Walk in the door of the Gold Creek powerhouse and turn to the left. You’ll see a teal-painted Pelton Wheel from 1914. It still turns, generating power for Juneau.<\/p>\n
Turn to the right. You’ll see a row of hulking diesel generators, some originally built to serve submarines during World War II.<\/p>\n
Look toward the far wall. There’s the “new” hydroelectric generator, installed when Eisenhower was president.<\/p>\n
And finally, look up. Those wooden beams are older than World War I.<\/p>\n
As Alaska Electric Light and Power continues a yearlong celebration of its 125th anniversary, it opened the doors of its oldest power plant to an open house on Friday. While the powerhouse hosts regular group tours, the open house offered a unique glimpse into the history of Juneau and of its power company.<\/p>\n
“We’re proud of that (history) and we’re proud of the plant — honestly, we’re usually too busy to talk about it,” Christy Yearous, vice president of power generation for AEL&P.<\/p>\n
The open house came as AEL&P took over Cope Park for an afternoon hot dog grill-fest that brought a line of sun-dappled spectators eager for lunch and a souvenir pint glass.<\/p>\n
Connie Hulbert, AEL&P’s President and General Manager, was cutting open packages of hot dogs as she talked about the open house.<\/p>\n
“It’s about the people,” she said, explaining the reason behind the picnic.<\/p>\n
AEL&P’s official anniversary isn’t until September, but it’s trying to have fun with a year of events including a cookie party around Christmas, an elaborate float at the Fourth of July parade, and now the picnic.<\/p>\n
Cope Park, with Gold Creek splashing nearby, was an auspicious location for a celebration.<\/p>\n