Each day we enter our homes, casually flip on the light switch, and plug in our most-used electronic devices and appliances into power outlets without a second thought. For many of us, the convenience of electricity is so ingrained in our lives that we may often take it for granted. However, for Jack and Ramona Clark, who have spent their lives just outside of Silver Lake, the power lines symbolize a new way of life.  

As they recall the glorious day the power poles went up and the lights came on, Jack and Ramona’s journey is a true testament to the transformative power of electric cooperatives.  

“Electricity was one of the most wonderful things there ever was for rural people,” Jack reflects. “It just solved a lot of hard work and solved a lot of problems.” 

Although the Kansas Power and Light Company brought electricity to the city of Topeka in 1924, the electricity of towns and cities did not stretch beyond their boundaries to rural communities, farms, homes and businesses. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration Act and Brown County became the first county in Kansas to receive service in 1938. However, Ramona recalls first receiving power to her childhood home the following decade in 1947 and Jack’s family powered up their home two years later in 1949.  

“The first thing most families wanted was a porch light,” Ramona said. “And you really only had one light inside that was above the dining table.” 

The arrival of power not only brightened their lives, but also made daily tasks significantly easier by electrifying household appliances and bringing indoor plumbing, which freed up countless hours of labor that were once required to achieve routine chores.  

“We carried water up from the spring.” Jack said. “My dad had cistern water system but if it didn’t rain you had to bring water up to the house.” 

Families were quick to replace outdated household items like gas irons and refrigerators. Jack specifically recalls attending a Kaw Valley Electric Cooperative (West district legacy) annual meeting in Topeka, where members could come and purchase an array of electric appliances and tools.  

To experience life without indoor plumbing, air conditioning or even an electric iron seems nearly unimaginable. As you take down the lights strung around your Christmas tree or settle in to watch your favorite show at the end of the day, take a moment to reflect on the powerful journey that electricity has made to make our lives more comfortable.