Sept. 21, 2005

Two of five new Michigan Historical Markers for hydroelectric plants will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 at the Croton Hydroelectric Generating Plant in Croton Township, Newaygo County. Michigan Historical Commissioner Tom Truscott will present the markers, which relate the history of the Croton and Hardy Hydroelectric Plants and give an overview of hydroelectric power in the state, to Consumers Energy's Robert A. Fenech, senior vice president of nuclear, fossil and hydro operations.

"Consumers has shown real commitment to history and the preservation of important historic resources," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.  "The company continues to show excellent stewardship in its maintenance of hydroelectric plants that continue serve the residents of Michigan every day."

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Michigan was at the forefront in the development of technologies to produce electricity. The state's ample water resources made hydroelectric power possible, even in remote areas. In 1880 the first public demonstration of hydroelectric power in the country occurred when 16 carbon arc street lamps lit up Grand Rapids using a belt-driven dynamo (generator) powered by a water turbine at the Wolverine Chair Factory. 

The Croton Hydroelectric Plant represented state-of-the-art technology when it was completed in 1907. Engineers from Russia, England, France, Italy, Japan and India toured the plant when it opened.

The Hardy plant, located in Newaygo County's Big Prairie Township, was completed in 1931 and was Consumers Energy's last conventional hydroelectric generating plant.

Three additional markers, for the Cook and Mio hydro plants as well as the Five Channels Dam Workers Camp, will be dedicated on Oct. 10 in Oscoda.

All but the Mio plant are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The markers are the most recent activity undertaken by Consumers Energy to recognize the company's history and the importance of hydroelectric power to the state.

Since the Michigan Historical Marker Program began in 1955, nearly 1,500 markers have been erected throughout the state. The program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office. To learn more about the marker program and registered historic sites, visit the State Historic Preservation Office Web site at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers contains the text and location of state markers. It is available anywhere books are sold or by calling (517) 373-1663.

The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan heritage, and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.