QUABAUG SPRING WATER

This was a short-lived enterprise of Theodore C. Bates. It came about when Spring Water was the craze, around 1900. Bates was a high-roller delving in many things about North Brookfield. The library, the train station, the school system, you name it and Bates was involved!




Senator Bates was responsible for the building of the Water Works and the Observatory. He lived to see his dream fulfilled but when he died in 1909 all of the Quaboag Spring materials were relegated to the Wendemuth attic on Bates Street. For decades the remains remained dormant. Then one day in 1979 Julia Wendemuth decided to sell everything go me. There were thousands of QS Water labels, boxes, and  bottles unique to the Bates enterprise.  Some may remember seeing the shed in the field where the spring came to surface.




The North Brookfield Historical Museum had first dibs. All of the important materials can be seen today at the museum. Survival printings can still be found at the Brimfield Flea Market or online!




Theodore C. Bates was quite the guy and good citizen. His acts inspire me to this day.

1893 muster. Note the incredible water power in NB because of the location of the reservoir.