Photo taken near the town center right after the November 27, 1898 event as the storm clouds were moving away. Two unforgiving coastal storms hit Massachusetts that year. Below are details about how it affected this community and some other interesting things about the town's lighting system during 1898:

The 20 percent discount for prompt bill payment (within 15 days) continued for the 180 light plant customers continued throughout the year. Most public power communities disperse their profits by giving them back to their customers who basically are shareholders. In contrast a private utility gives their earnings to their investors. In most states a year-end payment, also from profits, is given to city or town halls by resident-owned utilities in lieu of taxes.

News in 1898: On February 1 a severe storm knocked down poles and wires throughout Hingham. As soon as the storm came to its end, Light Plant linemen and hired laborers began restoration of service. By February 10 all customers were back on line and all of the 370 street lamps on their two dedicated circuits came back to life.

On Sunday, November 27 another destructive storm hit the coast. Like the February one, winds exceeded 60 miles an hour. The heavy snow and ice during this historic event was attaching and readily clinging to the lines like glue; altogether accumulating to nearly three inches in diameter. Combined with vicious winds, the town's electric distribution system was described by townsfolk and newspapers "as a mass of broken poles and wires." See the photo above. Thanks to the town's linemen and contracted labor, by December 10 most customers had their service restored. By the 17th all of the town including the two street lighting circuits were once again fully repaired.

Wallace Corthell, Light Plant general manager proudly commented in his year-end report "I will say that every bill sent out from January 1, 1898 to December 31, 1898 has been collected."

He also reported that about $150 worth of copper wire was stolen soon after the November storm subsided by junk collectors. A town by-law was suggested for the upcoming March 1899 Town Meeting requiring licensing for those who come into Hingham as dealers of scrap metal. Aside from the copper wires, I can only imagine what kinds of rare insulators were scattered about laying on the ground. CD 138.2 Nationals, Diamond-Ps and many other interesting types of glass insulators (especially of Boston area manufacture) have been found on old Hingham lines. The copper thieves had no distant clue what glassy gems they were walking amongst while they did their "collecting".

The label on the left corner reads: "Middle, Pleasant and Union Streets from in front of 45 Middle Street following the storm of November 27, 1898, Saturday, when the steamer Portland was lost "with every soul on board". Houses Martin Stoddards', Laurie's, Trowbridge's (rear). G.O. Henderson's (rear) Downey's (back of pole). Photo by Wm. L. Foster"

This ongoing historical series with lots of vintage photos of utility lines in Hingham, MA and related fun facts and information begins [id=597271496]