Water department to recognize two centenarian wells on July 4

In addition to the annual Independence Day activities at Fisher Fountain such as the bicycle parade, the City of Hastings will be recognizing two pieces of local history on July 4.

This year marks the 100th birthday for Well 4 and 110th birthday for Well 1, which are both on site near Fisher Fountain at the North Denver Station utility department office at 1228 N. Denver Ave.

To celebrate those milestone birthdays, water crew members will display a poster titled “History of Water Service in Hastings, Nebraska” as well as modest decorations at each of the two wells. The poster, which includes an adaptation of text written by former City of Hastings Environmental Director Marty Stange, tells the origins of water service in Hastings as well as present usage. 

The City of Hastings wanted to highlight that history and these two wells at a time when hundreds of people would be in the wells’ vicinity.

Brandan Lubken, Director of Underground Operations for the City of Hastings, said the longevity of these two centenarian wells was worth celebrating.

“We thought it would be appropriate to bring attention to those systems during the Independence Day parade at Fisher Fountain, for the added visibility,” Lubken said. “Our water infrastructure is aging, but there are success stories of reliability that are worth recognizing, such as our two centenarian wells.”

Published Date: 06/27/2025

Back to Announcements