Wyckoff Wooden Water Pipe

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The CAP team unearthed a remarkable wooden water pipe in 2008 on Faculty Row, tracing its origins back to the late 19th century. Wooden water pipes were widely used during the early and mid-19th century, with a strong presence in the Midwest and parts of the Northeast by the late 19th century. The Michigan Pipe Company, based in Bay City, Michigan, manufactured this specific Wyckoff pipe starting in 1881. This process involved taking a single log, drilling through it using a Wyckoff augur, sealing it with tar, and wrapping it in metal bands. As wooden pipes were more affordable than iron pipes, they claimed to prevent frost formation - a pressing concern in the Midwest during winter months. However, the college replaced these pipes in 1902 after about two decades due to fears of bacteria developing in the water during warmer months as a result of aging wood. This enables us to date this particular pipe from approximately 1881-1902.