Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1908-05-20


who are interested in the growth of
Decorah and the neighboring territory
none gives us more pleasure in an
nouncing than that all arrangements
have been completed for the construc.
tion of the big power dam of the Up
per Iowa Power Company nine miles
northeast of Decorah ON the Oneota
river, at the place known as 1.-THE
Piers.
Ever since the great misfortune
which resulted in the loss of the dam
erected in 1867 near the B. Anund-
SEN summer home, the company has
been working on plans looking to the
securing of funds for rebuilding the
dam. In casting about for better
location the point decided upon was
discovered. Here they found solid
rock across the entire bed of the river
and on the banks on both sides.
There were many serious obstacles
to be surmounted, each of which has
been met in thorough business-like
manner and disposed of to the satis-
faction of all parties concerned. To-
gether with Messrs. Burtis and How
ard of the local company, the former IS
brother. r. NJ Burtis has been asso-
ciated, and with peculiar grit and
sagacity they have succeeded even be-
yond the ex expectations of many. with
the result that everyone is today con-
graduating them upon the successful
completion of their plans. The funds
for the construction of the dam will
come mainly from Chicago, some Of
the best known citizens and financiers
of that city being interested. All the
indebtedness of the old company has
been liquidated, and the financial ar
rangements are now complete.
Mr.. Carlson of the firm of Rich a.
Carlson. of Chicago. who have the
contract for the construction of the
dam. arrived in Decorah Monday
noon, and will take personal charge of
the work.
The dam will be built of concrete,
containing over 1000 yards Of con-
crete. with large amount OF steel for
reinforcement. 1t will be altogether
260 feet long. the dam proper in the
river being 100 feet long, the power
house on the north bank 80 feet, and
the concrete retaining wall north Of
the power house 80 feet long. The
dam will be 25 feet high, and there
will be nine big Tainter gates. each
10 feet wide. extending clear across
the river. for controlling the hsighth
Of the water In case of high water
these gates may be raised so as to give
openings for the passage of water TO
within six feet of the present water
level
The contract for the electrical work
will be let at once. The line is now
constructed from Decorah to the site
of the for rmer dam. and will be extend
ed on to the new site and thence to
Waukon at once. The matter of light
ing Ossian, Castalia and Calmar is
being considered. and will be taken
up within a short time.
Machinery. which is already on
hand, will be installed for developing
500 horse power, and reserve space
provided for additional machinery TO
develop 500 horse power additional.
1t is expected that the dam will be
completed within four or five months.
and be in operation at least not later
than Thanksgiving day.
To Messrs. Burtis & Howard. and
all others who have interested them
selves in this project, a full measure
of credit is given by the citizens Of
Decorah and Waukon and adjacent
territory. In spite of the many diff
culties and obstacles they have en-
countered. they have stuck to the pro-
position with vim and zeal COM
mendable above the ordinary. lt is
the hope of everyone that the years OF
energy and Labor they have given to
this project will soon be repaid by the
realization of their highest ambitions
in business way.
s.But we cannot admit his Cover