One hundred fifty years ago, a single
spike was driven into the ground, marking the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. That event led to the birth of Roseville and sparked the development of this region.
UEC Interpretive Services Supervisor, Rachel Tooker decided to make that event the anchor of a historically-oriented work of art. The idea stemmed from her eyeing an old map.
“I remember seeing a map of the City’s original wastewater system,” Rachel said. “I was fascinated to learn that two of the first three actions taken by the citizens of Roseville were utility related.”
Rachel used that historical nugget to build a four-sided exhibit that stands in the lobby of the Utility Exploration Center. On it is a wealth of information about the birth of Roseville, the growth of our utilities, and the railroad. Those cloth panels display critical moments in our history, woven together to tell a more significant tale.
“Years ago, all of these people were moving in,” Rachel stated. “They needed services. There was a diphtheria epidemic in 1908. City leaders came together and recognized that the City needed to pool its resources and sell bonds, in large part to provide City services. So these were among the first acts of the newly incorporated city. Citizens voted $78,000 for the sewer system, $1,500 for a bridge, and $10,000 to construct an electric power system. Around the 1930s, the City purchased the water supply. So the story about municipal services provided by Roseville and the growth of the City truly go hand-in-hand from the very beginning. I think that commitment and planning is part of what makes Roseville such a great place to live.”
Rachel worked with several City colleagues, all of whom pitched in to provide support. She’s proud of the work and enjoys the response generated by the public. “As I’ve walked through the lobby, I’ve seen many people taking the time to stop and look at the panels. It’s been fun watching them really explore the maps and photos.”
The panels will be on display in the lobby adjoining the
Utility Exploration Center and the Martha Riley Library until May 30. In July, you’ll be able to view the exhibit at the Roseville Historical Society. Future stops at other City locations are in the works.