Grand Rapids Hydroelectric Power

Biographical
Lyman Edgar Cooley was one of Chicago's best-known consulting hydraulic engineers. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he taught engineering subjects at Northwestern University (1874-1877). He next worked as an assistant engineer on the construction of a bridge over the Missouri River. From 1879 to 1884, he served as assistant engineer on the Mississippi and Missouri river improvements. In September 1884, he began a year's work as editor of The American Engineer. After this period, he devoted himself to the engineering features of waterway problems.

He and his brother, Mortimer Cooley, established the first engineering department at the University of Michigan. He will be one of a few men working to establish flood walls in Grand Rapids on the Grand River.

Circa 7 Apr 1912 (16') Flood along the Fourth St Power Dam at the east side water power canal headgates. The photo is taken from the Grand Trunk tracks.

Digitally retouched by James R. Winslow using Adobe Firefly Gemini AI Nano Banana Pro and Adobe Photoshop. Clouds were added for additional dramatic effect.

Photo courtesy Grand Rapids City Archives and Records Center #001342 and #001335 CGRA

Photo taken in 1876 as the wooden offices are being built.

Years before it was Voigt Crescent Mill, it was Hibbard & Graff, Crescent Mill (1874–1882)

Crescent Mills, (the foundation was built by William T. Powers and sat for four years), west end of Pearl street bridge, were erected in 1874–75 by Hibbard, Rose & Co. (Wellington Hibbard, Andrew J. Rose & Philip Graff, (Jr.?) The mill proper is 30 x 60 feet in size, with three stories and a basement. The warehouse attached is 36 x 50 feet and is also three stories high. These, with an office two stories in height on the front, are all brick buildings. The original cost of the mill was $65,000, which included the machinery; the mill was equipped with the best machinery available on the market at the time. Seven runs-of-burrs were put in to be used for flour only. Fifty thousand barrels per year have been the average product of these mills. In 1876, the mill passed into the hands of Hibbard & Graff, who operated it until July 1880, when John F. Graff, Jr., leased the mill and machinery and has since operated it. The machinery is driven by water power. The flour ranks among the first brands in the State of Michigan. Mr. Graff is a member of the State Miller’s Association. Sales of flour are mostly made in New England, all being sold on orders, except for 50 barrels per day for home consumption. The capacity of the mills is about 180 barrels per day. The company ships about eight carloads of flour per week; 14 men find constant employment, and the mill is under the personal charge of Milan Hibbard, an efficient miller.

Photo courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum Voigt collection, 1987.43.1.273

Photo retouched February 2026 by James R. Winslow using Adobe Firefly Gemini AI Pro (Nano Banana Pro) and Adobe Photoshop.

Grand Rapids Water Power Company (East Side) operated from 1836–1927. West Side Water Power Company operated for 100 years from 1866 to the late–1960s. Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power Company established March 20, 1880, took a portion of the Grand Rivers’ 2,500 HP to operate the world’s first hydroelectric power plant in July 1880. In 1910 the two water power companies considered joining forces converting the full run-of-river to hydroelectricity and begin placing electric motors at every workstation. https://www.restless-viking.com/2024/08/27/a-7000-pound-grand-river-discovery/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE8tdZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYfkRRLiBOiSH6UHIQcGTDDioku1LdaQshihc4d46PGBBiIpAD04ETtrMQ_aem_sOEKgqA-0cjnvxUjhhRzXg

A 7,000 Pound Grand River Discovery – The Restless Viking A 7,000 Pound Grand River Discovery – Who created the world's first commercial electric power? It happened in Grand Rapids, Michigan!

Wow I am impressed at what Restless Viking has put together with my research and the research of Grand Rapids Public Museum. Well done! https://www.restless-viking.com/2024/08/27/a-7000-pound-grand-river-discovery/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE657pleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZJR2jvrv8Vkcx-IFtq0Sp5EMi5Jy2zMOJz-d80SvO_5D-lvKSxFzlNd3A_aem_qa56BQGaaZvQ49DxibBgtA

A 7,000 Pound Grand River Discovery – The Restless Viking A 7,000 Pound Grand River Discovery – Who created the world's first commercial electric power? It happened in Grand Rapids, Michigan!

Something newly discovered. The city of Grand Rapids was seriously considering converting the Fourth St Power Dam to a hydroelectric dam. (1983–1985) I recall seeing a hydraulic report in the city archives dated 1985.

Some great research on Grand Rapids Hydroelectric Power https://www.facebook.com/share/p/U9gq9xj4qjybdexv/

This might give a better idea of what you're looking at ... The perspective is a little off.

A couple of white porcelain insulators found while excavating the south lawn of Grand Rapids Public Museum. The is the site of the world’s first hydroelectric power plant.

These insulators date to between 1880 and 1917. Possibly used in William T. Powers Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power company offices and hydroelectric power plant. They did not just supply electricity but apparatus for every sort of lighting need. As early as 1882 they produced their own incandescent lighting system for local businesses.

Marked U.P.W. and an eagle head with something in its beak stands for Union Porcelain Works.

Sharing a bit of Powers family and Consumers Energy history. A 14" Worthington Centrifugal Water Pump was located in the foundation remnants of the 1917 structure. Located on the south lawn of Grand Rapids Public Museum near the original location of the world’s first hydroelectric power plant in 1881. Which began operation in July 1880, 144 years ago.

Consumers Energy decommissioned the Powers Hydroelectric Plant on February 29, 1956, nearly 70 years ago. The building was removed by about 1970. At that time it was the first and oldest operating hydroelectric power plant in the world. (1881–1956)

What’s left of the West Side Water Power Canal (1866–1959) levee dock line wall circa 1890s.