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The North Building collection
Trolley

Early electric curling irons, hand-crank telephones and portable ovens are part of a unique collection of old appliances stored in EWEB’s warehouse and put on display in the North Building at utility headquarters. Radio

The collection includes a 70-year-old working refrigerator with the original instructions on the inside door.

The collection’s curator, Bill Eaton, worked as an EWEB engineer from 1946 to 1958 and then gave tours and presentations until his retirement in 1976. Bill died in June 2001 at age 85.

ClockSince one of his tasks was to lead tours of the electric and steam plants, Bill began collecting the old appliances to show how electricity was used since the late 19th century. He also would shop for old artifacts at thrift stores and garage sales. Customers who heard of his collection also began calling and donating items.

Electric appliances were rare in Eugene until the late 1940s, but they caught on quickly when the cost of power began dropping significantly as the federal government stepped up construction of hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River system.

The next time you find yourself in the North Building, attending an EWEB meeting or a community gathering, wander out in the hallway and browse through the display.