Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1924-11-21
h. B CHAPMAN RETlRES From
ELECTRIC Light COMPANY

| Hunter B Chapman has disposed q
his interests in the Valley Light an
Power Company TO w. S. and W. B
French. In acquiring this interest TIL
purchasers plan an expansion OF th,
business of the Company which vii
carry its lines to Mt. jackson and IL
many rural communities contiguous tc
the territory in which it operates
Already permits have been requested
from the State Highway Commission
to erect lines along such roads as lead
to several of these communities and
the Valley Light and Power Company
will extend to rural sections the
service which the towns enjoy
Mr.. Chapman's voluntary retirement
as director and president of the
Valley Light and Power Company, be-
cause OF his desire to devote his time
to other interests, marks the passing of
a pioneer in hydro electric develop
ment in this part of Virginia, and the
building of the first plant of the
Company in 1910 was due in a large
measure to his vision of the posi-
bIllties in utilizing the power of the
Shenandoah river for commercial and
domestic purposes.
The initial plant, involving the con-
struction of a large dam across the
river three miles east of Woodstock,
and the installation of a modern
electric plant, necessitated an en-
ormous expenditure, and this invest
ment was met by Mr.. Chapman and a
few OF his associates who had faith in
future.
AT first the Company furnished
current only for the town of Wood
stock, but the gradual growth of its
business required a proportinate en-
largement of the plant until service
was furnished Edinburg and Strasburg,
and the territory lying between these
towns and Woodstock. So rapidly did
the demands for service increase that
the Company constructed an additional
plant near Taylortown, several miles
north of Edinburg, and from this plant
an additional amount of power will be
furnished for the contemplated ex-
pansion.
The dam across the Shenandoah
river at Taylortown is one of the larg-
est and best constructed in the Valley
of Virginia and the horse power
generated at that point viii be adequate
to care for the territory served by the
Company for many years.
The French interests have indicated
a purpose to develop to such an extent
as is practicable and feasible service
for the rural sections, and to furnish
these sections current for farm and
household uses at a cost which will
make such service not only a matter
of great convenience but also one of
greater economy.
The prices for current in Woodstock,
which is furnished by the Valley
Light and Power Company, and j, |.
are lower than those charged
by Companies operating in Winchester,
and other places and in
Harrisonburg where power is furnish
ed by a municipal plant. The de-
velopment of the water power for
energy in Shenandoah County
is practically in its infancy, and mas
much as tie Industrial development of
this section cannot be 2S.sassociate d
from such electrical development it IS
probable that there will be consider
able construction in this field in the
next few years.
Mr.. w. S. French has been associated
with Mr.. Chapman in the development
of the power plants of the Valley Light
G. Power Company since its inception,
and the great dam at Taylortown was
built under his supervision.