Ashley Reservoir, dam in Holyoke, Massachusetts
Ashley Reservoir is a water storage system in Holyoke, Massachusetts, made from two original ponds that were converted to reservoirs in 1873. The system holds over 795 million gallons of water and is connected by dams, canals, and pumping stations to supply the city's daily water needs.
The reservoir was established in 1873 when the growing city needed a more reliable water source, and was completed in 1897. The 1907 monument at the entrance honors the Holyoke Water Works that built this extensive system.
The name Ashley Reservoir comes from the original ponds Ashley's Pond and Wright's Pond that were reshaped in the early 20th century. Today, local residents use the area for walks and see the quiet water body as an important part of their living landscape.
The reservoir is partially open to the public with walking paths around the water. Fishing, dogs, camping, and motorcycle riding are not allowed to protect the water quality.
The grounds hold remnants of an old ice house that was once used by the Holyoke Ice Company to harvest and store ice from the pond in earlier decades. This historical structure shows how the water was used for commerce and industry long before it served as a water storage system.
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