Oct. 7, 2005

Three of five new Michigan Historical Markers for hydroelectric plants will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, at the Cooke Hydroelectric Plant in Oscoda. Michigan Historical Commissioner Tom Truscott will present the markers - which relate the history of the Cooke, Mio and Five Channels Hydroelectric Plants and give an overview of hydroelectric power in the state - to Consumers Energy.

Two additional markers were dedicated on Sept. 23 at the Croton and Hardy dams in Newaygo County.

"Through its care and use of these historic structures, Consumers Energy has demonstrated that utilitarian buildings like power plants can remain viable and useful, if they have good stewards to maintain them," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.  "The company has shown real commitment to some of Michigan's significant historic resources."

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. 

In 1906 construction began on the Cooke Hydroelectric Plant, the first of six such plants built along the Au Sable River. Its 140,000-volt transmission line (the highest voltage in use at that time) extended 125 miles to Flint.

Completed in 1916, the Mio Hydroelectric Plant was the first to pass excess river flow through concrete passageways or conduits built into the foundation of the powerhouse rather than over the dam through an above-ground, gated spillway, which was more costly.

The third marker deals not with a plant, but with a workers camp built by Consumers to house the people who built the Five Channels Dam. The 45-acre Five Channels Workers Camp was complete with a central water supply and sewage system, icehouse, school, washroom, store and boardinghouse.

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.  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 Michigan Historical Marker Program program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, 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.