The original cost of the structure in 1849 was $150,000. The cost
of the extension finished in 1870, was $350,000. By that time the town
of Holyoke and its water-power were rapidly realizing the anticipations
of its projectors.
The water of the river is distributed through a series of three canals
aggregating three and a half miles in length, the power being repeatedly
utilized, as after leaving the first level canal, the water flows from
the wheels into the canal of the second level, from the second level
into the third level, and thence to the river, which completes its
perfect curve to the south of the city.
[Illustration: THE HOLYOKE DAM.]
Among the first colonists of the New City were an army of laborers who
came to dig and wall the canals. These settled in shanties and cabins
near the river-bank. When the great factories were built, a corps of
operatives came to work in the mills. As in Lowell, Manchester and other
manufacturing towns, many of the factory-girls came from New England
homes, and were distinguished for their independence and thrift.
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