Keeper’s House at Williamsbridge Reservoir

Who could imagine this quaint Keeper’s House at Williamsbridge Reservoir once oversaw a vital artery of New York City’s water supply? Built in 1889, the Keeper’s House wasn’t just a charming cottage. It served as the watchful eye over the Williamsbridge Reservoir, a 120-million-gallon behemoth built into a natural, bowl-shaped depression on a hilltop. The reservoir received its water from the Kensico Reservoir, a full 15 miles upstream on the Bronx River. The Keeper’s House, constructed from granite excavated from the reservoir itself, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of the city’s engineers. The house features rock-faced ashlar with granite trim, a slate gable roof, and copper gutters, reflecting a sturdy elegance. Can you envision the reservoir keeper, back in the late 19th century, gazing out at the vast expanse of water, ensuring the smooth flow of life-sustaining liquid to the burgeoning population of the west Bronx? The reservoir operated until 1919. The construction of the New Croton Aqueduct rendered it redundant. The land was transferred to the Parks Department in 1934. The reservoir was then drained and transformed into the Williamsbridge Oval park, complete with a running track, ball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The Keeper’s House, however, continued its story. In 1946, Isaac Barkey, a physicist and engineer, purchased the house. He installed a laboratory in the basement for his “confidential research” and dreamt of turning the house into a grand mansion. This dream remained unfulfilled, and a heartbroken Barkey left the house in 1998. The Mosholu Preservation Corporation purchased the Keeper’s House at Williamsbridge Reservoir, transforming it into their headquarters and ensuring its preservation. Today, the Keeper’s House, recognized as a New York City landmark and listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, still stands proudly. It serves as a reminder of the vital role it played in the city’s history, from safeguarding the city’s water supply to providing a space for community development.