"Models of Niagara Falls Power Houses"

[The following article is reproduced in full and appeared originally in Western Electrician, v. 29, no. 2 (July 13, 1901) p. 21. No author was cited.]

Model of the Station of the Niagara Falls Power Company

Not the least interesting feature of the exhibits in the Electricity building of the Pan-American Exposition are the two models that so cleverly and accurately portray the Niagara Falls Power company's development and power plants at Niagara Falls. One of the models gives a good idea of what the plants will look like when the new power house is erected over the wheel-pit now in course of construction. This model portrays the fact that in the construction of the second great power station, the plans of the original station will be closely adhered to.

In the illustration the building in the foreground is the present station, and it will be observed that this station is to have a gable added to the rear end to complete its lines. The building at the left, in front, is the transformer station, and to the rear of it is shown the proposed new power house that will be erected over wheel-pit No. 2. The style of architecture is identical with that of power house No. 1, but it is to have a gable at the middle of its length. Looking closely at the picture, it will be seen that the forebay at the side of this second power house is to be covered, the hope being that this will be a material aid in avoiding trouble from ice in winter. This covered forebay will have a width of about 40 feet. The length of the new power house will be about 560 feet, while its width will be about 70 feet. The first section of the power house to be erected will be about 320 feet long, and this will provide for the first installation of turbines and generators. The model certainly gives an excellent idea of how the great power plants will look from the exterior when the company's extensive plans have been carried to perfection.

The small building shown almost in front of power house No. 1 in the picture is a little head house to be erected over the shaft that was sunk into the tunnel heading at the time of the recent extension of the main tunnel to wheel-pit No. 2.

Close by the model above referred to, in the Electricity building, a second large model has been placed.* This also has to do with the Niagara development. It shows the power house and pit with the office section of the former and a side section of the latter cut off, allowing the visitor to get an accurate idea of just how the turbines are installed, how they are connected to the generators in the station, and also gives a view of the various landings in the wheel-pit and the elevator that descends into its depths. Those who fail to understand the general principles of the development of the Niagara Falls Power company after inspecting these models will be dull, indeed.

Both of these fine models were made by Edwin E. Howell of Washington, D. C., and all familiar with the Niagara development will agree that they are well made, true to the most minute detail. In the model last referred to, the expectation is to have one of the wheels in operation.

*Note:
This image of the Niagara Falls Power Company model (with the cutaway side section), did not appear in the above article. It was originally printed in Donald Murray,"The Automatic Age," Everybody's Magazine, v. 5, no. 26 (October 1901) p. 388.

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