The Winner of the Half Moon Bay History Quiz is …

The Half Moon Bay History Association (HMBHA) submitted this historic photo and asked Half Moon Bay Patch readers last month to identify the structure in the picture.

The Half Moon Bay History Association judges all answers and all correct answers are put into a random drawing. The winner of the drawing receives a prize: a copy of “Treasures of Half Moon Bay” walking guide to historic locations in town (usually sells for a $10 donation to the HMBHA).

Out of four guesses, Half Moon Bay City Council member Naomi Patridge got it right. Great job Naomi!

Thank you to everyone who offered an answer.

Here’s what Dave Cresson of the Half Moon Bay History Association has to say about the photo:

"The structure is called the Stone Dam, and was built c 1870 by the water company (Spring Valley Water) hired to find water sources for the rapidly growing and very thirsty new city of San Francisco. This was one of their dams built to capture water from Pilarcitos Creek. The company diverted part the water that previously flowed to Half Moon Bay off to San Francisco. This small idea was later expanded into today’s more grand Hetch Hetchy water project. Same concept: Capture water from afar, and send it to San Francisco."

Naomi, please e-mail Christa Bigue at christa.bigue@patch.com with your address so the folks at the Half Moon Bay History Association can mail you your prize!

Stay tuned for the next Half Moon Bay History Quiz courtesy of the Half Moon Bay History Association.

For more information about the Half Moon Bay History Association, located at 326 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, visit www.HalfMoonBayHistory.orghttp://www.HalfMoonBayHistory.org or call (650) 726-4468. The HMBHA is always looking for new members and volunteers. Annual dues are $25. Tell the stories, keep the records and be a part of how our Coastside came to become itself. Call or e-mail Info@HalfMoonBayHistory.org for a 2013 membership.