Olney in Richland County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Solar Power in Olney, Illinois

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021

1. Solar Power in Olney, Illinois Marker

Inscription. In 1902, the first experimental solar power plant was built in Olney, Illinois by H.E. Willsie and John Boyle Jr., two American engineers. Their solar power plant was based on an 1885 design developed by the French engineer Tellier. Between 1892 and 1908 Willsie and Boyle experimented with their low temperature solar plants that utilized "hot boxes" to heat water. Their "hot box" solar power plant was patented in 1903. The results were published on May 13th 1909 in the issue of Engineering News.

Erected 1986 by The Native Sun Project, H.E. Jones and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 13, 1909.

Location. 38° 44.146′ N, 88° 5.658′ W. Marker is in Olney, Illinois, in Richland County. Marker is at the intersection of North West Street (Illinois Route 130) and White Squirrel Drive, on the right when traveling north on North West Street. Marker is near the west entrance of Olney City Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 502 White Squirrel Cir, Olney IL 62450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the

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crow flies. History of the Olney Albino Gray Squirrel (within shouting distance of this marker); War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lincoln and Douglas in Olney (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bower Park / Bird Haven (approx. 0.6 miles away); Historic McsBurg School / The One-Room Rural Schools of Richland County (approx. 0.7 miles away); Neighborhood Marker (approx. 0.7 miles away); Robert Ridgway and "Bird Haven" (approx. 1.7 miles away); 1950 Census Population Center (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olney.

More about this marker. The Illinois State Historical Society's website notes that the marker was erected in 1986.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021

2. Solar Power in Olney, Illinois Marker

Front side of the marker looks toward the park. It can be accessed near the west entrance, and by immediately turning left.

Olney City Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021

3. Olney City Park

Marker is located here.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.