Mr. Savage was Hydraulic Engineer for the City of San Diego, Calif. He supervised the design and construction
of the Barrett and the new Lower Otay Dams, the enlargement and reconstruction of Morena Dam and Spillway, and the extensions
to the City's rapid sand filtration plants. During this period, he compiled all known hydrographic and climatological data
for San Diego County, made estimates of the future water requirements for the City of San Diego and vicinity, investigated
available water resources, and made a plan of future water development for the city and its environs, together with plans
and estimates for the dams, reservoirs, carrying systems, and purification plants necessary for accomplishing this program.
He made filings of water appropriations and intiated proceedings for the acquisition of the necessary rights of way. Notwithstanding
the excellent and valuable work done by Mr. Savage during this engagement, his relations with the City Government of San Diego
were not at all agreeable. The City Council was composed largely of politicians, who had little appreciation of his work,
and whose actions were governed by political motives, rather than the good of the community. Finally, when attending a meeting
of the hostile City Council, he was subjected to a tirade of criticism and abuse, and was informed that his services were
terminated. Much to the chagrin of his opponents, who had expected a retort in kind, he replied calmly "very well", and with
sedate dignity withdrew from the Council Chamber.
In 1923 and 1924, Mr. Savage made a trip around the world, visiting nineteen foreign countries, including Italy, Egypt, the
Sudan, the Holy Land, Java, the Philippine Islands, China, and Japan. A second tour was made in 1924 and 1925. On this tour,
he visited Hawaii and twenty foreign countries, including the South Sea Islands, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippine Islands,
and India, where he explored the Ganges and Indus River Systems. He visited also Mesopotamia, where he reported to both King
Feisal and to the British officials, on the irrigation and drainage requirements for the Government irrigation system at Irak.
He traveled overland across the Holy Land, and reported on Zion and National Home movements; inspected the drainage basin
in Egypt and the Sudan, traveling southward in Equatorial Africa more than 5 000 miles by railways, water routes, and overland
on foot, conveyed by a force of negro porters. He went into Abyssinia, through the Sudan to the Belgian Congo, continuing
through Uganda and across Lakes Albert Nyanza, Kioga, and Victoria Nyanza, to the head-waters of the Nile. Continuing southerly
he went through Kenya, via Nairobi and Tanganyika, to Zanzibar and the Indian Oceau, thence returning by way of the Red Sea
to Cairo, where he reported to the late King Fuad I, of Egypt, and to the Government officials of the Sudan, Egypt, and the
British Empire, on the irrigation requirements of Egypt and the Sudan, on the water resources and on the control of the Nile,
with recommendations to construct a third dam on the Nile at Nag Hamadi, and to increase the height of the Assuan Dam sufficiently
to double the present storage capacity.
In 1925 and 1926, Mr. Savage inspected twenty-five National, State, and Corporate irrigation projects, in the western part
of the United States and in Alberta, Canada, reporting to President Calvin Coolidge on their administrative, technical, social,
and economic conditions and requirements.
In 1926 and 1927, he made a tour of inspection of the majority of the Latin-American Republics in the West Indies, Central
America, and South America, going from New York, N. Y., to the West Indies, thence to Central America, through the Panama
Canal, along the West Coast of South America, by the Transandine Railway, from Valparaiso, Chile, to Buenos Aires, Argentine
Republic, and thence back to New York. Several trips were made into the Andes Mountains. From Buenos Aires he made a trip
inland of more than 1 800 miles. From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a trip was made into the interior of Brazil, to and down the
Alta Parana River, one of the principal tributaries of the Rio de la Plata. On this tour, studies were made of the natural
resources of the several countries, with reference to the feasibility of their development and utilization.
In 1927, Mr. Savage again made inspections of the principal irrigation projects in Western United States, reporting thereon
to President Coolidge. He also inspected irrigation and hydro-electric projects in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.
In 1927 and 1928, he made a third trip around the world, visiting Latin-American Republics of South America, thence across
South America by the Transandine Railway, across the Atlantic, traveling 4,000 miles in South Africa, from Cape Town to the
Belgian Congo, continuing to Mozambique, Tanganyika, and Kenya, across the Indian Ocean, and to the interior of Northeast
India, thence to Arabia, Egypt, and the controlling works of the Nile. From here, he went to the Holy Land, thence over Asia
Minor to the Black Sea, continuing through Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and France to England and Scotland. In these
latter countries, he inspected the water supply and work at Manchester, the combined water supply project of Manchester and
Liverpool, and the water supply of Glasgow, returning by way of Ireland, thence across the Atlantic to Canada and the United
States.
For a time Mr. Savage was associated with Research Service, Inc., of Washington, D. C.
After five years of fruitless endeavor by the City of San Diego, to make some progress in the development of its water resources,
within which time the Sutherland Dam was begun and later abandoned, the citizens had become so insistent in demanding the
return of Mr. Savage that the City Council deemed it necessary to comply with their demands; accordingly, on July 2, 1928,
he again took charge of the Municipal Bureau of Water Development, Operation, and Maintenance. From this time until his death
he served the City with zeal and untiring energy. Even during his last sickness, he insisted on being informed daily regarding
the progress of the work under his charge.
During this last engagement negotiations and acquisitions of rights of way and water rights progressed as rapidly as economically
possible. Arrangement with the Federal Government was made relative to securing, when needed, an additional supply of water
from the Colorado River, and plans were developed for works for the conveyance of this supply. The El Capitan Dam was constructed
giving the city an additional supply of 10,000,000 gal per day.
Throughout his life Mr. Savage had an uncanny knowledge of human nature and exemplified great fortitude in overcoming obstacles
and in pushing work. His ability to find the ulterior motive, together with his unquestioned honesty of purpose and integrity,
made him loved by his friends and hated by those who opposed him.
His motto was "the most good for the greatest number throughout the longest time". Stoical as an Indian, he was never swerved
by praise or criticism.
In recognition of the valuable work he had done for the City of San Diego in the development of its water supply, the City
Council on July 9, 1934, changed the name of Lower Otay Dam to Savage Dam.
His foresight and ability to anticipate future needs and plan accordingly were remarkable. Sweetwater, Barrett, Morena, El
Capitan, and Savage Dams, which will serve the inhabitants of the San Diego area for ages to come, will stand as monuments
to his ability as a man and as an engineer.
Mr. Savage was married in December, 1891, to Linna Bell Clough, of New Hampshire, who died in October, 1897. Two daughters
were born to them, Lucy Eunice (Mrs. Robert L. Colthart) and Laura Ada (Mrs. Lawrence W. Hoppe). In 1927, Mr. Savage was married
to Eugenia Hurlock, of Maryland, who, with his daughters, survives him.
He was a member of the University Club and the Rotary Club of San Diego. He was also a member of the Masonic Order. Mr. Savage
was elected an Associate Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers on March 7, 1894, and a Member on October 7, 1896.
Provenance
The materials in series 1 (Savage papers) and 3 (Barrett and Morena Dams) were given to the Water Resources Collections and
Archives by Paul Beerman, San Diego City Hydraulic Engineer, in January 1963.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [date if possible]. Hiram Newton Savage papers (WRCA 061). Water Resources Collections and Archives.
Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.
Collection Scope and Contents
Reports, papers, maps and photographs covering early U.S. Reclamation Service projects and water resources development projects
throughout San Diego County.
