In 1907 the Ambursen Hydraulic Construction Co. signed a contract to construct a dam on the Union River to produce electrical power for the Bar Harbor and Union River Power Co. Perfected plans were not in existence on January 1, 1907 and the contract demanded the project be complete by January 1, 1908. Ice, 3,000 cubic yards of solid rock and the Union River itself were just some of the obstacles which stood in the way of the completion of this project. During this hour long lecture, participants will see pictures and explore what happens as the dam is completed in an astonishing five months and five days.
Darlene Springer is the author of The Great Fire of Ellsworth 1933 and an avid collector of vintage Ellsworth artifacts and pictures. She is a member of the Ellsworth Historical Society and serves on the Board of Directors and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having documented her descent from Lt. Elijah Wilbur, Revolutionary War soldier and patriot. An Ellsworth business owner, she can be found most days on Water Street at Dunn’s Monument Shop, celebrating 135 years in 2017.
Woodlawn’s lecture series is held in Woodlawn’s Sleigh Barn. All lectures are open to the public and free of charge, although donations are greatly appreciated. Space is limited. Reservations are required at https://woodlawnmuseum.com/event/lecture-series-history-ellsworth-dam-darlene-springer/
