Early Decision is Necessary for Preserving Adams Plant

Time is growing short for a decision on the future — if there is to be any future — of the Edward Dean Adams power station on the upper Niagara River.

This ancient hydroelectric plant is the daddy of them all. It was the Adams plant which first transmitted alternating current 25 miles to Buffalo in 1896. This was accomplished because of the efforts of Nikola Tesla, who developed the polyphase alternating current motor, and George Westinghouse, who adapted the system for the Adams generators.

Some time next fall the Adams plant will be taken out of service for all time. It will no longer be needed.

It would be unfortunate if it were to be torn down or left idle and forgotten. It is a symbol of the electrical age. It deserves to be preserved and maintained as a museum or electrical hall of fame, call it what you will. The buildings could be adapted to provide space for a permanent industrial exhibit.

Niagara Falls would derive benefit from having such a showplace to add to attractions for visitors. Museums are doing very well in Cooperstown and other tourist centers.

Surely, there are people in the community and in the American electrical industry with the imagination and leadership to undertake such a project.

It has been said that Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. would be willing to release the buildings and property for a relatively modest price if the Adams plant were to be adapted as a museum.

William H. Latham, president engineer of the State Power Authority, has suggested the possibility of a public subscription drive, similar to the fund-raising campaign that was conducted to restore Old Fort Niagara as a tourist attraction.

We should find out what price Niagara Mohawk will ask and proceed to develop a plan for preserving this historic structure.