Publication Rights
Copyright has not been assigned to the Water Resources Collections and Archives. All requests for permission to publish or
quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Distinctive Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the Water Resources Collections and Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the
library's online public access catalog.
Subjects
United States Reclamation Service
Barrett Dam (Calif.)
Dams -- California -- Cottonwood Creek (San Diego County) -- Design and construction
Dams -- California -- San Diego County
El Capitan Dam (Calif.)
Lower Otay Dam (Calif.)
Morena Dam (Calif.)
Morena Reservoir (Calif.)
Reclamation of land -- California -- San Diego County
San Diego River (Calif.)
Sweetwater Dam (Calif.)
Water resources development -- California -- San Diego County
Water-supply -- California -- San Diego County
Water-supply engineering -- California -- San Diego County
Waterworks -- California, Southern
Series 1. Papers
1905-1933
Acquisition Information
Materials in this series were donated to the Water Resources Center and Archives in January 1963 by Paul Beerman, Hydraulic
Engineer for the city of San Diego.
Series Arrangement
The materials in this series have no clear arrangement. Presumably the arrangement is either the original order of the materials.
Processing History
The materials in this series were previously organized as their own collection (SAVAGE) that was processed in 2005. During
a spring 2020 project this collection was combined with the two other Hiram Savage collections to create a single collections
of Savage's works and papers.
Series Scope and Contents
Reports, papers, maps, and photographs related to water projects. The materials primarily document projects located in San
Diego County but alsos includes projects in Los Angeles, other western states, and several international locations.
Box 1, Folder 1
San Diego history
1921-1928
Physical Description: 5 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder contains materials regarding early development of water resources; Mexican land titles; Mission San Diego agricultural
results, etc.
Box 1, Folder 2
"Water question"
1917-1918
Physical Description: 1 v. (unpaged)
Item Scope and Contents
Scrapbook of newspaper clippings, San Diego Common Council and Chamber of Commerce resolutions, correspondence, etc., regarding
city negotiations and planning for increased water supply.
Box 1, Folder 3.1
City of San Diego Municipal Water System
1915-1945
Physical Description: 58 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports, correspondence, charts, maps, etc., regarding quantities and cost of water supplied, supply sources,
impounding features, carrying system, service areas, future development; and a plan by H.N. Savage proposing a metropolitan
district water commission, etc.
Box 1, Folder 3.2
City of San Diego Municipal Water System
1901-1944
Physical Description: 116 items (including 96 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing miscellaneous photographs of the carrying system, various dams and reservoirs, etc.
Box 1, Folder 4
City of San Diego, California, Board of Water Commissioners, Municipal Water System: Additional water supply, hydraulic and
engineering data, statistics and reports
March 17, 1921
Physical Description: 42 pages
Box 2, Folder 5
San Diego (City), Calif. Department of Water. "Impounding system - physical valuation."
undated
Physical Description: 76 pages
Box 2, Folder 5A
San Diego (City), Calif. Department of Water. "Statement of receipts and expenditures compiled for the Railway Commission
from the date of taking over the impounding system, February 1, 1913 to November 1, 1913."
undated
Physical Description: 68 pages
Box 2, Folder 6
Dams and reservoirs in San Diego County
1883-1946
Physical Description: 12 items
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing hydrographs, charts and tables reporting area, capacity, contour, inflow, runoff, spillway waste, evaporation,
etc., of various dams and reservoirs for various seasons.
Box 2, Folder 7-7A
San Diego (City), Calif. Operating Department. "Reservoir lands."
1934-1950
Physical Description: 2 v
Item Scope and Contents
Includes maps of reservoir lands in San Diego County.
Box 2, Folder 8.1
Rainfall, runoff, streamflow, evaporation
1805-1930
Physical Description: 79 items
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing charts, tables, correspondence, etc., for various rivers and watersheds primarily in San Diego County.
Box 2, Folder 8.2
Rainfall, runoff, streamflow, evaporation
1901-1944
Physical Description: 70 items
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing charts, tables, correspondence, etc., for various rivers and watersheds primarily in San Diego County.
Box 3, Folder 9
Water consumption, City of San Diego
1894-1943
Physical Description: 4 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing charts and tables reporting water consumption.
Box 3, Folder 10
Municipal bond campaigns for additional water development, City of San Diego
1928-1929
Physical Description: 7 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing materials regarding publicity facts and policies for municipal bond campaigns, future water requirements,
and water development.
Box 3, Folder 11
"Water supply works, domestic and irrigation: official up-state visit and inspection."
October 4-10, 1921
Physical Description: 1 v. (various pagings)
Box 3, Folder 12
Water rates, California
1918-1947
Physical Description: 15 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing tables of water rates in various counties and districts of California.
Box 3, Folder 13
San Diego (City), Calif. Operating Department. "Right of way record of pipe lines and conduits of the San Diego Municipal
Water System, San Diego County, California."
1915-1916
Physical Description: 1 v. (various pagings)
Scope and Contents
Containing maps and agreements for easement of right of ways, etc.
Box 3, Folder 14
Lower Otay Reservoir to San Diego pipeline
1900-1930
Physical Description: 39 items (including 25 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing photographs, maps, profile, reports, etc., regarding construction, tunnel linings, etc.
Box 3, Folder 15
Bonita Pipeline
1915
Physical Description: 1 v. (unpaged)
Scope and Contents
Includes drawing of the pipeline sandtrap, 1928.
Box 4, Folder 16
Dulzura Creek/conduit
1921-1930
Physical Description: 4 items (including 2 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps, photographs, and the deed transferring rights to the City of San Diego.
Box 4, Folder 17
El Capitan pipeline
1927
Physical Description: 14 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing profile of the pipeline as constructed.
Box 4, Folder 18
Escondido Mutual Water Company
1923-1937
Physical Description: 14 items (including 13 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing brochure and photographs of the company's impounding features and carrying system.
Box 4, Folder 19
Volcan Land and Water Company/San Diego County Water Company
1922
Physical Description: 3 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing correspondence, a newspaper clipping, etc., regarding water sale agreement between City and companies.
Box 4, Folder 20
Southern California Mountain Water Company
1895-1907
Physical Description: 3 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps of Chollas Heights and Bear Canyon Reservoirs.
Box 4, Folder 21
La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District, Calif. "Plans and specifications for the construction of the Homelands
Reservoir."
1948
Physical Description: 1 v. (various pagings)
Box 4, Folder 22
Whispering Pines Estates
1928-1929
Physical Description: 13 items
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing correspondence and reports regarding availability of water, water supply distribution works, lot size,
layout of roads and lots, etc.
Box 4, Folder 23
City of Tijuana water system
1930
Physical Description: 6 items
Item Scope and Contents
Correspondence regarding the existing system and design and planning for a modernized system.
Box 4, Folder 24
Miscellaneous California State Legislature documents
1929-1931
Physical Description: 6 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing bills and correspondence regarding regulation of the construction of dams for public safety and the granting
of certain tide and submerged lands to the City of San Diego.
