Mid-20th Century Developments

Click pictures for closeups

The valves and nozzles on the original hydrants were seated in lead. The hydrants were provided with flanged bonnets to permit access inside the hydrant to service valves and replace seals. This idea worked well so long as the repairman didn't drop parts or tools down the hydrant body. Eventually designers came up with iron alloys that threads could be cut into reliable. This improvement meant that the nozzles could be threaded on and removed with a wrench to access valve faces for repairs. Breakaway stems were a new option. A clapper valve section could be part of the riser which was held open by a rod attached inside the hydrant. If the hydrant was knocked off, the clapper could swing shut preventing water damage.

FHO# 0535 Model: EBMUD 71 Date: 1948 Location: Orinda, CA Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm

FHO# 0590 Model: 71 Date: 1957 Location: Willits, CA Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm

FHO# 0646 Model: SF 74 Date: 1938 Location: Treasure Island, CA Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm	FHO# 0588 Model: EBMUD 74 Date: 1945 Location: Orinda, CA Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm	FHO# 0126 Model: 74 Date: 1950s Location: Sunnyvale, CA Photo: © 1999, Jeff Dinkins
FHO# 0604 Model: 75 Date: 1930s Location: Oakland Army Dpt Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm	FHO# 0620 View: 75 Date: 1956 Location: Pacheco, CA Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm	FHO# 0513 Model: 76 Date: 1948 Location: Pittsburg, CA Photo: © 2000, Willis Lamm
FHO# 0155 Model: 76 w/breakaway stem Date: 1952 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photo: © 2000, Terence Kennedy (Hall of Flame Museum)	FHO# 2235 Model: 78 w/breakaway stem Date: 1965 Location: Watsonville, CA Nozzles: 2x 4 1/2" Photo: © 2005, Steve Parmley	Continue to Part 3 Return to Part 1