Woodstock Power and Light Plant - 1954
Title
Woodstock Power and Light Plant - 1954
Description
This photo of the Woodstock Power and Light Plant on Wheeler and First Streets is nearly identical to the Power Plant ca 1956 photo. The coal is stored behind a chain-link fence rather than a concrete wall. Neighboring houses are visible in the background.
In 1964, Commonwealth Edison made an offer to buy the facility for $1.1 million. When the city rejected that offer, the company upped the amount to $4,385,000, including interest, over a 60-year period. That too was rejected. In 1960, Com Ed proposed $2,131,000 at 4.5 percent interest over a 35-year period, and the voters accepted. The transition was made January 1 1963. The city received annual payments of $99, 135.16 until 1996.
The sale was controversial. Local business people said that their electrical costs skyrocketed. Other residents said that their service was better.
Another difficulty: the Power Plant whistle blew at noon, and since the city no longer owned the whistle, that duty was transferred to the Autolite (later Eltra, later still Woodstock Die Cast) factory across the street. Eltra Company purchased the building in May 1964 and started a 5-year, 100,000 square foot expansion project.
In 1964, Commonwealth Edison made an offer to buy the facility for $1.1 million. When the city rejected that offer, the company upped the amount to $4,385,000, including interest, over a 60-year period. That too was rejected. In 1960, Com Ed proposed $2,131,000 at 4.5 percent interest over a 35-year period, and the voters accepted. The transition was made January 1 1963. The city received annual payments of $99, 135.16 until 1996.
The sale was controversial. Local business people said that their electrical costs skyrocketed. Other residents said that their service was better.
Another difficulty: the Power Plant whistle blew at noon, and since the city no longer owned the whistle, that duty was transferred to the Autolite (later Eltra, later still Woodstock Die Cast) factory across the street. Eltra Company purchased the building in May 1964 and started a 5-year, 100,000 square foot expansion project.
Creator
Source
Woodstpck Public Works
Date
1954
Rights
NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY
Collection
Citation
Woodstock Public Works, “Woodstock Power and Light Plant - 1954,” Woodstock Public Library Archives, accessed February 6, 2026, https://woodstockpubliclibraryarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1373.
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