Box 4, Folder 25
Miscellaneous Federal documents
1914-1944
Physical Description: 9 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing bills, reports, maps, list of Bureau of Reclamation publications, etc., regarding the sale of Indian lands,
grant of rights of way to San Diego over government lands for conservation and storage of water, jurisdiction over the Kings
River, an impending emergency in the water supply of San Diego County, etc.
Box 4, Folder 26
American Society of Civil Engineers. Committee on Proposed State Legislation on Design and Construction of Dams
1928-1929
Physical Description: 1 v. (unpaged)
Item Scope and Contents
Volume containing correspondence, reports, bills, etc.
Box 4, Folder 27
Hydraulic engineer's filing cabinet and boxes: indices
1931-1935
Physical Description: 2 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing index to filing cabinet and index to filing boxes.
Box 4, Folder 28
Personal correspondence
1921-1932
Physical Description: 39 items (including 6 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing correspondence, notes, photographs regarding various subjects including the city of San Diego's water supply
planning between the periods of Mr. Savage's employment as Hydraulic Engineer and his reappointment.
Box 4, Folder 29
"Ellen Browning Scripps bathing pool for children at La Jolla, California - feature history."
1931
Physical Description: 205 pages
Box 4, Folder 30
Miscellany
1929-1951
Physical Description: 49 items (including 38 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing reports, correspondence, maps, clippings, photographs regarding weather forecasting, summation of crop
data for Imperial Irrigation District, footage of steel pipe in use in the U.S., etc.
Box 5, Folder 31
Hydraulic Institute, New York, N.Y. Standards Committee Deep Well Turbine Section. "Code for the measurement of water using
standard ISA orifices with free discharge."
1941
Physical Description: 21 pages
Box 5, Folder 32.1
Lower Otay Dam
1915-1922
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing correspondence, reports, maps, ordinances, etc., regarding the building and rebuilding of dam, spillway,
and outlet tower.
Box 5, Folder 32.2
Lower Otay Dam
1900-1927
Physical Description: 41 photos
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of the original structure and the construction to extend and enlarge the original structure.
Box 5, Folder 32.3
Lower Otay Dam
1917-1919
Physical Description: 120 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing newspaper clippings regarding city of San Diego's suspending contract with builder of the dam, resumption
of construction work, completion and filling of dam, etc.
Box 5, Folder 33.1
Barrett Dam
1906-1920
Physical Description: 36 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports from H.N. Savage, Hydraulic Engineer, to the Common Council of the City of San Diego, regarding
optimum design and location of dam, cost and length of time to build dam, etc.
Box 5, Folder 33.2
Barrett Dam
1920-1921
Physical Description: 30 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports from the Hydraulic Engineer to the San Diego Common Council regarding progress in the construction
of Barrett Dam.
Box 5, Folder 33.3
Barrett Dam
1921-1932
Physical Description: 25 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports from the Hydraulic Engineer to the San Diego Common Council regarding progress in construction of
Barrett Dam, including materials regarding a special bond election.
Box 5, Folder 33.4
Barrett Dam
1900-1927
Physical Description: 42 photos
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of construction.
Box 6, Folder 34
Marron Reservoir Basin lands
1932
Physical Description: 1 item
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing a detail of the rights of way for the Marron Reservoir Basin lands.
Box 6, Folder 35.1
Morena Dam
1921-1932
Physical Description: 5 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports and correspondence regarding dam design, capacity, construction, rights of way, etc.
Box 6, Folder 35.2
San Diego (City), Calif. Water Development Department. "Notice inviting bids, proposals, drawings and specifications - Morena
Reservoir Dam and spillway and safe duty enlargement."
March 17, 1930
Physical Description: 32 pages
Box 6, Folder 35.3
Morena Dam
1916-1931
Physical Description: 44 photos
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of dam construction and completed dam.
Box 6, Folder 36.1
San Diego River water rights
1850-1912
Physical Description: 9 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing proceedings of the San Diego Common Council; San Diego Flume Company organization papers and water contracts;
lists of water rights; survey of river and watershed for water storage facility siting, etc.
Box 6, Folder 36.2
San Diego River water rights
1911-1922
Physical Description: 15 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing brief history of the San Diego Flume Company and its purchase by the Cuyamaca Water Company; description
of various Cuyamaca Water Company contracts; schedule of property and rights to be conveyed in the sale of the Company to
the City of San Diego; the California Railroad Commission's valuation of same, including exhibits, etc.
Box 6, Folder 36.3
San Diego River water rights
1915 (?)
Physical Description: 10 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing miscellaneous exhibits of the City of San Diego describing the Cuyamaca water system and its value as presented
to the California Railroad Commission in the matter of the condemnation of the Cuyamaca system.
Box 7, Folder 36.4
San Diego River water rights
1916-1921
Physical Description: 19 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing documents pertaining to Cuyamaca Water Company's application to the California Railroad Commission for permission
to increase water rates including assessments of the Cuyamaca Water Company's system; the agreement and lease between the
City and the Water Company for the sale of water to the City, etc.
Box 7, Folder 36.5
San Diego River water rights
1922-1924
Physical Description: 10 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing documents pertaining to the Cuyamaca Water Company's application to the California Railroad Commission for
permission to increase water rates; documents pertinent to establishing ownership of the waters in the San Diego River, etc.
Box 7, Folder 36.6
San Diego River water rights
1925-1930
Physical Description: 20 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports regarding the condition and value of the Cuyamaca Water Company's properties, tabulations of yearly
diversions and consumption; documents relating to the San Diego River case, (City of San Diego vs. Cuyamaca Water Company,
in Superior Court, San Diego County); easements for rights of way to the City of San Diego through the lands of Ed Fletcher,
and Cuyamaca Water Company; documents regarding the option given to the La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley Irrigation
District by the Cuyamaca Water Company, etc.
Box 7, Folder 36.7
San Diego River water rights
1930
Physical Description: 12 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing the paramount water rights case and the rehearing as heard by the California Supreme Court in which the
City of San Diego claimed the prior and paramount right to the use of all the waters of the San Diego River; a resolution
by La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District regarding the relative claims of the City of San Diego and the
District to development and use of the river water; tabulation of diversion from the river and actual consumption, etc.
Box 8, Folder 37
San Diego River Basin resources: additional water supply investigations
1921-1924
Physical Description: 62 items (including 11 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports, photographs, clippings, drawings, maps relating to the proposed development of the river including
site surveys, results of test borings, water rights, costs of construction, controversy over the proposed sites; discussion
of the proposed purchase of water from the Vulcan Land and Water Company as an alternative to development; City of San Diego
water consumption statistics, etc.
Box 8, Folder 38
Freeman, John R. and San Diego River development
1923-1932
Physical Description: 31 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing correspondence, reports, newspaper clippings, maps, charts comparing various features of the proposed dams;
his recommendations, etc.
Box 8, Folder 39
San Diego River-El Capitan condemnation case
1922-1931
Physical Description: 4 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder contains court cases resulting in the condemnation of the lands upon which the City of San Diego proposed to build
the El Capitan dam and establishing the value of said lands.
Box 8, Folder 40.1
San Diego River Project: El Capitan Dam
1923-1935
Physical Description: 52 items (including 8 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports, correspondence, maps, clippings, articles regarding the act of Congress granting Native America
lands at El Capitan and the City of San Diego's paramount right to use of the river water; discussion of the necessity of
the City's proceeding to acquire Indian reservation lands; siting of the dam; versions of a suggested agreement between the
City and La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley Irrigation District regarding the City's flooding district lands; the City's
"Notice inviting bids, proposals, drawings, and specifications"; the construction and completion of the dam, etc.
