The installation of the waterworks in 1921 inspired a
Richmond Hill bard to
send this bit of doggerel in to the local paper:
Richmond Hill is going ahead,
They are going to have the water
Laid along the Village streets,
Reaching every quarter.
People may, if they so wish,
Have it in their home.
It will not be necessary then,
On a wintry night to roam
Outside to the iron, or wooden pump,
With a cold and frosty handle,
Getting water from a slimy well,
By the flickering light of a candle.
Or smoky light, with a grimy glass,
Giving out a feeble ray.
No - all those things will soon be past,
They're installing a better way.
Every home will have a room
With bath somewhere about,
Where the occupants may plunge and splash,
Like the salmon trout.
Competition will be keen
With the old folks, sons and daughters,
As to who shall be the first to lave,
In the cool and limpid waters.
Kimonos and dressing gowns,
Bath towels, sponge and slippers,
All those things will be required
By the energetic dippers.
The merchants, who stock such things,
Should really be alert,
For any day their business may,
Make a decided spurt.
The drug store, too, will find trade boom,
With which I'm sure they'll cope,
For there will be an increased demand
For cakes of scented soap.
"Predictions," The Liberal,November 3, 1921
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