Lehigh River Field Book 1898, 1901, 1902

(measures 18.5 x 11.5 x 1 cm tan calf binding Field Book 360 Published by Keuffel & Esser Co., 127 Fulton and 42 Ann Streets, New York. Designed by Geo. T. Keith. [Assorted engineering tables in back] On fly leaf stamped in purple ink Department of Civil Engineering, Lehigh University. (Scratched out is date May 1894)

Following pages: Elevation of Zero of Gage on north bank of Lehigh river. At north end of old highway bridge, West Bethlehem, Pa. 1888 In W. Bradford’s thesis is found E = 213.48; 1898, Dec. 22. W. L. Wilson ran Levels & found E = 213.42; Mean E = 213.45. Copy of statement Prepared for F. H. Newell, Hydrographer U.S. Geol. Survey, Dec. 22, 1898. Lehigh River. Measurements of Lehigh River have been made at Bethlehem, Pa., by students of Lehigh University under the direction of Mansfield Merriman, professor of civil engineering. The results have been Recorded in various theses on file in the civil engineering department of the University. In these theses the data have been discussed in relation to various practical applications. The theses are No. 74. John B. Price. 1885, No. 103 William Bradford. 1888, No. 178 James U. Boyd. 1891; No. 200 Phillip L. Cobb. 1892; No. 239 Ematt? D. Buel 1894; No. 245 James D. Ferguson 1896. The various measurements were made by means of floats of different levels both surface and submerged. The height of water was noted usually upon temporary gages located near the places of measurements, and referred to the Lehigh Valley R.R. datum and also to a permanent gage located at the north end of the old wooden highway bridge across the river near the railroad station. The figures for 1862 and 1869 were obtained by leveling to the high water marks made during these years and by estimating the probable velocity of the water passing through the section. The measurement on October 10, 1881 gives a discharge of 338 cubic feet per second, being the lowest observed at Bethlehem; this was believed to be the driest season for fourteen years. (Following continued narrative is the list – Date – Gage Height – Discharge: 1862 to 1894. June 5 1901 Approximate Probable Discharges of Lehigh River for Different readings of gage at old Lehigh Bridge in Bethlehem. (More measurements follow in 1902.)

February 28, 1902 high water marks of flood at North End of the Old Lehigh Bridge, Bethlehem; F.F. Marsteller’s house; Pacific House; M.W. Snyder’s house; Keystone Hotel; G.W. Mack’s store – height about 22.38 ft.; January 1841 flood not known but possibly 21.5 ft.; June 1862 flood 21.58 ft.; October 1869 flood 20.66 ft. Last notations are for May 29, 1902.