San Joaquin Light and Power Corp. Porcelain Sign

By Jim Harlow; posted October 9, 2015

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I finally added this sign to the collection, I have been hunting for this one for two years. They pop up from time to time but I am a condition nut. VERY happy with this one, check out the depth of stepping on the lettering and the almost MINT condition finnish.

John S. Eastwood Organized the San Joaquin Electric Company in 1895 to supply power to Fresno. Overcoming problems with Equip. and harassment from long-established Fresno Gas and Electric Co. Eastwood managed to complete his historic Crane Valley or San Joaquin #1 hydro plant in a years time. The electricity was sent to Fresno over the longest power line then in use, 38 miles long.

Driven into bankruptcy in 1899 Eastwood was forced to surrender control in 1902 and it became know as the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation. Pacific Gas and Electric (P.G.&E.) purchased and merged in 1930.

If anyone has more to add to the story I would love to hear from you. More info on exactly were this line ran, pictures of the line or Hydro plant would be awesome. Does this sign exist with the earlier name on it "San Joaquin Electric Company) ??

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