From the November 3, 1921 Skidmore News (Skidmore, Missouri), page 1:
Work Has Started On Water System
One Test Well Down; Being Tested Today — Material and Equipment Here Next Week.Work was started on Skidmore’s water system Tuesday morning when a test well was put down just east of the railroad bridge. This well is being tested today, but at time of going to press its capacity had not been determined. The well is 34 feet deep and the water stands 12 feet in it. The specifications call for a well 15 feet in diameter and 30 feet deep, and if the test well shows an adequate capacity, the well will be dug there.
The city has secured a piece of ground just west of the school grounds, on which the tower is to be located, and if the well now being tested should prove inadequate, another test well will be sunk there.
Mr. Ladd, the contractor, was here Monday, and engaged James Newton to put down the test wells. The testing is being done by Mr. Newton and William Bodle.
Mr. Ladd went to Kansas City Monday afternoon, where he attended the American Legion Convention. He stated that materials and equipment will be received next week, and the installation will begin as soon as a suitable well can be located.