This photograph displays the smoke stack that is a part of Springfield College's Power Plant. Beginning around 1911, a power plant was temporarily placed south of what is now called East Gymnasium on the Springfield College campus. It was used to heat Judd Gymnasia and the Administration Building as well as to furnish power for ventilating and electricity for all of the school buildings. The temporary plant cost about $10,000 to work. However the Power Plant Committee wanted to move it near the shore of the lake on the south end of campus, and connect it to the newly proposed library building. At a cost of about $40,0000, it was believed that this would supply the entire property with heating, ventilating, lighting, and water. In April 1914, the Geo H. McClean Company, a group of heating and ventilating contractors, agreed to furnish and deliver services for a complete system of steam piping. During the summer months of 1914, the temporary power plant was taken apart. The new structure was finished by September 1914. Today, the Power Plant is still located behind Alumni Hall on the shore of the lake and it is still working to provide heat to the campus of Springfield College.
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