Box 8, Folder 40.2
San Diego (City), Calif. Bureau of Water Development
1932
Physical Description: 48 pages
Item Scope and Contents
"Notice inviting bids, proposal, drawings, and specifications, El Capitan Reservoir Dam, spillway and outlet works."
Box 9, Folder 41
San Diego River: Mission Valley, Lakeside, Riverview Pump areas
1918-1929
Physical Description: 17 items (including 8 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder including maps indicating location of wells, photographs, etc.
Box 9, Folder 43
San Dieguito River development
1900-1929
Physical Description: 7 items (including 3 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing a report, photographs, correspondence regarding the capacity of Lake Hodges Dam and considering the estimated
yield of future developments, etc.
Box 9, Folder 43.1
San Dieguito Project
1917-1933
Physical Description: 49 items (including 26 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs, charts, reports, drawings, correspondence, etc., regarding Lake Hodges Dam and recommended
bracing, estimated revenue from the San Dieguito system, San Dieguito Dam and recommended outtressing, etc.
Box 9, Folder 43.2
San Dieguito Project
1934-1947
Physical Description: 14 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports, drawings, correspondence, etc., regarding Lake Hodges and San Dieguito Dam strengthening operations,
financing of repair work, etc.
Box 9, Folder 44
San Dieguito Water Company: lease and option purchase agreement
1925
Physical Description: 2 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing the lease and option to purchase agreement between San Dieguito Water Company and the City of San Diego.
Box 9, Folder 45.1
San Dieguito River: Sutherland Dam
1926-1929
Physical Description: 15 items (including 10 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing materials regarding the Sutherland Bond Issue, specifications for construction, progress and financial status
of construction work, including reports, correspondence, photographs, etc.
Box 9, Folder 45.2
San Diego (City), Calif. Operating Department. "Proposal and specifications for the construction of Sutherland Dam and Spillway,
outlet works and road on Santa Ysabel Creek."
1927
Physical Description: 25 pages
Box 10, Folder 46
San Luis Rey River: Henshaw Dam
1922-1931
Physical Description: 6 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs; a letter from the San Diego County Water Company regarding the reinforced concrete slab on
the dam face; and statement as to the authority of San Diego County to tax water impounded in the dam as personal property.
Box 10, Folder 47
San Luis Rey River
1900-1902
Physical Description: 33 photos
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing miscellaneous photographs of various features of the Escondido Irrigation District water system and aspects
of the river, etc.
Box 10, Folder 48.1
Sweetwater River: Sweetwater Dam and Reservoir
1911-1945
Physical Description: 47 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing reports, clippings and correspondence regarding the enlargement and repair of the Sweetwater Reservoir structures
and the Sweetwater Water Corporation's system.
Box 10, Folder 48.2
Sweetwater River: Sweetwater Dam and Reservoir
1904-1922
Physical Description: 107 items (including 85 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of the dam failure in the flood of 1916 and its reconstruction; drawings of temporary structures,
betterments, extensions; topographic drawings, tables of gage heights, etc.
Box 10, Folder 49
Los Angeles Aqueduct
1908-1931
Physical Description: 4 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps and an article.
Box 10, Folder 50
City of San Diego investigations: All-American Canal/Boulder Canyon Project
1919-1936
Physical Description: 84 items (including 12 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder of reports, correspondence, clippings, and photographs regarding the effect of the canal and project on San Diego's
water supply, amount of water potentially available, allocation, utilization, etc.
Box 11, Folder 51
Boulder Canyon Project Act
1921-1930
Physical Description: 14 items
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing reports, speeches, excerpts from hearings, briefs, discussing the act; the problems of the Imperial Valley;
the project - its development and plan, location of the dam, ownership, development and control of the power plant, etc.
Box 11, Folder 52
Water and Power Act
1924
Physical Description: 5 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing campaign material regarding the act by which the issuance of State bonds for hydroelectric development would
have been authorized.
Box 11, Folder 53.1
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
1926-1931
Physical Description: 11 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing brochures and pamphlets regarding municipal water and power rates, water sanitation, Department assets and
liabilities, proposed development and expansion of the City's water system, etc.
Box 11, Folder 53.2
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
1929-1930
Physical Description: 27 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing promotional materials urging voters to approve water and power bond issues for increasing or assuring the
City's future supply of water and power from Boulder Dam and the Owens Valley; proposed amendments to the City's charter regarding
financing for public works, etc.
Box 11, Folder 54
All American Canal maps
1929-1935
Physical Description: 7 maps
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps including maps of lands in Imperial and Coachella Valleys that could be irrigated with the canal system;
various features of the canal system conducting water into San Diego County and a hydrograph of the Colorado River.
Box 11, Folder 55
Boulder Canyon Project
1932
Physical Description: 18 items (including 6 photos and 12 lithos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs and lithographs of drawings of Hoover and Parker Dams.
Box 11, Folder 56
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: Colorado River Aqueduct
1936-1944
Physical Description: 4 items (including 1 map)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder of informational materials regarding the design, financing, construction, distribution system, etc.
Box 11, Folder 57
California vs. Arizona
1947-1950
Physical Description: 16 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder of material including clippings, correspondence and reports on meetings of various associations regarding Colorado
River water use and water rights, negotiations between states, Congressional action, etc.
Box 12, Folder 58
East Bay Municipal Utility District
1928-1931
Physical Description: 8 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder of material regarding the original organization of the district; transmission, treatment and distribution of water
to water service areas, etc.
Box 12, Folder 59
Miscellaneous maps, San Diego County
1908-1928
Physical Description: 11 maps
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps of various quadrangles and a sketch map of proposed improved highways.
Box 12, Folder 60
Miscellaneous maps, California
1900-1949
Physical Description: 5 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing a map of the State showing the principle factors in the water supply and a topographic map of Southern California,
etc.
Box 12, Folder 61
Big Bear Valley Dam
1924-1931
Physical Description: 11 items (including 9 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing correspondence and photographs regarding the design, construction, leaking and reinforcement of the multiple
arch dam.
Box 12, Folder 62
Calaveras Dam
1918-1930
Physical Description: 18 items (including 13 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs showing construction of the dam and data on height, capacity, slopes, etc.
Box 12, Folder 63
Don Pedro Reservoir
1918-1920
Physical Description: 9 items (including 2 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing material regarding dam construction and costs, design, water rights, power development, borings, etc.
Box 12, Folder 64
Exchequer Dam and power house
1921-1926
Physical Description: 23 items (including 22 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of the construction of the dam and power house.
Box 12, Folder 65.1
Gibraltar Dam
1918-1919
Physical Description: 19 items (including 18 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing specifications for the construction of the dam and photographs of the site, dam construction and diversion
works.
Box 12, Folder 65.2
Santa Barbara, Calif. Board of Water Commissioners. Water Works System Fund. "Advertisement, proposal, specifications and
drawings for the construction of Gibraltar Dam and accessories."
