Chambersburg Electric Dept.: lights on since 1890

CHAMBERSBURG -- Thomas A. Edison, inventor and businessman, is known around the world for many inventions that have benefitted society for many years. The great inventor holds 1,093 United States patents. One of Edison’s great inventions was the first long-lasting light bulb, which he began work on in 1878.

After Edison had developed the first practical light bulb on Oct. 21, 1879, he knew that he was going to pursue his own electric utility system. On Dec. 17, 1880, the Edison Illuminating Company was founded. Edison’s business was a success as he switched on his Pearl Street Station, providing electricity to 59 customers in lower Manhattan, New York City.

It was the start of something big, as the new application would spread throughout the United States. The day soon came when the citizens of Chambersburg would have some "electrifying" discussions about the borough owning and operating an electric light plant.

A light plant project was officially discussed by borough officials on Aug. 8, 1888. They passed a resolution to receive bids for the necessary equipment and installation in an electric light plant. On Sept. 10,1888, borough council opened bids from various manufacturers.

Highly charged history

At a Sept. 24, 1888, council meeting, the borough entered into an agreement with the Thompson- Houston Company to purchase the necessary equipment for the new plant. Just when things were going well, the Chambersburg Gas Company cried foul and filed for an injunction Oct. 1, 1888, to stop the borough from proceeding with the light plant.

Eventually all differences were resolved, and on Sept. 30, 1889, council passed a resolution for the citizens to vote on a $10,000 bond to purchase the electric light system. The bond issue was approved, and bids were received Nov. 25, 1889. Once more, the Thompson- Houston Company won the contract.

The next item needed for an electric light plant was a suitable piece of land for the new building. The Borough of Chambersburg was fortunate to be able to lease a piece of property on North Second Street from the Cumberland Valley Railroad where the new structure would be built.

On Feb. 13, 1890, the lights went on. Current was turned on for the town’s 40 street lights, and the citizens of town celebrated the grand occasion.

Even though many were pleased with the new electric street lighting, many also didn’t approve of the new service. On Jan. 5, 1891, borough council approved a resolution to go into the business of commercial lighting.

The resolution was forwarded to the state legislature, where a bill was passed giving the Borough of Chambersburg the right to own and operate an electric light plant for the town’s residents.

It’s clear that during the early years the management and financial status of the electric light plant wasn’t successful. Problems came to a head between 1903 and 1904, when many citizens of Chambersburg were extremely upset with the business practices of the electric light plant and put pressure on the borough to sell the operation.

Fortunately, through the efforts of some council members, the burgess and some of the town’s residents, the light plant survived. The burgess and council wanted to show their appreciation to four men who had the vision to fight to save the electric light plant.

'Park of the Valiant'

An area of land on North Second Street next to the Falling Spring, known as the “Park of the Valiant,” was dedicated many years ago to four men. In this park is a fountain made by the General Electric Company. The fountain cost $1,400, and its nozzles are capable of producing 16 different patterns with about a dozen light combinations.

At the entrance to the park is a plaque with the names of John Hoke, Public Opinion editor; Chief Burgess Joshua W. Sharpe, borough council President Matthew W. Strealy; and James W. Cree.

I’ve often heard someone mention one of the names on that plaque -- James W. Cree -- and say they didn’t know anything about him. James Walker Cree was born in Chambersburg in 1831 and attended the Chambersburg Academy before departing town at the age of 18 to Pittsburgh, where he worked at the mercantile business of F.H. Eaton. The company became known as Eaton, Cree, and Company.

Later in life Cree returned home to Chambersburg and took an interest in local affairs. He was a charter member of the Kittochtinney Historical Society and he also served as secretary of the organization for a period. Cree also wrote many influential letters that appeared in the Public Opinion supporting the borough’s ownership and management of the electric light plant.

In 1907 the borough had a new manager of public utilities, J.H. Mowrey, who turned the electric department around and made it a profitable business. With quality management and supporting personnel, the department is still able to provide necessary service daily to benefit Chambersburg residents.

Ongoing progress

The Borough of Chambersburg's electric department continually makes improvements and upgrades to the power system for its customers. In 1968 the department added two duel-fuel engine generators that were placed in a block building near the electric plant, and in 1999 the third duel-fuel engine generator was placed into service at the same location.

In 2003 another electric plant was built in the south end of Chambersburg, on Sheffler Drive, and is known as the Orchard Park Generating Station. The original plant with its two distinctive, nearly 200-foot-tall brick smokestacks, still operates at 160 N. Second St.

Today the Borough of Chambersburg is the only municipality in Pennsylvania that owns and operates electric generating plants. The borough "buys all and sells all," according to Ron Pezon, electric department supervisor, meaning that the borough purchases the power actually used by residents but sells back the power it produces, which helps lower the cost of electricity to its customers

I read with great interest a recent article in the Public Opinion about the Park of the Valiant on North Second Street near the light plant. Borough Councilman Jeremy Cate recently expressed an idea about reworking the access near the park and light plant for use as a bike and pedestrian trail, connecting to the former silk mill on North Third Street that is now home to some outstanding businesses.

I personally think it’s a good idea for the access as long as the safety of the public use and the security of the light plant operations aren’t compromised. There are already many great businesses in the Grant and Third street area, and more on the horizon, and renewed interest in that part of town offers a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the area.

M.L. “Mike” Marotte III is an author and historian. Read more from him at www.vintagefranklincountypa.com.