Helix Water District

Helix History (1885-1889)

1885
T. S. Van Dyke and associates begin checking Van Dyke's information about water supplies for San Diego. Van Dyke begins appropriating water from the San Diego River and other mountain streams.

Surveying and construction starts on the flume, with heavy construction under way by fall. More water claims are made by the flume company. The California Supreme Court upholds the doctrine of riparian water rights in California.

The Irrigation District Law (also called the Wright Act) passes, which allows the formation of irrigation districts.

At the same time
Grover Cleveland is inaugurated as President. Van Gogh paints "The Potato Eaters." George Eastman makes the first precoated photographic paper.

1886
The San Diego Flume Company is incorporated in May. Surveying and construction starts on the flume, with heavy construction under way by fall. More water claims are made by the flume company. The California Supreme Court upholds the doctrine of riparian water rights in California.

At the same time
Robert Louis Stevenson writes "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The Statue of Liberty is dedicated. Rodin sculpts "The Kiss."

1887
Cuyamaca Dam is completed February 1. The Diverting Dam, which will direct water to the flume, is completed. Work continues on the main flume where tunneling and heavy hillside cuts slow progress. The Irrigation District Law (also called the Wright Act) passes, which allows the formation of irrigation districts.

Lake Cuyamaca, pictured here, was built in 1887 as a storage reservoir for flume water.

At the same time
Queen Victoria has her Golden Jubilee. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle writes first Sherlock Holmes story, "A Study in Scarlet." Celluloid film is invented.

1888
Construction is completed on the flume. More water claims are made. Many of these claims will not be used in the actual operation of the flume system.

At the same time
Benjamin Harrison is elected President. Van Gogh paints "The Yellow Chair." Tchaikovsky writes his Symphony Number 5. Tesla constructs his electric motor. George Eastman makes his first "Kodak" box camera. Jack the Ripper kills six women in London.

1889
Opening ceremony and first water deliveries from the flume.

Opening ceremonies on February 22, 1889, included a ride down the flume. Governor Waterman is pictured in front (with beard).

At the same time
North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington become states. Oklahoma is opened for settlers and a rush commences. Mark Twain writes "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." Robert Louis Stevenson writes "The Master of Ballentrae."

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