Water Education Foundation
This is just one post in the History Category
Click here to view all posts

Hermann Schussler: A water-systems engineer and architect of Bay Area dams

Posted by: Maven on June 8, 2009 at 6:36 am

From the Daily Journal:

Hermann Schussler was born in Rastebe in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, on Aug. 4, 1842.

His father, a physician, sent Hermann to be educated at the Prussian Military Academy of Oldenburg. After graduation in 1862, he spent two years in Zurich and Karlsruhe schools enrolled as a civil engineer. During these years, he gained practical experience at the Lucerne Vulcan Iron Works in Germany where he learned to fabricate pipe. This experience helped him immensely in designing water systems on the various water projects he undertook in the United States.

In 1864, he headed for California to practice his vocation. The Spring Valley Water Works of San Francisco hired him at a salary of $50 per month. The president of the SVWW, a Mr. Babcock, sent Schussler down the Peninsula where they were constructing a dam on the Pilarcitos Creek. In 1858, George H. Ensign had formed the Spring Valley Water Works and obtained water from springs on Washington Street. As the demand for water increased, the SVWW began buying land on the Peninsula for expansion of needed water sources. The Pilarcitos Creek originated in mountains to the east of Montara Mountain and west of Skyline Boulevard. The SVWW secured land in a valley to the west of the San Andreas Valley and began construction of a dam. Schussler, who spoke only German, was sent to help build this dam. He studied English and mastered the language within a short time. Throughout his life, he tackled all problems with the same determination as he did in learning his new language, working hard until he conquered the problem.

Read more from San Mateo’s Daily Journal by clicking here.

June 8, 2009 · Filed Under History

Comments

Leave a Reply