This report concerns the construction of a sophisticated new water supply system following the 1906 Earthquake and devastating fires that destroyed 80% of the city's buildings. This water system was designed only for fire department use, which allowed the system to maintain both pressure and volume at all times (the old system failed shortly after the earthquake). The Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS) remains the only dedicated high-pressure network in the United States. The 173 page report by Marsden Manson, City Engineer, includes 14 plates and the following three (of four) maps in a rear pocket all with title Plans for an Auxiliary Water System for Fire Protection…1908:

Sheet No. 2 Showing Locations of Call Boxes and Central Stations of Proposed Telephone System.

Sheet No. 3 Showing Location of Existing Cisterns and Preliminary Location of 65 of the Proposed Cisterns.

Sheet No. 5 Showing Locations of Breaks in Mains of the Spring Valley Water Co., The Fire Limits and the Boundary of the District within which Fireproof Roofs are Required.

Also included in the rear pocket is a large detailed plan for a fire boat (Sheet No. 4). This example features an additional untitled frontispiece map by Verleger & Gussetti of Central California highlighting the location of Ceres. The verso of the map contains an advertisement for Ceres Creamery Butter “THE FINEST MADE!” Prepared under the direction of the Board of Public Works and published by Britton & Rey in San Francisco. Octavo, red paper wrappers.

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Condition: B+

The folding maps are very good to near fine with a hint of light toning. Text is clean and bright with the advertisement at the front lightly toned. Paper wrappers have minor wear and a few stains along the edges.