I know I just posted a few hours ago, but…
I was just writing a bit of the novel when something came up. Margaret was going to replenish the resivoir along side the stove when I realized I’m missing something. Something big.
WHERE IS THE WATER COMING FROM?!
So I turned to Google, and it gave me a useful lead! There is a spring at the base of Anvil Mountain called Moonlight Spring. I got a hit off this document, a 2000 water study. Then I found a Nome Nugget article that says the spring has been used since the “early 1900s.” YES!
But, that doesn’t tell me much. It’s miles away from the town. The permafrost would keep them from digging cisterns. I’m not sure how advanced water infrastructure is around 1920. So, how did they get water nearer their homes?
I can’t answer that, YET. But Google came through for me! Behold, a report by the Department of the Interior entitled, “Water Supply of Nome Region, Seward Peninsula, Alaska.” The best part? It’s from 1906!
That is a win. Thank you Google. Thank you Department of the Interior. And thank you to all institutions who have made obscure documents like this accessible.
Northern Skies Publishing 