The plant began operation only twenty-six days after Thomas Edison's first steam plant began operating on Pearl Street in New York (NL 46). On September 30, 1882, an Edison "K" type dynamo produced electricity from a water-powered turbine to light three buildings (two paper mills and the H.J. Rogers home), at rate of about 12 1/2 kilowatts. It is the first Edison hydroelectric central station to serve a system of private and commercial customers in North America. The story of its development provides keen insight into the nation's first experiences with the electric light.
Rogers
![Vulcan Street Plant](/sites/default/files/styles/landmark_node_/public/landmarks/images/Vulcan_Street_Plant.jpg?itok=Is9FJB5Z)
![Peterborough Hydraulic (Canal) Lift Lock](/sites/default/files/styles/landmark_node_/public/landmarks/images/Peterborough_Hydraulic_Canal_Lift_Lock.jpg?itok=b-EVqNbK)
Opened July 9, 1904, this lift lock is the highest of its type in the world, transferring boats between two water levels in a single 19.8 m (65 ft.) lift. Designed in place of conventional locks, which would have lengthed the time considerably to transverse a gradual drop, this lift lock was a unique solution made feasible. It operates on a balance principle. Each boat chamber is supported by a ram, 2.28 m (7.5 ft.) In diameter. These move up and down inside water-filled cylinders connected by a pipe.
Innovations
![Peterborough Hydraulic (Canal) Lift Lock](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/landmarks/images/Peterborough_Hydraulic_Canal_Lift_Lock.jpg?itok=OtVEIP81)
Opened July 9, 1904, this lift lock is the highest of its type in the world, transferring boats between two water levels in a single 19.8 m (65 ft.) lift. Designed in place of conventional locks, which would have lengthed the time considerably to transverse a gradual drop, this lift lock was a…
Read More![Vulcan Street Plant](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/landmarks/images/Vulcan_Street_Plant.jpg?itok=VWwKS92E)
The plant began operation only twenty-six days after Thomas Edison's first steam plant began operating on Pearl Street in New York (NL 46). On September 30, 1882, an Edison "K" type dynamo produced electricity from a water-powered turbine to light three buildings (two paper mills and the H.J.…
Read More