1

Power Lines
1940's
Saskatchewan, Canada

Credits:
Assiniboia Museum

2

In 1944 the Saskatchewan CCF political campaign had as their platform - "the need for electricity on Saskatchewan farms. Knowing that the Saskatchewan wives would benefit the most from this service, appealed to the voters to imagine, farm women working without the benefit of electric washing machine and stoves" (p 20 - 'To Get The Light' by Dave Anderson - 2005.) "Rural Electrification Act, "REA" was proclaimed by Legislation on February 1, 1949 and at the same time it created a new crown corporation, SPC, replacing the old Saskatchewan Power Commission. The latter functioned like a government department." (P.28) South Saskatchewan rural electrification began in earnest between the years 1952 to 1954.

3

Early Power Plant
1920's
Saskatchewan, Canada

Credits:
Assiniboia Museum

4

Some farms, which were near enough to some electrified urban centers, had electricity. These were private utilities whose generators were turned by relatively small diesel or gasoline driven engines. These lighting plants were usually sideline operation of storekeepers, garage owners, machine shop mechanics or flour mill. These operators only supplied 110 volts for light and small appliances.