Anamosa - A Reminiscence 1838 - 1988

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I-IORA
CONSTRUCTION
I-listory of Iowa Electric Light
8. Power Company
Written by Lucille Kucera
The Iowa Electric Company was organized in i9l3 by Colonel Dows, Isaac Smith and
John lieid, a group of Cedar Rapids businessmen who took over the properties in the
neighborhood of Anamosa.
On June i, i9l4, the Iowa Electric Company was incorporated. Colonel Dows was President
and Isaac Smith, Charles Fay and John Reid were Vice-Presidents, with the latter also
General Manager. C.S. Woodward was Secretary and Treasurer.
The new company was started at a time when its predecessor was furnishing service to
between 500 and soo customers in the towns of Anamosa, Oxford Junction, Wyoming and
Olin. Service was lor six hours a day, and was only for ligthing, but shortly alter the mill at
Anamosa made a contract to use electric power.
Transmission connection was made with the Iowa Railway and Light Company thus insuring
service when water conditions interfered with the operation of the Anamosa
hydroelectric plant.
During the following years additional towns were added and many utility companies
were purchased. Iowa Electric expanded its territory and purchased new hydroelectric
plants.
Millions of dollars were spent in the construction of new electric transmission and rural
distribution lines. serving at retail H4 cities, towns and villages. The electric customers
served totaled 29,7i2 and gas customers served totaled 7,257.
During this time, the Meade family. including Russ Meade, his sons, Jesse and Jay were
a vital part of Iowa Electric Company. Russ Meade started in i9l0, when he transferred
from the steam plant in Maquoketa to help man the generating plant at Anamosa. He was
employed 43 years. In I939 his son, Jesse, went to work at the plant. He retired in I980
alter 4i years of service. Jay Meade worked at the some plant lo years. During this time
they kept a close watch on the steam, hydro and diesel engines at the plant that has
helped provide electricity to the city. Another brother, Russell Meade Jr. was a line
foreman for 44 years serving in the Anamosa and Monticello area.
Many changes took place during this time, including increased useage of electricity,
modern equipment and better working conditions.
In I953 it was decided to merge Iowa Electric and Iowa Electric Light 8- Power Company.
At the time ol the merger, Iowa Electric Company was receiving approximately 70% of its
electric energy requirements from Iowa Electric Light 8 Power Company. With the merger,
the service, equipment and efficiency was improved, along with the working conditions
and wages.
The following years were years of tremendous growth and changes in generation and
transmission to be able to meet the public's demand for increased energy. The atom
became harnessed for peaceful use. The rising cost of oil limited diesel plants In helping to
meet peak loads.
During this time the construction of the Duane Arnold Energy center at Polo offered new
and cheaper ways to generate energy. In June I974, commercial operation began and the
DAEC now supplies a great percentage of the Company's kilowatt hour requirements.
Throughout the many years Iowa Electric maintained a local office in Anamosa, for the
convenience of their customers in the payment of electric bills. assisting the customers
with any electrical problems and offering advice or suggestions regarding various rates
available.
Among the various managers who assumed the responsibility and operation of the
Anamosa office were: Charles Metcalf, Wm. Thompson, Tom Mueller, Charles Calhoun,
Robert Peck. John Ziegenbusch, Eric Miles and Lou Holly.
Another rnaior change in restructuring the corporation came when Iowa Electric Light 8.
Power Company recently made a decision to close branch offices and consolidate services
at the Company's headquarters in Cedar Rapids. On January 9, I987, the business office in
Anamosa as well as other offices in surrounding towns was closed. The operating office
had been closed previously and employees were transferred to Cedar Rapids.
The development ol a new Customer Service Department at the main office in Cedar
Rapids is available to all customers to assist with any questions or problems regarding
their service, utility bills, or any other complaints. This service is available 24 hours aday,
seven days a week.
Lou Holly is still serving as area manager, with headquarters at the Manchester oflice.
Putting Our Energy
To Work For You
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NB IOWA ELI-I(ITRl(I LIGHT AND POWER (IOMPANY
An IE |r~mus'rn|r.s Company
Paid for by lasre Electric Sins-khaHers
New Construction
& Remodeling
Bob I-lora
R.R. 2 - Anamosa
Ph. 489-2821 - Morley
Larry's Feed Center
BAG 8. BULK FEEDS t WATER SOFTENEFl SALT
LAWN SEED ' DOG 8t CAT FOOD
WILD BIRD FEEDS ° RABBIT RATION
LARRY HANSEN, Owner
110 N. Ford ANAMOSA, IOWA Call 462-3322
Serving Anamosa Since I971