Photos

This scene overlooking a dam on the Fox River in Appleton offers not just a taste of fall but also a glimpse at the Vulcan Heritage Park area -- and a commemoration of an historic moment. Close by here, 125 years ago today, the Vulcan Street Power Plant began operations, harnessing the river to create electricity.

According to ASME International, "an Edison "K" type dynamo produced electricity from a water-powered turbine to light three buildings (two paper mills and the H.J. Rogers home, today known as the Hearthstone Museum), at rate of about 12½ kilowatts. It is the first Edison hydroelectric central station to serve a system of private and commercial customers in North America. The story of its development provides keen insight into the nation's first experiences with the electric light."

This whole section of Appleton, near the Vulcan Heritage Park site shown here and just below the city’s downtown, has witnessed several years of ongoing renewal. Also nearby sits a vintage paper mill converted to upscale apartments.

Plans are under way, reaffirmed by the city parks and recreation committee last month, to place an authentic replica of the original Vulcan hydroelectric plant at the site.