THE SAGINAW POWER COMPANY CORPORATION POWER PLANT; WILLIAMS ARIZONA

 THE SAGINAW  POWER COMPANY CORPORATION POWER PLANT; 

WILLIAMS ARIZONA

COPYRIGHT; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (5/10/22)


    December 21, 1929 Saginaw Power Company Corporation, entered an agreement with "the town" of Williams, Arizona.  A Powerplant was to be completed on or before February 1, 1930. The plant was a modern steam (driven) electric plant, generating at 60 cycles, 3-phase Alternating Current (AC) at approximately 2300 volts, 24-hours a day.

       According to the agreement, the town of Williams would have exclusive rights to sell power within the township, with the exception of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. It was also understood that the plant would provide free electricity to the Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company mill, and all company housing. After all, the Company built the plant out of their funds, and the Corporation had all the appearance of being a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company.

    Fuel for the boilers was to be provided by the Lumber Company. "Hog fuel" consisting of mill ends and cuttings, and possibly sawdust, were delivered by a "hog blower" system.   

    The plant was owned by the power company, however the operation was originally proposed to be contracted-out. W.B. Foshay Company submitted an operational plan on November 13, 1928, followed by Arizona Edison (8/27/28), and Arizona Power Company (8/27/28.) Each plan proposed residential and commercial electrical rates, and water rates. Water rates were to be established, as the water provided steam, which in turn powered the turbines that spun the generators.

    As of 12/31/29 the total cost of the plant was estimated at $159,359.78. This included the contract to purchase a three-boiler plant at $27,000.00. Ever so frugal, the Saginaw and Manistee looked to purchase a used plant in good working order. The plant was located at West Columbia, Texas, owned and operated by the Houston Lighting and Power Company. 

    The construction of the powerplant enabled the mill to modernize to electric motors. Modern electric lighting was installed, reducing the potential for fire from kerosene lanterns. This further advanced production as hours of operation could be extended past the setting of the sun. Although built at the onset of the Great Depression, the power plant played and integral part in the future of the Williams mill and the township. Judging by the yearly reports and other documents, the powerplant generated more than just electricity; it provided a  tidy profit for the owners. 

    With the introduction of a reliable source of electricity, the township of Williams was able to provide electricity to the businesses and residents of the community. Street lights were installed. A new lighted Chamber of Commerce sign glowed brightly over the business district. 

   Along with the modernization of the power plant in 1935, two 12000 gallon oil tanks were to be installed.   Mill output fluctuated during the Depression years, and the power plant  needed a steady source of fuel other than the use of hog fuel from the mill. 

    On  February 13, 1936, the assets of the Saginaw Power Company Corporation were absorbed by the parent company, The Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company. 

 

(References: NAU Special Collections, Saginaw and Manistee, Box 12, folder 128; Memorandum of Agreement; Proposals)

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