Tranquil scene along North Street (looking west) as the 1909 snow storm was starting (fyi... all of the homes in this image are still there, several dating back to the early 1700s).

"On Sunday, December 26, the condition of the lines was suddenly changed, the terrific gale, accompanied by snow and sleet, was causing serious trouble on every street." stated Wallace Corthell, general manager of the Hingham Light Plant in his 1909 report. "The outlook for a speedy continuation of service appeared very discouraging. As the storm began to calm down, thanks to Light Plant men who worked hard by day and night, the customer lighting circuits were fully restored by Tuesday evening. And by Saturday, the town's three street lighting circuits were back in operation."

Of interest...86 new customers were added for 1909, bringing the year-end total to 539, the largest increase since the Light Plant began in 1894. 'The maximum system load for the year was 150 kilowatts, recorded on September 10. Ongoing line upgrades and betterments were satisfactorily keeping up with higher demand, funded by earnings without debt."

The town's electric rate was reduced from 20 cents per kilowatt hour to 11 cents, with the prior 30% discount allowance (if your bill was paid within 15 days) discontinued. Actual customer savings were realized thanks to an increasing customer base with more current being sold, providing overall cost savings for the community.