Hatfield – The Rainmaker
Charles M. Hatfield agreed with San Diego City Council members, after a four year draught, to “make it rain” sufficiently to fill Lake Morena Reservoir for $10,000. His “rain enhancing” tower and pans were erected south of this monument. Hatfield and brother Paul worked diligently burning chemicals into the sky. Suddenly it began to rain, dumping 35 inches in one month on San Diego County. Two rainstorms in January 1916 caused great devastation, destroying Sweetwater Spillway, bursting Otay Dam, wiping out Otay Valley and Mission Valley, isolating San Diego and killing 14 people. Hatfield hurriedly left town and was never paid by the city for his services. Charles and Paul went on to “enhance moisture” around the world.
Marker is on Morena Reservoir Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
