Lacking the benefits of electricity,a group of farmers got together to form a cooperative so all the area farms could receive electric service. As a result of their efforts, Western Cooperative Electric Association was incorporated under the laws of the state of Kansas in May 1945.
The months following incorporation were spent soliciting members,applying for REA loan money, obtaining right-of-way, staking lines, and ordering materials. Construction didn't begin until March 11, 1947.
Progress was slow due to material and labor shortages, but on Dec. 22, 1947, the long-awaited moment arrived.Western's president, Irving Walker,turned on the electricity in the garage at the Frank Landauer farm near Ellis. The first light bulb glowed in testimony of our members'willingness and determination to help
themselves. Later, Mr. Walker recalled he had to stand on a half-bushel bucket to reach the pull-chain light fixture.
About 30 families on Western's lines were able to enjoy electricity for the first time by Christmas 1947. Western’s incorporators and original trustees were:
FRED J. HAMBURG, Ellis
ALVIN L. SALEEN, Ogallah
IRVING WALKER, WaKeeney
W. D. IKENBERRY, Quinter
MELVIN REINECKER, Quinter
L. R. MILLER, Quinter
fC. W. KRAUS, Hays
ED J. NIERNBERGER, Ellis
WARD SULLIVAN, Hays
We’re thankful for their dedication to bringing light to our rural homes and communities.
1950 -- With electricity new to the farm, it changed the way women were working. We believe this photo was taken in November of 1950 and is Mrs. Andrew Jensen baking a pie in her new electric stove on a farm in Hays.
At the December 1989 Christmas party, board president Larry Evans (left) and board member Richard Schaus (middle left) presented five-year service awards to Western linemen Dennis Deines (right) and Kelly Owens(middle right). Dennis has recently retired, finishing his career as the manager of member services, and Kelly is still working with the linemen as a crew foreman.
Before and After photos of Olmitz Line Foreman, Jay Scott.
