We have a cistren... who knew!

Actually many years later we learn that we have THREE cisterns on the property.
It sounds cool - but actually it is hella dangerous

What is a cistern you ask? 

Well before electricity - the only way you could get water was to dig deep into the ground until you hit the water table and then pull up buckets of water. 

Later hand pumps were invented - but still required human energy to pump them.

The somewhat disturbing thing is, that we found these by accident.
Translation: We didn't know there were 50 foot holes on our property

But you have to admit - the fact that this was dug and then all these stones were placed over 160 years ago and they are still perfect.... is amazing.

But now we need to get them all covered up so some neighborhood kid doesn't fall in one... or worse... one of us!