The original powerhouse, converted into today’s Montanya Distillery on Elk Avenue, was built in 1889. Electricity was generated using a waterwheel and flume on Coal Creek, next to the Old Town Hall. There was also a steam boiler for backup use.
Power was available only during the night hours…in most homes electricity was used solely for light. A typical house had one bulb on a long cord. With hooks strung about the house, the light would be moved from the dining room for dinner to the living area for evening activities.
In the 1920’s and 1930’s, the rate for power was 17 and 1/2 cents per kilowatt hour. Today’s rate of 7.2 cents made it about 2 and 1/2 times more expensive back then…before inflation!
Source: “A Crested Butte Primer”, by George Sibley
Rob Quint