Rural Electrification
Marker Text:
In 1936 75% of Pennsylvania farms had no electric service. During the next five years, with Federal supports, 14 consumer-owned cooperatives were formed in this State. Southwest Central Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation, serving users in seven counties, was incorporated on March 4, 1937.
At a meeting on September 13, 1936, James E. Bacon of REA field staff reported that Sterling J. Orange, a "local electrician," was setting up a project in the eastern part of Indiana County. Mr. Orange displayed his project on September 28. A three customer per mile requirement was made. A meeting September 30 formally marked the opening of the Federal Rural Electrification project in Indiana County. On January 30, 1937, $125,000 was appropriated for local REA to construct 121 miles of electric serving 500 homes in Creekside, and Washington, Rayne, White, Cherryhill, Pine, Buffington, Green, and Montgomery townships. On February 2, Creekside was announced as the first municipality in the U.S. to use REA funds for street lights.
The Southwest Central Rural Electrification Association was organized on February 17 with Mr. Orange as the president. This organization was incorporated on March 4. In April, $280,000 was allocated to Southwest Central. A contract was given to W. W. Pangborne Co. of Philadelphia for 369 miles of line. Construction began in July. Pennsylvania Electric Company was contracted to supply power at 1.28 cents per kilowatt hour. In October, $47,965.90 was granted for poles, wires, transformers, etc. Loans of up to $400 was available at 6% interest for 5 years. The first 15 miles were energized on January 6, 1938. By April, 125 miles were energized and another 275 were under construction.
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Directions
to the Rural Electrification Historic Marker
Start an Indiana Courthouse (On Philadelphia Street between 8th and 9th)
Take 286 East for 1.1 miles and take the Clymer exit.
Travel on 286 E for 2.1 miles and turn onto Airport Road. (Total distance 3.2 miles)
Follow Airport Road for 0.2 miles. Sign is on left next to R.E.A. Energy. (Total distance 3.4 miles)
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