1918
Physical Description: 16 pages
Box 12, Folder 66
Los Angeles County flood control dams
1922-1933
Physical Description: 19 items (including 17 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of Hansen Dam construction, information regarding construction costs, dimensions, and safety
of various dams.
Box 12, Folder 67
Scott Dam
1919-1923
Physical Description: 17 items (including 11 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of the dam, contraction joints, diversion walls, etc.; and photographs of the dam site and construction.
Box 12, Folder 68
California dams
1923
Physical Description: 6 photos
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing photographs of various dams in California including Hemet Dam, Copay Dam, Lafayette Dam.
Box 12, Folder 69
Big Creek Project
1921-1922
Physical Description: 6 items (including 3 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps showing the Southern California Edison Company's planned development of the San Joaquin River with
emphasis on the Big Creek Project.
Box 12, Folder 70
Central Valley Project
1934-1938
Physical Description: 3 maps
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing maps of the Central Valley Project.
Box 12, Folder 71
Hetch Hetchy Project
1917-1923
Physical Description: 26 items (including 18 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing articles and tables regarding project expenditures, comparison of bids, and construction progress, including
maps and photographs.
Box 12, Folder 72
Mokelumne River Project
1927-1931
Physical Description: 5 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings, articles, photographs, etc., regarding the construction of various features of the project, primarily
Pardee Dam.
Box 13, Folder 73
Upper Salmon Falls Power Plant, Idaho
1913
Physical Description: 2 drawings
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of the siphon wasteway and abutment.
Box 13, Folder 74
Coolidge Dam, Arizona
1926-1928
Physical Description: 4 items (including 3 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing the advertisement, proposal, specifications, drawings, and photographs of dam construction.
Box 13, Folder 75
Seminoe Dam, Wyoming
1939
Physical Description: 54 photos
Item Scope and Contents
Envelope containing photographs of the construction of the dam.
Box 13, Folder 76
Dams and reservoirs, U.S.
1889-1932
Physical Description: 7 items (including 3 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing comparisons of the features and failures of various dams in the United States.
Box 13, Folder 77
Boise Project, Idaho (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1913-1915
Physical Description: 4 drawings
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of various features of the Arrowrock Dam.
Box 13, Folder 78
Minidoka Project, Idaho (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1905-1907
Physical Description: 5 drawings
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of various features of the project.
Box 13, Folder 79
Blackfeet Project, Montana (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1911-1912
Physical Description: 2 drawings
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of the project and of the Lower Two Medicine Lake Dam.
Box 13, Folder 80
Flathead Project, Montana (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1912
Physical Description: 3 items (including 2 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing a drawing and photographs of the project.
Box 13, Folder 81
Fort Peck Project, Montana (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1912
Physical Description: 1 drawing
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing a drawing of the project.
Box 13, Folder 82
Huntley Project, Montana (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1907
Physical Description: 3 items (including 2 drawings, 1 photo)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing a drawing of the project distributing system.
Box 13, Folder 83
Mick River Project, Montana (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1911-1914
Physical Description: 13 items (including 12 drawings)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing correspondence and drawings of the project and details of its various features.
Box 13, Folder 84
Sun River Project, Montana (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1912-1914
Physical Description: 12 items (including 11 drawings)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of various features of the project.
Box 13, Folder 85
North Platte Project, Nebraska-Wyoming (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1929
Physical Description: 1 drawing
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing a drawing of the general plan and details of the Horse Creek Diversion Dam.
Box 13, Folder 86
Rio Grande Project, New Mexico-Texas (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1919
Physical Description: 3 drawings
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of the Elephant Butte Dam.
Box 13, Folder 87
Shoshone Project, Wyoming (U.S. Reclamation Service)
1909-1912
Physical Description: 4 items (including 3 drawings)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of various features of the project and the advertisement, proposal, and specifications for Corbett
Dam.
Box 13, Folder 88
Snake River: U.S. Reclamation Service projects
1909
Physical Description: 1 mapages
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing a map of the Snake River and the areas under existing and proposed U.S. irrigation projects, including storage
reservoirs and reservoir sites.
Box 13, Folder 89
U.S. Reclamation Service, Northern Division projects
1911-1926
Physical Description: 28 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing tables, charts, correspondence, reports, contracts, etc., regarding various projects in the Northern Division
and the status of irrigable lands.
Box 13, Folder 90
U.S. Reclamation Service, Northern Division: precipitation and geography
1912-1924
Physical Description: 10 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps, tables and charts regarding the precipitation and geography of the Northern Division.
Box 13, Folder 91
U.S. Reclamation Service, Northern Division: standardization of drawings
1911
Physical Description: 2 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing instructions for uniformity of drafting practice.
Box 14, Folder 92
U.S. Reclamation Service
1909-1915
Physical Description: 13 items (including 12 drawings)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing drawings of designs for standard weirs, notch drops, checks and bridges.
Box 14, Folder 93
U.S. Reclamation Service. Northern Division. Notebook
1909-1920
Physical Description: 18 items
Item Scope and Contents
Notebook containing informational materials regarding the regulations, requirements and costs of operating government messes
with suggested menus; forms for monthly estimates and for contracts for excavation and concrete work, etc.; newspaper clippings
about H.N. Savage, Supervising Engineer; and about various projects.
Box 14, Folder 94
Sukkur Barrage Canal Project, India
1919-1920
Physical Description: 18 items
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing maps and drawings of various features of the project.
Box 14, Folder 95
Dams and waterworks: other countries
1914-1927
Physical Description: 24 items (including 16 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Ffolder containing correspondence, drawings, photographs and maps regarding dams and waterworks in various countries including
Egypt, Australia, Argentina, and the Philippine Islands.
Box 14, Folder 96
Willcocks, Sir W. "Plans of the irrigation of Mesopotamia"
undated
Physical Description: 45 folded maps
Scope and Contents
Includes
Report for the Army Council on Mesopotamia, by Sir John P. Hewett;
Irak restored, by Roland Gorbold;
Note on irrigation in Mesopotamia, by E.B. Howell; and
Some impressions of Mesopotamia in 1919, by Sir John P. Hewett.
Box 14, Folder 97
Unidentified photographs and loose pages
undated
Physical Description: 11 items (including 6 photos)
Item Scope and Contents
Folder containing miscellaneous unidentified photographs and loose pages.
Box 14, Folder 98
Sennar Dam and Gezira Irrigation Scheme Sudan
1924
Physical Description: 15 items (14 photos),
Series 2. Photographs
1905-1933
Processing History
The materials in this series were previously organized as their own collection (MS 76/16) that was processed in 2003 by Paul
Atwood and Paige Wooden. During a spring 2020 project this collection was combined with the two other Hiram Savage collections
to create a single collections of Savage's works and papers.
Folder titles in this series were transcribed from titles and descriptions that date to the original creation of the materials.
In 2022, this series of the finding aid was updated to contextualize use of a racial slur in one of these titles. UCR Library
has chosen to retain and add context to the previous use of harmful language, in order to preserve information about how Savage
organized and annotated his photographs.
Series Scope and Contents
Photographs covering early U.S. Reclamation Service projects and water resources development projects throughout San Diego
County.
Series Arrangement
The photographs in this series are arranged mostly in alphabetical order by topic or subject matter. This order holds for
boxes 1 through 4. Boxes 5 through 8 do not have a strict alphabetical order.
