Helix Water District

Helix History (1930-1939)

1930
Consolidated Aircraft moves to San Diego from New York. San Diego's growing defense industry will have profound effects on the residential areas of East County.

At the same time
The Depression continues as employment levels drop. France begins building the Maginot Line. The first photoflash bulbs are introduced. Howard Hughes films "Hell's Angels." The planet Pluto is discovered. Dashiell Hammett writes "The Maltese Falcon."

1931
The La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley Irrigation District settles with the City of San Diego over the water rights issues of the San Diego River.

At the same time
"The Star Spangled Banner" officially becomes the National Anthem. "Frankenstein" is filmed. Clark Gable begins his Hollywood career. The Empire State Building is completed. Gangster Al Capone is jailed for tax evasion. Pearl Buck writes "The Good Earth."

1932
Algae from Cuyamaca Lake spreads into the flume and storage reservoirs, causing complaints from consumers. Application is made by the District to have the Reconstruction Finance Corporation buy its remaining bonds to help replace the flume.

At the same time
Franklin D. Roosevelt wins the Presidential election pushing for a "New Deal." Construction begins on the Golden Gate Bridge. Charles Lindbergh's baby is kidnapped. Shirley Temple makes her first movie, "Red-Haired Alibi." Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" is a song heard across the country.

1933
A compromise settlement is reached with the City of San Diego on San Diego River property and water rights. No typhoid is found in District water during an epidemic. A tulle abatement program at Grossmont Reservoir improves water quality. Rainfall at Lake Cuyamaca is 25% below normal; Lake is only half full.

At the same time
Adolph Hitler becomes Germany's Chancellor as the first concentration camps are built. The first aircraft carrier, the USS Ranger, is launched. The Tennessee Valley Authority is created. Chicago hosts the World's Fair. Prohibition is repealed. "King Kong" is filmed.

1934
The Reconstruction Finance Corporation loan is approved to allow the replacement of the main flume line. Heavy work commences to replace the wooden structure with an underground concrete and steel pipeline. Several miles are completed this year.

At the same time
The oceanliner "Morro Castle" sinks off New Jersey. R.M.S. "Queen Mary" is launched. "Public Enemy Number 1" John Dillinger is killed by the F.B.I. Agatha Christie writes "Murder in Three Acts." F. Scott Fitzgerald publishes "Tender is the Night." The most popular movie of the year is "It Happened One Night."

1935
The original wooden flume is completely removed from service below Quail Canyon when the new pipeline is completed. Design work begins to rebuild the El Monte Pump Station to allow for the addition of water from El Capitan Reservoir.

At the same time
Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act. Germany forms the Luftwaffe. The first radar is developed to detect aircraft. Alcoholics Anonymous is formed in New York. "Mutiny on the Bounty" is filmed with Clark Gable and Charles Laughton. Dancing the Rumba is popular.

1936
Design work continues on the rebuild for the El Monte Pump Station. Large variations in the incoming water pressure require a special pump layout. Major portions of the flume are replaced.

At the same time
The Spanish Civil War begins. Gossip starts in London about King Edward VIII and Mrs. Wallis Simpson. King Edward soon abdicates the throne to marry her. Franklin Roosevelt wins the election in the Fall. Jesse Owens wins four Gold Medals at the Berlin Olympics. "Life Magazine" begins publication. Margaret Mitchell writes "Gone with the Wind."

1937
The new El Monte Pump Station is built and placed in service. All water entering the District now flows through this pump station. The remaining sections of flume above El Capitan Reservoir are removed from service.

The El Monte Pump Station was entirely rebuilt in 1937. The rebuilt station served the District as late as the spring of 1999. The photo displayed here was shot in the early 1960's.

At the same time
Ameilia Earhart disappears while attempting to fly around the world. Fighting begins between Japan and China. Nylon is created and patented by duPont. The airship "Hindenberg" crashes in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The Golden Gate Bridge opens. Disney films "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

1938
The rebuilding of Highway 80 through La Mesa requires extensive moving of water lines.

At the same time
Adolph Hitler invades Austria and begins his military push for expansion. The 40-hour work week becomes standard in the U.S. The oceanliner "Queen Elizabeth 2" is launched. Orson Wells airs his radio story of "War of the Worlds" and causes panic among listeners. Thornton Wilder writes "Our Town." Benny Goodman and his band popularize the new sound of big band jazz.

1939
Unusually heavy rains occur in March, and September brings a tropical storm and heavy precipitation. District sells 3.49 million gallons of water per day. Civilian Conservation Corps crews are building trails, roads, and camps in the San Diego backcountry.

At the same time
World War II begins as Hitler invades Poland. England and France declare war on Germany. Radar stations are built in England to forewarn of aerial attack. The first nylon stockings are introduced. John Steinbeck writes "The Grapes of Wrath." James Joyce writes "Finnegan's Wake." The films "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz" set the stage for color movies.

Go to 1940-1949