H69.349.1

Iron stand. Description: Iron stand made to hold the stone water filter on the Mission platform. From the History Information Station Object: Water filter carved from volcanic rock. The filter was made in California in the 19th century. The wrought iron stand is a modern addition. History: Water filters like this one were used at the California missions to purify drinking water. Water from wells or streams was poured into the basin. As it seeped through the filter, the porous stone acted like a sponge to hold any debris or sediment contained in the water. A container was placed under the filter to hold the clear water that dripped from the knob at its base. Gift of Leslie Simson; Museum Purchase