Let's now say hail to Loup, public power

Nebraska’s public power history traces back to the latter part of the 19th century when Crete formed the state’s first electric department.

The wisdom of the public power movement was seen and gained strength at the grassroots level with a boost from Sen. George Norris’ work for the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Rural Electrification Act, the latter of which was deemed “socialistic” by Henry Ford and other scions of industry.

Norris probably would be scorned as a liberal in today’s political climate, and his support of Franklin D. Roosevelt and departure from the Republican Party lead to his defeat as an independent in 1942 after 40 years in the U.S. Senate.

(A historical footnote is that Edgar Howard, owner, editor and publisher of The Telegram beginning in the early 1900s, was a congressional contemporary of Norris. Howard was a member of Congress from 1923-35, surviving six elections as a Democrat. He maintained an affiliation with The Telegram until his death in 1951. Ahhhh ... but we digress.)

From the early 1930s, the public power movement gained strength and in 1946 gained control of all power distribution in the state with the incorporation of the last private utilities.

The rapid ascendancy of public power in the state mirrored the growth of Loup, both in pace and chronology. Legislation to enable public power companies was passed by the Unicameral in 1933 ... the same year that Loup was formed.

Loup has spent this year celebrating its 75th anniversary with a variety of activities and celebrations in the communities it serves. Thursday evening, Loup brought its road show to Frankfort Square.

In the florid language that was used in the newspapers of the early 20th century it might have been described thusly:

“A multitude from far and wide assembled on the Square this past Thursday eve to celebrate the formation of the esteemed and notable Loup Power District.

“The District, true as always to its commitment to serve the people of its communities, provided a summer fare that was scrumptious to the last morsel. Whilst the adults dined and shared talk of the crops and commerce, children were awestruck by the machines of the District and partook of demonstrations thereof.”

Which is to say that children of all ages enjoyed the demonstrations and a towering view of downtown courtesy of a bucket truck ride Thursday evening.

Unless you have labored under the onerous charges imposed by for-profit utilities, you cannot appreciate the wisdom of our Nebraska forefathers.

Loup Power District has provided the power that has lead to our fine city’s progress. We salute the District and wish them success in the years ahead.