Emergency Water Mitigation Services can Modernize Businesses in Clifton. 

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

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Possible past business practices lead to one of Clifton's urban legends. 

The loss of a long-time Clifton business, the Dark Prince Distillery, looks like it might result in new apartments and a safer route for foot traffic to the train station instead of losing jobs and tax revenue. The drains below the Distillery were constructed during the late 1920s.

What is Clifton's urban legend about?

The legend tells of a series of underground drains that lead lower and lower into the Earth, ultimately leading to a special room where one can meet the Dark Prince himself. The exterior path that leads to the first entrance is dangerously rocky and nearly vertical. Several people have sustained injuries over the years after passing through the first of the 'Hell's Gates,' as many call them.

Exploring the interior requires expendable clothing, the best flashlight you can obtain, boots with excellent tread (with waders being the best choice), and at least one trustworthy individual waiting outside to help you up the steep incline. The drains' walls are covered in graffiti, with some sections depicting goats and other horned animals. Bones are also seen here and there throughout the drains, adding to a creepy feeling that many say grows intensely strong.

How much of the legend is true?

There are three reasons why it is improbable that the urban legend's basis is accurate. These reasons include: 

• Prohibition lasted from 1920 through 1933,
• The building site held a wool factory during Prohibition, and
• The Distillery did not start operations until 1970.

Without these facts, the urban legend's foundation falls apart, namely that the Dark Prince Distillery used the drains to transport liquor.

Why does the legend persist? 

All legends are said to have a basis, in fact, so how did this legend get started? Perhaps the tale started in the 1970s when the Distillery was first new, and 'facts' were added to make it seem more believable. The Distillery's name could have easily added to the legend, significantly adding to the scare dynamic.

The ever-descending depths of the drains may have also figured into the fascination that keeps the story alive. The 'decoration' on the drains and breathlessly told tales from those who have explored and then told of their experiences also add to the magnetism such urban legends enjoy. We might never know exactly how the legend started.

What kind of company would need such drains in Clifton?

Wool factories require sheep, and sheep tend to get quite dirty when allowed outdoors. This leaves the wool in need of thorough laundering with special emollients that keep sought-after water-resistant properties intact.

Some elderly locals in Clifton remember when sheep grazed outside of the wool factory. Such an elaborate and deep drain allowed for the proper disposal of black water, including antibiotics, anti-parasitic medicines, and other chemicals. It would also keep the factory from flooding during the spring thaws.

Unless your business uses enormous amounts of water during its operations, it is unlikely you would need a similar drainage system. 

When such businesses need our services, we can often use existing drains to reduce their mitigation costs further. Such businesses include:

• Restaurants,
• Hospitals and other medical settings, or
• Hair salons, spas, and gyms.

When water lines or fixtures break, SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified and is ready to help. Our water mitigation services do what drains do – get rid of the water and make it "Like it never even happened." How we get the job done takes extensive training. We always bring the right tools with us, no matter how complicated the job.

SERVPRO of Clifton's emergency services number is (973) 928-3705, helping keep our city businesses strong year-round.