Old Power House helped to brig holiday magic to area Christmas trees
Twas the season of Christmas, when all through the house, every light was burning, both inside and out. This is the season of lights, and many families drive up and down the city streets to enjoy the decorations that bring a twinkle to the eye of kids from one to 100. Christmas lights, of all shape and forms, have been with us so long that we cannot imagine a time when they did not exist. But there was such a time.
There was a time when there were no electrical lights in Sandpoint because there was no available electricity. Christmas trees were decorated with strings of pop-corn, and when available, a few strings of fresh cranberries. Ornaments made from crepe paper, or colored crayon paper, adorned the magical tree. Some families could afford the tinsel found for sale in a few of the stores and that helped reflect the light from the candles and fireplace. For the families that could not afford tinsel, little ornaments were made from the tinfoil found in cigarette packages; it worked just as well. Candles were placed around the room but great care was taken to snuff them out before going to bed. Before the last flame was extinguished, a small glass of milk and a cookie were placed on the hearth for Santa.
During this time not so very long ago, there was no profusion of artificial lights but there was an abundance of warmth, wonder, joy, and dreams. The joy one felt when allowed to carry the hatchet for dad as he searched for just the right tree. Each child dreamed that possibly one “store bought gift” might show up under the tree. Finding an orange and especially a tangerine in ones own stocking brought a moment of joy and wonder. In addition, tucked in the toe of each sock were a few odd looking nuts and a few lint covered pieces of hard candy. The warmth of love was present when the family opened the homemade gifts that had been made just for them.
When did the blinking strands of lights replace the handmade strands of popcorn in Sandpoint? What happened to cause people to exchange the oil lamp for a light bulb? It all happened in1910 when the Power House of the Northern Idaho & Montana Power Company was completed. It cost nearly $200,000 and, as the Pend Oreille Review stated, “The new plant in every detail is modern and up-to-date and one of the most substantial in the northwest.” The building was constructed of brick, concrete and steel from the foundation up, and the walls between the engine room and boiler room, were also made of brick and were 13 inches—thick.
The plant furnished electrical power for Sandpoint and the surrounding area. The building was 127x113 feet and consisted of an engine and boiler room, and an all-purpose room for equipment, and a room for the seven panel switchboards. A 500 kilowatt, 670 horsepower, Allis-Chalmersengine was used in the power plant.
It was reported in 1917 by a local paper that there was to be a new power company in Sandpoint. The Northern Idaho and Montana Power Company was to be succeeded by a Delaware company by the name of Mountain States Power Company.
In later years, after the method of the transmission of electricity had changed, the building was used as a place for storage. In1972, the old power house was being used as the Sandpoint Marina. Winter storage for boats was available as well as the rental of water sports equipment. Motorboats and canoes were available for fishing or just cruising the lake. Boat repair and maintenance were also offered at the Marina.
When you come over the long bridge and enter Sandpoint, the first large building you see on your right is the Power House. It has been remodeled on the inside but the exterior retains much of the appearance of years gone by. The next time you drive by take a look at the building and ask yourself this question — If I had the opportunity to choose between the Christmas of today and the one of yesteryear, which would I select?