The Path Foundation Path runs through the Historic 1906  Decatur Waterworks
    A short history of the graffiti before it's all painted over. (Most) photos and text by jack yeazel
    Read the WikipediA history of the water works (HERE).  The brick structures are crumbling rapidly and may soon be gone.
    To see Phase-1 of the Path, see (HERE)  °  To see Phase-2, see (HERE)


    Dekalb Co. Parks & Recreation ° Draft Master Plan Oct. 27, 2008


    Sketch of the Waterworks Ruins with Completed Phase-1Path in Red, estimated Phase-2 in Blue
    Between the RR tracks and the old stone bridge are the water work ruins.
    (Click on these thumbnails for larger views)

    1940s Photo from Dekalb County Parks and Recreation -with annotations from above sketch

    Exploring the ruins in Sept. 2008
    ........

    • We came across some stone steps (Steps in above photo).
    • Nearby is a strange pillar of rocks that was once a water fountain in the waterworks (M in sketch).
    • The steps led to a small abandoned outdoor grill, part of a public park (N).


    Behind the water fountain are ruins of the old Decatur Waterworks
    ..........
    In March 2009 this front wall was still standing  °  Other side of the wall  °   1995 photo of front wall, by David R. Kaufman
    These walls of the Administration Building were no longer standing in Sept. 2011.

     March 2009                                                            Oct. 2009
    .....
    Tank D
    Other undated photos
    ..........
    Looking over tank (D) to tank (E)  °  Location here not yet established  °   Closeup of corner of tank (D) -below

    Restoration in Sept. 2011

    The graffiti changes over time.


    Overall view of the restoration with 'rectangular structure' to the left

                              March 2009                                                                      Sept. 2011

    ..........
    • Very little graffiti survives the 2+ years on water tank (E) west side.
    • Original stone terraces uncovered by the restoration.  The terraces appear with shrubs in the 1940s photo (above).


                              March 2009                                                                         Sept. 2011

    .... ......
    • Elaborate face graffiti on holding tank (E) south side.
    • In  2011 the graffiti on the tank has been replaced with a beetle.
    • Administration Bldg. (C) rear wall south side in Sept. 2011


    .....
                 Administration building rear wall north side in Sept. 2011                 Same rear wall in 2008 by Aurelius787

    Other graffiti photos Sept. 2011
    ..........
    Water tower (F) viewed from the bridge and ramp.

    ..........
    The brush and trees around tank (D) have mostly been removed.

    ..........
    Tank (E) north side has graffiti outside AND inside.  °  Steps to the north of the tank

    ..
    Tank (E) south side  °  East side

    October 2009
    ...........
                  Rectangilar structure                                                                                          Tank (E)

    Sept. 2011
    .....
    The same structure with Elizabeth Taylor         The Madonnas gives their blessings

    .....
    The large round tank (A) has been cleaned, painted, and ready for more graffiti!  °  But now it has a fence around it

    Views from the Bridge Boardwalk, November 2011


    Panoramas

    .....
    Some Close-ups

    ..........

    • The path is now complete from the old stone bridge (in the distance) to Mason Mill Park.
    • Graffiti is growing again with new the bridge abutments.  A workman related that graffiti in this location is actually legal!
    • Workmen plant trees to close off the original road over the RR tracks to the water works.


    - jack yeazel