Early Hydroelectric Power 1890s

Before the Auto became the desired and more affordable form of transportation, the Inter-Urban Trolleys rolled from town to town, to areas not serviceable by train lines.  And because the modern-day Powergrid was yet to be invented, the Trolley companies had to provide their own electric.  Lehighton was connected by Trolley from 10th St & Mahoning Sts, at the Main Gate of the Fair, and up over the Ukrainian Homestead, winding up the side of the mountain to Flagstaff, and connecting to the otherside with the Swicthback Railroad.  The Lehighton Tracks also went down to First Street to service passengers to and from the Lehigh Valley Train Station.  This hydroelectirc turbine was recovered from the Lehigh River near Jim Thorpe by John Drury, President of the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center.  You can stop there and ask Mr. Drury more of this interesting age.