Medway in the 20th Century

Medway in the 20th Century. Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway. The Powerhouse at Medway. In 1899 the Dayton, Springfield and Urbana Railway began construction of a new powerhouse. The existing millrace supplied the water for a steam generation system for direct current electricity, and the plant was operational January 15, 1900 as an interurban powerhouse. In 1901 the powerhouse was doubled in size adding a 150' second smokestack dwarfing the original 130' stack. By 1922, electricity could be purchased cheaper from cities and the powerhouse was closed., Medway Traction Line. The DS&U Railway, IC&E, Ohio Electric and CL&E were among the traction line owners while the powerhouse was in operation. Barney and Smith Company of Dayton manufactured many of the cars used on the interurban lines. The automobile spelled doom for the electric railroads. The final run of the interurban trolley was on November 1, 1938., Tecumseh Park. The DS&U Railroad opened an 85 acre wooded resort area on the banks of the Mad River in 1900. Dayton and Springfield businesses held picnics at Tecumseh Park with guests numbering in the thousands, and concerts were given in the pavilion. Baseball and basketball games were held there, including those of Olive Branch High School. The Medway Methodist Church Ladies Aid Society often served lunches for events in the park. Tecumseh Park's glory days ended around 1930., Estel Wenrick Wetlands. The 200-acre Estel Wenrick Wetlands borders Medway and the millrace, and stretches to the Mad River. The wetlands are home to a great variety of wildlife including beavers, wild turkeys, and a large heron rookery. The wetlands also contain a rare plant life, and have a hiking trail for quiet observation. Over 255 species of marsh plants, including the endangered Eastern White Fringed Prairie Orchid, live in these wetlands., Captions Top left: The Powerhouse as it looked in 1914. Photo courtesy of Clark County Historical Society Bottom left: Waiting for passengers to board on electric car to Springfield. Photo courtesy of Jerry Porter Bottom center: An Ohio Electric Railway car ready to depart. Photo courtesy of Jerry Porter