Hub City Times

Top Menu

  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Home
  • News
    • Around the County
    • Arts & Ent
    • Education
    • Government
    • Local
    • Police / Sheriff Calls
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
    • Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
  • Coming Events
  • Business
  • Obits
  • Classifieds
  • Military Photos
  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Subscribe

logo

Hub City Times

  • Home
  • News
    • Around the County
    • Arts & Ent
    • Education
    • Government
    • Local
    • Police / Sheriff Calls
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
    • Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
  • Coming Events
  • Business
  • Obits
  • Classifieds
  • Military Photos
History
Home›History›Marshfield, March 1919: That’s electrifying

Marshfield, March 1919: That’s electrifying

By Hub City Times
March 24, 2017
478
0
Share:
Leonhardt

Area residents meet to decide Wood County’s power plans


By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

Before the 1880s, electrical power did not exist, and until the 1930s, very few rural areas had the luxury of power and light.

Power companies kept their eye on the more profitable cities and were reluctant to invest in Wisconsin’s rural communities. With little money to supply on their own, many small towns and rural area were left without the benefits electricity.

In March 1919, a group of Wood County farmers and businessmen representing Wood County’s towns, villages, and farm lands met at the Marshfield City Hall. In addition to those representing the city of Marshfield, there were 64 individuals from the remainder of Wood County.

The meeting was administered by Marshfield’s Chamber of Commerce with the purpose of securing electric power and light within the county. In addition, Marshfield was looking to increase its power distribution within the city and was considering options that might incorporate its home county’s goals.

When the city purchased the power plant from William H. Upham, the little electricity that was being used within the city was mainly in the evening hours. As the use of electricity grew, the plant needed to grow to keep up with the demand.

During the meeting, chamber leaders explained three options they were considering in dealing with Marshfield’s needs.

The first idea was to bring a transmission line into the city that would provide power to a switchboard, which would then deliver power and light into homes and businesses. The second option was to obtain a franchise to power the city. Marshfield’s third option, and possibly the most appealing, was to enlarge the existing power plant and supply power and light as a city.

With representation from several power companies on hand, Wood County residents explored the possibility of expanding power throughout the county and entertained cost estimates to smaller municipalities and farms.

A 13,000-volt line to Arpin was calculated at $625 per mile with a distribution system costing $1,500.

All in attendance agreed that they should work together for the common goal of electrifying the county. A 16-person committee was appointed, including John Schilling, John Jenkins, James Chapman, and L. Michels of Marshfield.

TagselectricityFeaturedhistorymarshfield historymeetingWood County
Previous Article

Chaney: At the center of a healthy ...

Next Article

Reflections on six years of KAMO leadership

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • hub city times logo
    Local

    Greenwood man killed in farming incident

    May 5, 2017
    By Hub City Times
  • United Way Sign
    Opinion

    Decisions: United Way encourages the community to help those in need

    September 19, 2015
    By Hub City Times
  • Students in Marshfield High School'’s Construction Capstone course pose next to the press box they recently built at Griese Park'’s Figi Field.
    Opinion

    High school students build Griese Park press box

    December 28, 2016
    By Hub City Times
  • A rendering of the proposed community square in downtown Marshfield's 200 Block
    Local

    Dear readers: Thank you for voting in the community square poll

    February 17, 2016
    By Hub City Times
  • Opinion

    Call me when you get there

    June 20, 2015
    By Hub City Times
  • Altrusa Holiday Tour of Homes
    Arts & Entertainment

    Step into the holiday spirit: Altrusa hosts tour of homes

    November 25, 2017
    By Hub City Times

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

About Us


Hub City Times is published by Multi Media Channels LLC, N2919 County Road QQ Waupaca, WI 54981.

Timeline

  • January 27, 2021

    City buildings restrictions extended 60 days

  • January 26, 2021

    Relief in sight; Central Wisconsin seniors eager to roll up their sleeves

  • January 25, 2021

    Central Wisconsin schools go solar

  • January 24, 2021

    Are snow days now a thing of the past in Marshfield?

  • January 23, 2021

    MACCI turns 75: Part III Changing names

Find us on Facebook

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels, All Rights Reserved. Designed by MMC Team Awesome
×