100 year old Water Line -

I was fortunate enough to obtain a 100 year old 3 foot piece of one of the wooden water lines that was excavated from Main Street in Downtown Minot.

One of the issues will be how to keep it intact as it dries out. The water line has a 4 1/2 inch center diameter. 16 pieces of hardwood of some sort interlock to form the pipe. It is then bound and held together with a very thick wire. As the water flowed through the pipe the wood swelled and sealed itself. The outside is coated with some sort of material, I believe to further seal the pipe. Since it has been below ground for many decades, the concern is that as it dries it will contract and fall apart. I reattached the wire that was loose using fence staples. I also inserted a piece of 4 inch PCV pipe. It is a very snug fit but I got it in. The hope is the wire on the outside and the PVC on the inside will help it maintain its shape as it dries. Now only time will tell. If successful I will further clean it and then seal the outside and use it as a decorative plant stand or something. At least that is the plan