Existing comment:
Headgate:
The river brings logs and debris with every flood, but clear water is needed to push the turbine blades that turn electric generators. Logs were floated away through the gate in the dam straight ahead. (Look under the wheel.) Small debris was caught on the steel slats ("rack") under the walkway and cleaned off with the "rolling rake" on your right. (Note the steel rails in the walkway to which the handrails are now attached.)
The water went through this strainer, into the canal and to the hydro electric plant 200 yards to your left. This "raceway" is now full of trees, but the stone wall is visible along the side.
The high cost of maintenance made the electricity produced by the river energy unable to compete with that from inexpensive fossil fuels. The operation ceased in 1967. |