Newaygo in Newaygo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hardy Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
1. Hardy Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power Marker
Side 1
Constructed from 1929 to 1931, on a site once known as the Oxbow, the Hardy Hydroelectric Plant was built by Consumers Power Company. The plant was named for George Hardy, a partner in the firm that financed Consumersī projects from 1911 through 1928. The complex includes a Spanish Colonial Revival-style powerhouse and intake tower, an oil house, and a dormitory. It originally included four operatorīs houses on the eastern bank of the pond, which were Sears-Roebuck kit homes. Due to advancements in fossil fuel steam generating plants, this was the last conventional hydroelectric plant built by Consumers. The Hardy plant is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Flowing water has long provided power to mines and mills. With advances in electricity in the 1800s, waterpower was soon used to generate electricity. The first public demonstration of hydroelectric power in the country occurred on July 24, 1880, when sixteen carbon arc street lamps lit up Grand Rapids using a belt driven dynamo (generator) powered by a water turbine at the Wolverine Chair Factory. Michiganīs extensive water resources were harnessed to power electric generating equipment, first at existing dams and mills and later at sites built expressly for
this page online
Erected 2005 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2144.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 24, 1880.
Location. 43° 29.125′ N, 85° 37.566′ W. Marker is in Newaygo, Michigan, in Newaygo County. Marker is at the intersection of 36th Street and South Croton Hardy Drive, on the right when traveling north on 36th Street. Located in Operator's Village Day Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newaygo MI 49337, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. American Legion Post 381 Veterans Memorial (approx. 2― miles away); Croton Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power (approx. 3.8 miles away); Grant Water Tower (approx. 14 miles away); Mineral Well (approx. 14.8 miles away).
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
2. Hardy Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power Marker
Side 2
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
3. Hardy Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
4. Hardy Dam
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
5. Hardy Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power Marker
Location of marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
