The city needed more water, and for that they needed another reservoir.
Engineers surveyed the state and determined that our valley was the site.
The towns of Glade and Riverbank were offered buyouts, they voted in favor of them, and people moved away as all they knew was razed.
Even the cemeteries were emptied and relocated.
When the dam was completed, water covered the remaining cellars and streets slowly as the lake filled up.
Every year, I row out and toss two wreaths onto the water.
I drive back to the city, turn the tap, and watch the drip… drip…