Box 15, Folder 1
Barret Dam
Unknown
Physical Description: 15 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam and watershed.
Box 15, Folder 2
Barret Dam, California
1921
Physical Description: 7 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction, dam and people.
Box 15, Folder 3
Barret Dam site
1902
Physical Description: 4 negatives
Scope and Contents
Glass photos of watershed.
Box 15, Folder 4, Box 21
Calaveras and Tujunga Dams
Unknown
Physical Description: 7 photographs (b w)
Glass Lantern Slides
Glass lantern slides moved to Box 21
Box 15, Folder 5
El Capitan Dam site
1917-1921
Physical Description: 26 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site and people, including typed notes.
Box 15, Folder 6
El Capitan Dam
Unknown
Physical Description: 8 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of structure and explosion.
Box 15, Folder 7
El Capitan Pipeline and Riverview wells
Unknown
Physical Description: 49 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction, including description of activities.
Box 15, Folder 8
Cheyenne Dam
1904
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 15, Folder 9
Escondido Wohlford Reservoir Dam
1932
Physical Description: 5 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 15, Folder 10
Fallbrook Dam Site
1932
Physical Description: 3 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 15, Folder 11
Harvey Dam
1916
Physical Description: 1 negative
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 15, Folder 12
Hodges and El Capitan Dams
1938
Physical Description: 6 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 15, Folder 13
L.A. County's San Gabriel No. 2 Dam
July 20, 1932
Physical Description: 1 negative
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 15, Folder 14
Lower Otay
Unknown
Physical Description: 1 negative
Scope and Contents
Glass photos of dam.
Box 15, Folder 15, Box 22
Lower Otay Dam
1910
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Oversize photos of lank found in Box 22
Box 15, Folder 16
Lower Otay Dam
1917-1919
Physical Description: 52 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam and people, including dedication.
Box 15, Folder 17
Lower Otay Dam Completed
1920
Physical Description: 23 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of filtration plant.
Box 15, Folder 18
Lower Otay Filter Plant
1919-1922
Physical Description: 9 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 15, Folder 19
Marron Dam site
1920
Physical Description: 10 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 15, Folder 20
Merced Exchequer Dam
1925
Physical Description: 6 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 15, Folder 21
La Mesa (Murray) Dam
1917-1918
Physical Description: 32 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction and finished dam.
Box 15, Folder 22
Morena Barrett
1926
Physical Description: 5 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 15, Folder 23, Box 22
Morena Dam
1897-1910
Physical Description: 17 photographs (b w)
Oversized
Oversized photos of construction found in Box 22
Box 15, Folder 24
Pasadena Pine Canyon Dam looking downstream
1932
Physical Description: 10 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 15, Folder 25
Pauba Dam Site
1923
Physical Description: 4 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 15, Folder 26
PG
1930
Physical Description: 1 negative
Scope and Contents
Photo of reservoir.
Box 15, Folder 27
Pine Creek Dam Site
1918
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 15, Folder 28, Box 22
El Prado Dam
1943
Physical Description: 12 photographs (b w)
Oversized
Oversized aerial oblique photos of dam found in Box 22
Box 15, Folder 29, Box 21
St. Francis Dam
Unknown
Physical Description: 7 photographs (b w)
Glass Lantern Slides
Glass photos of dam and demolished concrete blocks found in Box 21
Box 15, Folder 30
Rodriguez Dam
1928-1934
Physical Description: 18 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam construction and people.
Box 15, Folder 31
Rodriguez Dam
1931
Physical Description: 15 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam construction and people.
Box 16, Folder 32
S.C.M.W. Co. Cholla Heights Dam
1901-1902
Physical Description: 20 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of earth dam.
Box 16, Folder 33
S.C.M.W. Co. Morena Dam
1900
Physical Description: 17 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 16, Folder 34
S.C.M.W. Co. Upper Otay Dam
1901
Physical Description: 23 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction and finished dam.
Box 16, Folder 35
S.C.M.W. Co. Pipeline, Lower Otay, San Diego Main Pipeline to Bonita
1902
Physical Description: 29 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of pipeline.
Box 16, Folder 36
S.C.M.W. Co. Barret Dam
1903
Physical Description: 41 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of reservoir.
Box 16, Folder 37
S.C.M.W. Co. Jamul Ranch
1900-03
Physical Description: 3 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of ranch house.
Box 16, Folder 38
Salt Springs Dam
1929
Physical Description: 10 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 16, Folder 39
Salt Springs Dam, Mokelumne River, PG
1929
Physical Description: 4 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 16, Folder 40
San Gabriel No. 2 Dam site
Unknown
Physical Description: 1 photograph (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 16, Folder 41
San Gabriel Dam No. 1
1929(?)-1932
Physical Description: 7 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 16, Folder 42
Sutherland Dam
1927
Physical Description: 1 photograph (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction.
Box 16, Folder 43
Temecula Dam Site
1923
Physical Description: 2 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 16, Folder 44
Tia Juana River (Garcia) Dam Site
1920
Physical Description: 16 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 16, Folder 45
Tia Juana River Pumping Site
1918
Physical Description: 10 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of pumping site and international boundary.
Box 16, Folder 46
Upper Otay
1917-1922
Physical Description: 9 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam.
Box 16, Folder 47
City of San Diego City
Unknown
Physical Description: 2 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of reservoir.
Box 16, Folder 48
Ocean Beach, San Diego
1915
Physical Description: 10 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of buildings and breakwater.
Box 16, Folder 49
San Diego Eastern Railway
1901-1902
Physical Description: 21 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of landscape, people, and horse-drawn wagons.
Box 16, Folder 50
San Diego Fruit Co.
1902
Physical Description: 10 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of building, horse-drawn wagons and laborers harvesting crops.
Box 16, Folder 51
San Diego River Diverting Dam
1917
Physical Description: 7 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam construction and people.
Box 16, Folder 52
San Diego River Flood 1921
December 28, 1921
Physical Description: 17 photographs (b w) negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of flood damage to bridge.
Box 16, Folder 53
San Diego River Flood 1927
January 1, 1927
Physical Description: 4 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of river overflowing the dam and inundated floodplain.
Box 16, Folder 54
San Diego River Project, San Vicente Dam Site
1931
Physical Description: 4 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam site.
Box 16, Folder 55, Box 22
San Diego Water Co. La Mesa Dam Reconstruction Fort Robinson Siphon, Mission Dam, Old Mission Vicinity, Cuyanaca Dam
1902
Physical Description: 40 photographs (b w)
Oversized
Oversized photos of dam and pipeline construction, people, and camp found in Box 22
Box 16, Folder 56
Lakeside, San Diego
1927-1928
Physical Description: 46 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of pipeline construction and river flood.
Box 17, Folder 57
Sweetwater Dam
1900
Physical Description: 18 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Sweetwater Water Co, Linwwod Wells Lower, Linwood Wells Upper, Sunnyside Wells, Chula Vista, Bonita Wells.
Box 17, Folder 58
Sweetwater Dam
1927
Physical Description: 4 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
4 photographs from negatives exposed the day following the peak flood in Spring Valley, February 1927.
Box 17, Folder 59
Sweetwater Co., Barret, Morena, Lower Otay Dam
1923
Physical Description: 4 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam and watershed.
