Waterworks Says Henry

Henry is an adaptable collection, suitable for modern, traditional, utilitarian and classic settings alike. Drawing inspiration from both industry and art, Waterworks says Henry effortlessly integrates with various styles.

Latrobe relocated to Pittsburgh in 1812 in order to construct machinery for his water works in New Orleans; however, war halted ocean transport.

Early Life and Education

American architecture in 1820 did not rely heavily on architects for design work; most construction was accomplished by engineers capable of drawing up plans themselves, such as Benjamin Henry Latrobe (who died of yellow fever shortly thereafter). Latrobe’s Philadelphia waterworks and designs for the Washington Canal made him famous.

Early in his career in New Orleans, he had designed an innovative waterworks that even for its time was groundbreaking. His system included hollowed-out log cypress pipes fed by chain gangs of black workers; completion was delayed due to war with England which caused shipping disruption.

Achievement and Honors

His first patent (1844) was for an automatic boiler feed pump used on canal tugs; later he went on to perfect various inventions culminating in his direct-acting steam pumps. At the Museum there are various Worthington-Simpson pumps and engines on display including historic examples such as Henry models.

Clay Duffie, recently retired general manager of Mount Pleasant Waterworks in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina was presented the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto on June 30. Governor Henry McMaster personally presented Duffie with this honor at a dedication ceremony for their new Rifle Range Road Water Resource Facility; representatives Mark Smith and Joe Bustos represented McMaster at this presentation ceremony and presented it in surprise fashion to Duffie who was delighted at receiving such an prestigious honor from South Carolina Governor.