Historic Working Water Pump

At the very start of Winnipeg Beaches history, water was hauled directly from the lake for cooking and drinking purposes, but it did not take long for wells to be sunk, and pumps added to draw clean water from the ground. There were two types of well pumps. Some of the guest houses had a scullery with a hand pump on the counter where dishes were washed. This was likely the case at the guest house at 129 Ash, as the 115-year-old well is located right under a very early addition to the cottage in a room with windows styles that would indicate it was not a bedroom.

The second type of pump was found at the corner of the street and these pumps were placed throughout Winnipeg Beach.

Someone (usually this job fell to the children), was sent to the well for water. One or two pails were filled and stored on the counter in the cottage kitchen. A metal dipper was used to draw out a drink of water or to fill the kettle. A common fond memory that is recalled by those who summered at Winnipeg Beach is “the taste of that water in the dipper”

It’s easier now that we can just turn on the tap.. but there was something about fresh water pumped from the well and hauled home, that brings back the sweetest memories to those who enjoyed it.

Drinking from the dipper

Tiny boy at the pump on Grove street Winnipeg Beach