18.5 cm x 16.2
A paper Kingston Water Works Department bill that is for 106 York Street and is for the amount of $1.56. The bill is addressed to a "Mr. Richards", is dated October 1st, 1896 and is signed by "[ ]. Smith". On the back of the bill are "Rules for Suppling Water on Street in Which Pipes are Laid". The bill offers a twenty percent discount if it is paid within twenty days from the first of each quarter.
The history of the Kingston Water Works as a City-owned enterprise begins in 1886 when the Fire and Water department purchased the private water company, established in 1849. By the 1880s, the existing private water supply had become insufficient to protect all parts of the city from fire. After the City’s takeover, upgrading and operating the works was challenging.
