Lecture - Wayne Russert, Early Electrification in Rural Colorado: "When We Got the Power!"

This lecture will trace the history of electric power in Colorado from its earliest use in the mining districts, towns, cities and finally to the farms and ranches as a result of the Rural Electrification Act (REA) of 1936. The emphasis will be on the impact of electric power to the lives of rural families. Many artifacts will be displayed showing the progression of electrical devices from crude and dangerous to modern and safe. Guests will be encouraged to examine the displays after the presentation.
Russert was raised on a dairy farm where they generated their own 32 VDC power and did not connect to the grid until 1950. Having always been interested in electrical/mechanical machinery and pursuing that career, Wayne retired from Lockheed-Martin in 2003 after 41 years in the trade. Russert maintains a complete shop to build and restore museum displays, old Fords and vintage radios. With his wife Bonni, they collect many antiques and pasture a few head of cattle each year.