FDRs 1935 order sparked Rural Electrification in Wisconsin
Fifty years after FDR signed the order creating the Rural Electrification Administration the Wisconsin RBC News recalls REAs impact on rural life. The piece notes early Wisconsin cooperatives formed 1936-48, first station near Eagleton, and private utilities' resistance. It also discusses future phaseout plans under Reagan and enduring stories of farmers turning on lights for the first time.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wisconsin Rbc News
REA
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Rec News
U.S
Les Nelson
Wisconsin REA Electrifies First Richland Farm in 1937 Era
The Richland Center area marks Wisconsin first REA grid hookup on May 7 1937 at James Hanold farm with successors Halink farm nearby. Allen Halink operates both farms while Hanolds mostly gone. 125 cow dairy with modern amenities symbolizes rural electrification impact. President Roosevelt signed the REA order May 12 1935, widely reported as part of the New Deal public works program. many Wisconsin farmers recall life before electricity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
FDR
Rural Electrification Administration - Rea
Mr. Neff
State Historical Society
James Hanold
Richland Center
Wisconsin
John Halink
Hanold
Halink
Allen
Roosevelt
New Deal
Richland Rural Electric Cooperative
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Eau Claire
Franklin D. Roosevelt
America
Eagleton
Chippewa County
Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Pierce, St. Croix
Taylor and Trempealeau Counties
Les
Nelson
Reagan
USDA
Congress
United States
Wisconsin Power and Light Co
Madison
Grover C. Neff
Morris L. Cooke
Dairyland Power Cooperative
la Crosse
Recs
Wisconsin Electric Power Co
Milwaukee
United Power Co-op
Minnesota
John Olsons
Barron County
Price County
Sweden
Karl Jennings
Mt. Horeb
Jennings
Marathon-Portage
Waupaca
Richland County
Wisconsin Rural Electric Association
Columbus
Columbia County
REC News
Jane Teer
Barbara Ducommun
Boyd
Chippewa Valley Rec
Cornell
The
Richland
Allen Halvnk
ABC News
Daily
Eau Claire Sunday Leader
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