Art Deco Water Tower - Oranjestad, Aruba
Posted by: 
hykesj
N 12° 31.264 W 070° 02.027
19P E 387678 N 1384392
Stylish 1939 water tower portrayed on a 1972 postage stamp.
Waymark Code: WM1C2CG
Location: Aruba
Date Posted: 05/22/2025
Views: 1
In the early colonial days, the sparsely populated island of Aruba relied on rain and wells for its drinking water. But with the construction of the Lago oil refinery in the 1920s, and subsequent population growth, accessible drinking water became a problem on the desert island. In order to provide potable water, a large sea water desalination plant was built, along with two water towers to relieve pressure drops.
The two water towers were designed by Dutch architect Pieter van Stuivenberg in an Art Deco style that was popular at the time. They are located in Oranjestad and San Nicolaas and are nearly identical. Both have appeared on postage stamps (as have the oil refinery and the desalination plant).
Today, both towers still stand and are part of the Aruba Monuments fund. The one in San Nicolaas houses the Industry Museum. This postage stamp, which shows the Oranjestad tower, was issued in 1972 when Aruba was part of the Dutch Antilles.
Stamp Issuing Country: Netherlands Antilles
Date of Issue: 17-Jan-1972
Denomination: 4c
Color: multicolored
Stamp Type: Single Stamp
Relevant Web Site: Not listed
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