HISTORIES: "Utilities - Lights and Water" of Barron, Barron County, WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Linda Mott 7 July 2000 ==================================================================== Utilities-Light and Water Needless to say, the fine water and electric systems which we find today in the city of Barron, did not grow up over night. These systems started, in a small way, over 60 years ago. During all of these years these utilities have grown and met the demands of the growing city. Over the years when expansion was needed, the men on the water and light commission have so informed the city council. Several times the voters have voted in favor of issuing bonds to raise the necessary money for needed expansion. Oil lamps were first used to light the village streets in Barron. Any citizen who wanted a light near his home or place of business had to buy it. This system was in use for several years. In 1894, the city contracted with the Soderberg and Gillette saw mill to furnish the first electric current in Barron. J.W. Stone was mayor at that time. In 1898, when E.N. Stebbins was mayor, a small brick building was erected on the site of the old Parr Manufacturing Company. A steam engine furnished power to drive the dynamo. At the election, $1200 was voted for this project. The council voted in favor of taxes to pay interest on the bonds. Light rates; for one 8 candle power lamp, 5 cents per month, and for one 16 candle power lamp, 25 cents per month. In November, 1898, twelve arc lights for streets were ordered. In 1901, the city council voted in favor of buying the Soderberg and Gillette property, limit of $10,500. This issue carried at next election. In 1904, the light and water commission was established. In 1911, a 32 horse power engine was bought to supplement the water wheel. In 1914, a new water wheel (turbine type) was installed (140 horse power). The plant then had a total capacity of 90 kilowatts. Meters were installed in this year. There were about 260 meter customers. In 1914 the total output of the plant was 149,650 kilowatts. The current was on from twilight to 11 P.M.. From 1915 to 1924, the city plant bought some power from the Red Cedar Valley Cooperative Co. In 1918, the voters approved the issue of twenty, $1000 bonds for the purchase of a new water wheel and a generator. T.J. Thompson was then mayor. In 1923, the city council voted $1500 to buy the Taylor (lower) dam and for building and equipping a hyrdo-electric plant there. In 1924, a 240 horse power Diesel engine was added to the plant. This engine added 160 kilowatts to the system. The following Diesel engines have been added since, as demands for power grew: In 1927-240 horse power engine-160 kilowatts In 1930-600 horse power engine-400 kilowatts In 1937-1050 horse power engine-731 kilowatts The fine new power plant on E. Division Ave. was erected in 1935. Mr. A.P Stebbins was mayor then. A 1400 horse power engine (980) kilowatts was installed. In 1954, the city council and commission bought another Diesel engine; 1920 horse power, 1360 kilowatts. The city signed a contract with R.E.A. and furnished electric power to that organization during the years 1938-1952. In 1958, the city of Barron made a contract with the Barron Electric Cooperative and agreed to buy off- peak power for a period of 10 years. In 1946, the light and water commission was abolished and a board of public works was substituted. In 1951, the light and water commission was restored. At present, B.J. Becker is president. The other two members are Magne Solie and Joe Macak. In 1959, the city of Barron electric plant had an output of 11,988,963 kilowatts. Public Water System The public water system was started in 1894 when J.W. Stone was mayor. The source of supply was two large reservoirs fed by springs. The first water mains were laid in this year. Before 1921, the first deep well had been drilled and two pumps raised the water from the well and elevated it into the water tower tank. This well is 424 feet deep. About 1930, a second deep well was added to the system. A second tower tank was also constructed. Over the years the water mains and branches have been extended to meet the requirements of the growing city. The third deep well was drilled in 1958 at a cost of $35,000. These three wells supply our city with an abundance of pure, fresh water for household and industrial use, and, of course, are of vital importance in fire protection. --From the Souvenir Historical Album of the Barron Centennial-1960 (used by permission)