Palmer Lake Historical Society presents Wayne Russert and “Early Electrification in Rural Colorado – When We Got the Power!”

The Palmer Lake Historical Society invites you to join us to hear Wayne Russert present “Early Electrification in Rural Colorado – When We Got the Power!”

Wayne will trace the history of electric power in Colorado from its earliest use in the mining districts, then cities and finally to the farms and ranches as a result of the Rural Electrification Act (REA) of 1936. Many artifacts will be displayed showing the progression of electrical devices from crude and dangerous to modern and safe. Visitors will be encouraged to examine the displays after the presentation. Wayne has always been fascinated with electrical/mechanical equipment and earned gas money in High School repairing radios and phonographs for neighbors. He studied electrical engineering in college and finally retired from Lockheed-Martin in 2003 after 41 years in the business.

He maintains a shop to design and restore museum displays and collects antique radios. You can see part of Wayne’s collection at the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, CO.

Please bring a friend and stay afterwards for light refreshments. The Palmer Lake Historical Society is an educational 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Palmer Divide area since 1956. Program is FREE and open to the public. New comers to the area are always welcome.