Boiler Explosion Leaves Chehalis in the Dark
A mechanical failure at the local mill triggers an city-wide blackout, prompting residents to demand a municipal power plant.
On account of the bursting of a boiler in the mill yesterday the city is without electric lights for a couple of weeks. The accident has revived the talk of purchasing independent motive power for the light plant. The mill company is said to be ready to give up its contract with the city for furnishing power as its engines are overworked. The council held a special meeting to consider the matter last night, but postponed final action for a few days.
“The accident has revived the talk of purchasing independent motive power for the light plant.”
Infrastructure failures serving as catalysts for political change is a classic Seattle civic trope. Much like the 1892 Chehalis blackout, Seattle’s history is paved with instances where private utility failures pushed the city toward the municipal ownership of power that defines the region today.
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