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A TRANSFORMATION FROM RUDIMENTARY TO EXEMPLARY –The Humble Beginnings of Hydroelectric Power In Collinsville, Connecticut

A TRANSFORMATION FROM RUDIMENTARY TO EXEMPLARY –The Humble Beginnings of Hydroelectric Power In Collinsville, Connecticut

By Janet M. Conner PART I Antiquated water-powered gristmills, sawmills, and fulling mills were the forerunners to early manufactories using hydromechanical power, and later, hydroelectric power. The principles for generating power are similar. Both require a source of water, damming to control flow, channeling the water from a power canal into a headrace, which turned water wheels and turbines to create energy, and then expended water was expelled via a tailrace. A prime example of this is frozen in time…

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A TRANSFORMATION FROM RUDIMENTARY TO EXEMPLARY

A TRANSFORMATION FROM RUDIMENTARY TO EXEMPLARY

The Humble Beginnings of Hydroelectric Power in Collinsville, Connecticut By Janet M. Conner PART II The first turbines installed at the Collins Company in the late 1860s consisted of two large breast wheel water turbines connected by a shaft to two generators.  These were situated in a power house built near the first dam.  To insure against drought, and hence a disruption in production, the Collins Company constructed a secondary water supply.  It was located thirty miles north in Otis,…

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In Memoriam – David K. Leff (1955 – 2022)

In Memoriam – David K. Leff (1955 – 2022)

Author: Janet M. Conner, Historian Laureate, Avon Land Trust ___ I met David Leff several years ago when he and his wife attended a presentation I was giving.  I had previously asked him if I could use some quotations from his writing in my talk.  He was very kind to say yes, and I was honored he took time from his busy life to attend.  Busy life is an understatement as David’s resume is nothing short of impressive.  He resided in Collinsville, Connecticut and…

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