This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Building once housed Athens gas plant and fiery era
In a brick rear of the Athens Lumber Co on West Union Street the old gas plant produced artificial gas for street lights and homes. William A. Casley, 83, recalls the early gas business, its conversion from oil lamps to electric lighting, and the shift to natural gas in 1896. The plant's equipment, retorts, purifying room, and storage tanks are described along with local brick production and the plant’s legacy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Athens
Athens Lumber Co
W. Union St
Athens Gas Light Co
William A. Casley
Mr. Casley
A. W. Allom
Dan Stewart
Emmett Tompkins
John Welch
Charles Welch
E. State St
Corporation
Townsendon
Sugar Grove
Logan Gas Co
Casley
Ohio Fuel Gas Co
Welsbach
Lumber Company
Robert Arscott
Fenzels
Athens State Hospital
West Virginia
William Casley