Box 17, Folder 60, Box 22
Sweetwater Dam
1885-1900
Physical Description: 17 photographs (b
Oversized
Oversized photos of dam construction found in Box 22
Box 17, Folder 61, Box 22
Sweetwater Dam (miscellaneous)
1895
Physical Description: 37 photographs (b w) and negatives
Oversized
Oversized photos of dam construction and blueprints moved to Box 22
Box 17, Folder 62
Sweetwater Dam
1901-1916
Physical Description: 11 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam construction and people
Box 17, Folder 63
Sweetwater Dam 21 to 40
1916
Physical Description: 20 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo description.
Box 17, Folder 64
Sweetwater Dam 41 to 60
1916
Physical Description: 17 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 17, Folder 65
Escondido Dam 57 to 60
1916
Physical Description: 4 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 17, Folder 66
Sweetwater Dam 61 to 80
1916
Physical Description: 18 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 17, Folder 67
Sweetwater Dam 81 to 100
1916
Physical Description: 25 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 17, Folder 68
Sweetwater Dam 101 to 120
1916
Physical Description: 20 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 17, Folder 69
Sweetwater Dam 121 to 140
1916
Physical Description: 21 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 17, Folder 70
Sweetwater Dam 141 to 160
1916
Physical Description: 22 negatives
Scope and Contents
Includes list of photo descriptions.
Box 18, Folder 71
Boneta Pipeline Break
1915 (?)
Physical Description: 5 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of broken pipeline.
Box 18, Folder 72
Boneta Line Break
December 24, 1915
Physical Description: 11 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of broken pipeline.
Box 18, Folder 73
Colorado River, Imperial Canal
1902
Physical Description: 16 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of river intake.
Box 18, Folder 74
Dulzura Conduit
1915
Physical Description: 8 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of conduit construction.
Box 18, Folder 75
Dulzura Conduit
1914
Physical Description: 15 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos on conduit construction.
Box 18, Folder 76
Dulzura Conduit
1914
Physical Description: 7 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos showing progress of work on conduit extension.
Box 18, Folder 77
Dulzura Conduit
Unknown
Physical Description: 22 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of construction and people in camp.
Box 18, Folder 78, Box 22
Dulzura Conduit
1910
Physical Description: 9 photographs (b w)
Oversized
Oversized photos of concrete channel and flume structures found in Box 22
Box 18, Folder 79, Box 21
Flumes, pipelines, canal structures
Unknown
Physical Description: 51 color transparencies
Glass Lantern Slides
Glass colored photos of concrete channels, flumes, and pipelines found in Box 21
Box 18, Folder 80
La Jolla Children's Bathing Pool
1930
Physical Description: 12 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of tidal bathing pool for children.
Box 18, Folder 81
Scripps Bathing Pool for Children
1930
Physical Description: 37 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of Ellen Browing Scripps Bathing Pool for children, includes 2 lists of photos and descriptions.
Box 18, Folder 82, Box 22
McCloud River
1912
Physical Description: 16 photographs (b w)
Oversized
Oversized photos of rural landscape, forest and river found in Box 22
Box 18, Folder 83
Mission Valley Pumping Plant
1918
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of road and valley.
Box 18, Folder 84
Morena Reservoir, Swenson Children
Unknown
Physical Description: 104 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of dam, reservoir, water sampling, people and houses, includes photos of Dulzura conduit, Harvey Dam, Upper and Lower
Otay Dam and children.
Box 18, Folder 85
Nigger Canyon, Temecula River
Unknown
Physical Description: 25 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of canyon and river. This folder's title was supplied by Savage or an associate
and was transcribed from an envelope within the folder. It reflects a racist place name
that was in use at the time the photographs in the folder were created. The location
depicted is now part of the Vail Lake reservoir on Temecula Creek, east of Temecula, California.
Box 18, Folder 86
Oakdale ID
1938
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of crops and canal.
Box 18, Folder 87
Projects: Huntley, Shashane, North Platte, Sun River, Milk River, Blackfur, Lower Yellowslow, Shasta River, Trinity River
1914-1918; 1955
Physical Description: 51 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of concrete structures in different projects.
Box 18, Folder 88
Pumping plant near Riverview Station, films of J. Johnson's
1939-1940
Physical Description: 12 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of pumping plants.
Box 18, Folder 89
River Wueste
Unknown
Physical Description: 38 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of pipeline installation, river and housing.
Box 18, Folder 90
River Wueste
1912
Physical Description: 5 glass negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of people and flow control structures.
Box 18, Folder 91
Upper Linwood, Bonita, Pumping Plant
1900
Physical Description: 15 negatives
Box 18, Folder 92
Yolo Bypass, Chapter XI- Building East Levee at Yolo Bypass
1940
Physical Description: 1 photograph (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photo of soil movement.
Box 19, Folder 93, Box 22
U.S. Reclamation Service Photos
Unknown
Physical Description: 12 photographs (b w), 8 x 10
Oversized
Oversized photos of Colorado River: Yuma Bridge, Milk River, Lake McDonald, dams and people (good quality photos) found in
Box 22
Box 19, Folder 94
U.S. Reclamation Service Projects
1908-1930
Physical Description: 71 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Photos of screens, weed cleaners, pumping stations, commission members, canals, postcards, projects, and native peoples.
Box 19, Folder 95
H.G. Featon's Ranch
1917
Physical Description: 2 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 96
Lew B. Harris Ranch
1923
Physical Description: 1 negative
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 97
R.H. Wilcomb Family
1918
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 98
Vaudeville troupe at Lower Otay Dam
1918
Physical Description: 4 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 99
W.A. Stebbins and Family
1917
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 100
W.M. Gates and Family
1917
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 101
W.M.I. Woodman and Family
1918
Physical Description: 2 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of families and people.
Box 19, Folder 102
Aerial Photos of California Inlets
Unknown
Physical Description: 10 negatives
Scope and Contents
Maps and aerial photos.
Box 19, Folder 103
Lower California
1923
Physical Description: 15 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Maps and aerial photos including a map of Baja California (1894-1918) by David Goldbaum and list with description of photos.
Box 19, Folder 104
Maps of California
1922
Physical Description: 10 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Maps and aerial photos.
Box 19, Folder 105
Miscellaneous
1931-1947
Physical Description: 30 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Newspaper articles, San Fernando Rancho Dam postcard, canal and construction photos.
Box 19, Folder 106
Miscellaneous (Palo Verde Dam, All American Silt, Canal Lining)
Unknown
Physical Description: 11 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Misc. photos of canal lining.
Box 19, Folder 107
Miscellaneous Weirs Savage
1932-1939
Physical Description: 37 photographs (b w)
Scope and Contents
Misc. photos of canal structures at different projects, including weirs specifications and article.
Box 19, Folder 108, Box 21
Miscellaneous
1912 (?)
Physical Description: 6 color transparencies
Glass Lantern Slides
Glass color pictures of U.S. Reclamation Service photos of Shoshone and Huntley projects, and map with projects location found
in Box 21
Box 20, Folder 109
Thearle starv?
1914
Physical Description: 48 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of vegetation and slope.
Box 20, Folder 110
TN Wood Valley Views No. 7 A-K
Unknown
Physical Description: 14 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of vegetation and slopes.
