The former repair garage that I use to store my tractors was built in 1907, when the town was founded. At the back of the building is a lean-to addition. It was likely added when the town was electrified in the 1940s? This addition housed two Caterpillar diesel engines and an electric generator. The engines, a large main one and a smaller standby, powered the generator to provide electricity to the town. It was a 32 volt system that operated from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm. The stand on which the large diesel rested is still in place.
Eventually that 32 volt system was replaced, when REA took over providing electricity to the town. The town electrical grid consisted of poles and overhead lines to every building. This summer REA has been replacing the poles and lines with underground lines. This is a significant upgrade with a more reliable system less subject to disruption by storms.
Hearing an engine running in the alley behind The Little House I looked out and what did I see? A skid-steer lifting out a tall electric pole. It's an example of the power of hydraulics as that huge pole was lifted out of the ground and carried off down the alley. The poles which remain are for street lights which have been upgraded to LEDs.
Takk for alt,
Al
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