Pardee Dam

Pardee Dam

11" x 14" acrylic painting on 3/4" profile canvas

available: libbyfife@ymail.com

$75 + $10 shipping or free local delivery/pickup

Construction on Pardee Dam began in July of 1927 and was completed ahead of schedule in 1929. I have read about Pardee before but in re reading the information, I was struck by the fact of just what was involved to build the dam. Specifically, much of the materials for the project came from our own Calaveras Cement Co; an additional railroad spur was built to accommodate the transportation of those materials; and men worked around the clock to get the project finished. It is a big deal I think to have our area involved in something that is so important to thousands of California residents.

I have done some reading through of EBMUD's information but hadn't realized the seriousness of the water situation in the East Bay at the time of the construction of Pardee Dam. Reserves were very low and a continuous supply of water was a real problem. I grew up in San Leandro and lived very close to Chabot Dam which was constructed prior to Pardee Dam. I don't know the answer as to why Chabot Dam was not utilized for the water supply. I did read that today, the dam is only an "emergency" source of water. If anyone knows the answer just send me an email.

I have spent some time recently at the dam to make the above painting. There is an area where you can turn off and park your car to view what I guess is the front of the dam. It is amazing that a person can get this close to it. I am assuming that EBMUD is somehow monitoring (I hope) activity at the dam. The spot is a great place to view the sunrise as it comes up over the hills; the sun shines across the water and onto the dam rim. The structure really is beautiful.

Libby