Box 20, Folder 111
Unidentified
Unknown
Physical Description: 10 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of canal construction, camp and people.
Box 20, Folder 112
Unidentified
Unknown
Physical Description: 4 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of canal construction.
Box 20, Folder 113
Unidentified
Unknown
Physical Description: 68 negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of pipeline installation.
Box 20, Folder 114
Unidentified (pipeline)
Unknown
Physical Description: 80 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of pipeline installation.
Box 20, Folder 115
Unidentified portrait
Unknown
Physical Description: 3 photographs (b w) and negatives
Scope and Contents
Photos of man.
Box 23
Glass plate negatives
undated
Series 3. Barrett and Morena Dams Materials
1918-1934
Acquisition Information
Materials in this series were donated to the Water Resources Center and Archives in January 1963 by Paul Beerman, Hydraulic
Engineer for the city of San Diego.
Series Arrangement
Materials in this series are organized into two sub-series by subject matter.
- Sub-series 1. Barrett Dam
- Sub-series 2. Morena Dam
Processing History
The materials in this series were previously organized as their own collection (MS 76/9) that was processed in 2001. During
a spring 2020 project this collection was combined with the two other Hiram Savage collections to create a single collection
of Savage's works and papers.
Series Scope and Contents
Materials in this series pertain to Barrett and Morena dams in San Diego county.
Sub-series 1. Barrett Dam
1918-1923
Box 24, Folder 1
Chronological history, construction of Barrett Dam and essential features
1918-1921
Box 24, Folder 3
Exhibit 1: Maps showing location of dam in relation to City water system
1919
Physical Description:
2 maps
Scope and Contents
Blueprints
Box 24, Folder 4
Exhibit 2: Photograph of the dam site before construction was commenced
16 May 1919
Box 24, Folder 5
Exhibit 3: Plan and sections showing impounding capacity
20 December 1920
Box 24, Folder 6
Exhibit 4: Letter to San Diego City Council ("Common Council") presenting resolution adopted at meeting held
21-24 August 1918
Box 24, Folder 7
Exhibit 5: Report of Hydraulic Engineer to City Council
25 February 1919
Box 24, Folder 8
Exhibit 6: Report of Hydraulic Engineer to City Council regarding survey and investigation of Barrett Dam and dam site with
conclusions, recommendations for a dam, and estimate of cost
2 July 1919
Box 24, Folder 9
Exhibit 7: Copy of Resolution no. 24847 passed by City Council authorizing construction of Barrett Dam
15 September 1919
Box 24, Folder 10
Exhibit 8: Resolutions passed by Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Manufacturers and Employers Association requesting
City Council to call special bond election for completion of Barrett Dam
October - November 1919
Box 24, Folder 11
Exhibit 9: Resolution no. 70 of Board of Water Commissionersrequesting City Council to call special election for completion
of Barrett Dam
25 November 1919
Box 24, Folder 12
Exhibit 10: Report of Hydraulic Engineer on Barrett Dam construction
1 July 1920
Box 24, Folder 13
Exhibit 11: Report of San Diego Chamber of Commerce Water Committeeregarding completion of Barrett Dam
15 October 1920
Scope and Contents
Published in:
Annual Reports of Officers, Bureaus and Committees, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, California, Fiscal Year 1920,p. 14-15.
Box 24, Folder 14
Exhibit 12: Report of Hydraulic Engineer to City Council regarding requirement and necessity for completion of Barrett Dam
17 February 1921
Box 24, Folder 15
Exhibit 13: Letter to Melville Klauber from H. N. Savage regarding impounding and carrying water system of San Diego
8 March 1921
Box 24, Folder 16
Cost of construction work
13 October 1920
Scope and Contents
Report of Hydraulic Engineer to City Council and Board of Water Commissioners.
Box 24, Folder 17
Bond election
1921
Scope and Contents
File of materials related to the special bond election held April 5, 1921 to authorize $500,000 for construction of Barrett
Dam.
Box 24, Folder 18
Bond funds
1921-1922
Scope and Contents
Financial statements, expense reports, etc.
Box 24, Folder 19
Construction funds
27 March 1922
Scope and Contents
Report of Hydraulic Engineer to City Council and Board of Water Commissioners.
Box 24, Folder 20
Barrett Dam construction cost analysis
1922
Scope and Contents
Report compiled by S. R. Nelson (Chief Clerk) and C. H. Bryson (Engineer-Inspector) for H. N. Savage (Hydraulic Engineer),
comparing costs of construction of Barrett Dam and Don Pedro Dam, Stanislaus River.
Box 24, Folder 21
Barrett Dam, spillway and outlet tower: drawings and specifications
18 September 1919
Box 24, Folder 22
Barrett Dam, hauling materials: advertisement, proposal and specifications
6 July 1920
Box 24, Folder 23
Barrett Dam construction equipment inventory
1 November 1921
Box 24, Folder 24
Construction reports, correspondence, etc.
1921-1922
Box 24, Folder 25
Taintor radial gates
1922
Scope and Contents
Correspondence, advertising, photographs, blueprints, etc.
Box 24, Folder 26
Barrett Reservoir duty
1923
Box 24, Folder 27
Barrett Dam and Reservoir dedication program
25 July 1922
Box 24, Folder 28
Tracing
11 March 1921
Scope and Contents
Includes a cross-section of Barrett Dam with construction costs and expenditures.
Box 24, Folder 29
Newspaper clippings
1921-1922
Box 24, Folder 30
Photographs
1920-1922
Scope and Contents
Most photos mounted on paper with typescript captions.
Box 24, Folder 31
Photographs
1921-1922
Scope and Contents
Mounted on paper with typescript captions.
Sub-series 2. Morena Dam
1921-1934
Box 25, Folder 32
Report of Consulting Engineer W. C. Earle to City Council against enlargement of Morena Reservoir storage capacity
10 February 1921
Box 25, Folder 33
Morena Dam spillway enlargement, raising of dam and outlet tower: drawings and specifications
1922
Box 25, Folder 34
Morena Reservoir spillway enlargement: report and recommendation
27 April 1922
Scope and Contents
Report of Hydraulic Engineer to City Council and Board of Water Commissioners. cludes photographs.
Box 25, Folder 35
Morena Reservoir - Investigations: enlargement spillway and dam
11 March 1922
Scope and Contents
"To accompany Hydraulic Engineer's report dated February 9, 1921."
Box 25, Folder 36
Morena Reservoir - Investigations: enlargement spillway and dam
17 May 1922
Scope and Contents
"To accompany Hydraulic Engineer's report dated April 27, 1922."
Box 25, Folder 37
Letter to Hydraulic Engineer from Paul Beerman regarding Morena Reservoir and spillway performance
7 December 1929
Box 25, Folder 38
Memorandum from Paul Beerman regarding construction details of Morena Reservoir dam
20 April 1934
Box 25, Folder 39
Morena Reservoir dam foundation
4 April 1934
Box 25, Folder 40
Feature history, Morena Reservoir dam and spillway and safe duty enlargement
1934
Scope and Contents
Report of H. N. Savage, Hydraulic Engineer in Charge, to City of San Diego Bureau of Water Development.
Unprocessed
Scope and Contents
This box contains unprocessed materials that are part of the Savage papers.
