The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-01-20

progressed the need of more power
was realized and the capacity of the
plant was increased to %. 1000 H. P. The
installation of the first 1000 horse
power unit was completed in Decem-
ber and after the usual tests by the
factory experts the huge generator
was found to be even ahead of require
ments and soon was harnessed TO the
company lines and began contributing
its part to the demands OF the state.
BY February l the second big unit
should be in place and the third should
be ready by April or May. Not the
lest inspiring feature of the work
comes from the fact that the complet-
ed work falls within one percent of
estimated costs. Had it not been for
the addition of the log sluice at the
south channel dam. the engiree rs
would have been we'll below original
estimate. The log sluice seemed TO
be a necessary part of the structure
and will permit of free passing of
logs at any time during Spring floods
or Fall droughts The hard, trying
work of the past year has had its
reward in the fruition of we'll laid
plans. Only details and odds and
ends remain now to complete the big
job
In the spring. as soon as weather
conditions permit, work will be re-
sumed on what is known as the No.
Channel Dam. At Skowhegan the
Kennebec is divided by an island. The
new station is located on the south
channel at the lower end of the is
land. Raising or lowering the flash
boards on the south channel dam ma
turally affects the height of water on
the north channel dam. 1t is this
old dam which has served gallantly
for many years that will be replaced
by a stronger structure designed to
function with the one at the other
end of the island.
Few outside of the immediate group
of workmen actually engaged in its
construction realize the immensely of
the task that has now been accom-
plished Months, yes even years, he
fore spade was turned came the
surveyors and engineers and not till
plans were all o. X did laborers and
experts of various sources begin their
tolls and their fight with the river
and weather. All through the Win
ter. in blizzard, floods and the hitter
cold of a rigorous season the work
progressed with unabated energy,
Spring found the job well in hand b1t
with a mountain of work ahead. To
speed up accomplishments, materials
were hastened from all sections of
~. l,. f,,1 MI tfr,ts
and management progress was see
duled to a nicely. all obstacles over
come and when fall came the back
at some distant time in the future,
but to develop them now and have
them ready for use. Subscribers for
the preferred stock of the company,
who have made the erection of plant
possible may we'll take pride in their
building and the fine possibilities that
it faces. 1t is not only as permanent
as the geology of the state but it will
supply an essential service and make
life more worth living to thousands.
The abundant power now available
should attract bigger business to the
state and should return substantial
dividend on the invetments for all
time to come The Skowhegan tur-
bines are perhaps the largest in New
England in size if not in capacity.
Under a 32-foot head each Of the tur--
bines is guaranteed to generate 4250
horse power. Efficiency in the con-
strhction of turbines has advanced so
rapidly during the past few years that
90 TO 90 per cent Of the power inherent
in water will be developed by the
Skowhegan turbines. While three
turbines and generators will take care
of the present needs of the company,
the power house has been construct
ed to accommodate four units with
provision for extending the house to