New Year’s wish: water

Posted by On Filed under General 389 Comments
New Year’s wish: water
This centrifugal pump was used to pump water from sump into the ill-fated Soule Canal project. It pumped 30,000 gallons per minute and was powered by a steam engine. (Photo by Rod Beemer)

At this time of year many people’s thoughts turn to wondering what it would take to have a happy new year in 2013. For those living and working on the prairies and plains, especially those in agriculture, one thing that would make for a great new year would be moisture in the right amount at the right time.

Wishes and prayers for rain aren’t unique to 2013 because the pioneers faced the same cycles of too little rain and too much rain that we are experiencing today. In fact, during the nineteenth century the prairies and plains experienced three droughts that were equal to, or more severe than, the drought of the 1930s.

Whether then or now, we try to alter heaven and earth to bring water to where we need it when we need it. One example of this is found in the town of Ingalls, Kansas, where an effort was made to improve on nature and, no doubt, hopeful that the next year would be a great year with plenty of water for all.

The Soule Canal was a vision of Asa T. Soule, a New Yorker, to take water from the Arkansas River and run it east through a canal to Kinsley, Kansas. The project was underway in 1894, which was during a twelve-year drought that began in 1884 and lasted until 1895. The Monthly Weather Review reported that on April 15, 1895, “a terrible storm of sand and rain afflicted southern and western Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Panhandle of Texas. Egyptian darkness is said to have prevailed in western Oklahoma and the Panhandle . . . Drifts of sand 6 feet deep were reported along the railroad tracks in western Kansas.”

In Omaha, Nebraska, on July 25, 1895, the temperature rose almost as steadily as the wind and by noon had topped the century mark and reached 106 record-setting degrees. “In that awful holocaust corn blades shriveled in the blast like grass in an oven.” All remaining hopes for their crops were blown away in a single day. Quoted from Everett Dick’s Conquering the Great American Desert page 345.

One hundred and seventeen years later the evidence of Soule’s dream is still visible in and around Ingalls, Kansas. Unfortunately the dream didn’t work financially or technically and was abandoned after several attempts.

Along Highway 50 east of Ingalls, Kansas, remnants of the Soule Canal can still be seen today. (Photo by Rod Beemer)

Here’s hoping that 2013 won’t be another year of drought on the prairies and plains.

Related posts:

389 Comments for “New Year’s wish: water”

tlover tonet

says:

I got what you mean , appreciate it for posting.Woh I am happy to find this website through google. “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up by itself.” by Woodrow Wilson.

Reply

cell phone hackers for hire

says:

I like the valuable information you provide on your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and test again here frequently. I’m somewhat certain I will be informed many new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the following!

Reply

The Genius Wave

says:

What i do not understood is in truth how you are now not actually much more neatly-favored than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You know therefore considerably on the subject of this topic, made me personally consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be involved except it?¦s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. Always handle it up!

Reply

Leanbiome

says:

whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this info, you can aid them greatly.

Reply

Erecprime

says:

Hey there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

Reply

Java Burn

says:

I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I thought this put up was once good. I do not understand who you are however definitely you are going to a famous blogger for those who are not already 😉 Cheers!

Reply

Fitspresso

says:

I got what you mean , thanks for putting up.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google. “Since the Exodus, freedom has always spoken with a Hebrew accent.” by Heinrich Heine.

Reply

hackers for hire

says:

There are some attention-grabbing time limits on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity however I’ll take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

Reply

professional hackers for hire

says:

I do believe all of the ideas you’ve offered to your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for novices. May just you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

Reply

Sight Care reviews

says:

Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

Reply

Renew

says:

Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

Reply

SightCare

says:

I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to reach my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is posted on your website.Keep the aarticles coming. I loved it!

Reply

Fitspresso review

says:

Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

Reply

Cerebro Zen Review

says:

I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing? I’m having some small security issues with my latest website and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?

Reply

Pura vive reviews

says:

What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its helped me. Great job.

Reply

Fitspresso

says:

Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

Reply

The Genius Wave

says:

That is really interesting, You are a very professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for looking for extra of your wonderful post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks!

Reply

Sumatra slim belly tonic reviews

says:

You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

Reply

lottery defeater

says:

What is Lottery Defeater Software? Lottery Defeater Software is a plug-and-play Lottery Winning Software that is fully automated. Kenneth created the Lottery Defeater software. Every time someone plays the lottery, it increases their odds of winning by around 98.

Reply

djarum88

says:

Hey very cool web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find a lot of useful info here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

Reply

SightCare

says:

Magnificent website. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!

Reply

apartamento turistico pamplona

says:

Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

Reply

Tonic Greens

says:

Appreciating the persistence you put into your site and detailed information you present. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

Reply

Boostaro

says:

Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.

Reply

Quietum Plus

says:

An attention-grabbing discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it might not be a taboo topic but generally people are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

Reply

Java Burn

says:

Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally seek advice from my site =). We could have a link exchange arrangement among us!

Reply

leanbiome review

says:

There are actually plenty of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great level to convey up. I offer the ideas above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place crucial factor will be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged round issues like that, but I am certain that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each boys and girls really feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

Reply

bitcoin price

says:

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos
to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?

Reply

Click here

says:

you’re in point of fact a good webmaster. The website loading pace
is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick.

Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a
wonderful process in this topic!

Reply

poop scoop service

says:

Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
But think about if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!

Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this
site could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its
niche. Superb blog!

Reply

Luciana

says:

asbestos litigation (Luciana) was widely
used a construction material in the 1930s and into the 1970s.

It was used in pipe insulation as well as
fireproofing, cements, plasters and breaks, and more.

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *