GALT, CA (MPG) - The water tower located on C Street, between Fifth and Sixth streets, is a historical landmark that has stood in the center of Galt for more than 100 years. The structure is very familiar to locals as the most recognizable landmark in town. 

Longtime resident Henry “Mel” Hendrix created his own Galt Water Tower that stands eight feet tall in front of his home in the Emerald Park neighborhood. Hendrix built a second replica of the tower that he said will be featured at a farm-to-fork-style restaurant, still under construction, on B Street.

Hendrix got into making metalwork art about five years ago during the COVID-19 lockdown. His first project was a water tower that he made for his wife, Sandy. That tower is also displayed in the front of their home; it has “Hendrix Junction” written in black with a green heart and letters under that reads, “Mel loves Sandy.”  

After creating that first water tower, Hendrix continued to have more ideas to create similar kinds of art. He started making shadow art, which is black cut-out silhouettes made from wood. The shadow art displayed in his yard resembles a cowboy and cowgirl, creating a Western theme to accompany his water tower replicas. 

This became an activity that Hendrix realized that he enjoyed and was good at doing. Creating steel artwork, Hendrix said, has also helped him personally.

“I started doing this for me because I needed something to take my mind off all my medical issues,” said Hendrix. 

The top pieces of Hendrix’s projects are old chicken feeders he buys online and at auctions. Some feeders that he repurposes for his art are more than 100 years old.

“I got some that are like 130, 145 years. Except for the bottom part, they’re all antiques,” Hendrix said.

Hendrix currently relies on a wheelchair, so a friend helps him put together the eight-foot water tower replicas after they’re stripped, polished and painted. 

Besides the assembly, Hendrix does the whole process of creating the water tower replicas himself and often lays down to work on his art.

Hendrix’s work and relaxation station is his backyard. He finds joy in his artwork, which vibrantly decorates his home. One of his favorite pieces is a vintage bathtub with a working water feature and live fish.

“My favorite piece is this 1840 bathtub. I like the sound of the water and we like to stay out here with the firepit on; it’s very relaxing,” Hendrix said. 

Mel and Sandy Hendrix have lived in Galt for about 30 years and moved into their home in 1996. They have two adult daughters and grandchildren who also enjoy spending time in the backyard, admiring the art. 

Aside from the Galt Water Tower replica, Hendrix has made and donated water tower art to local churches, such as the Herald Baptist Church and the Galt Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

“I really enjoy doing it. It’s fun. At least I’ve had this to fall back on to get me through tough times,” said Hendrix.

Hendrix emphasized the importance of “keeping the money local” by conducting business and building connections within the community. He works with Galt Sign to print the lettering and art used on the replica water towers. 

To learn more about Hendrix’s replica water towers or to order a custom piece, contact Hendrix at 209-912-8182.