History

In 1897, the Sun Prairie Village Board approved an ordinance and franchise authorizing Charles B. Hayden to build, erect, maintain and operate an electric plant for the purpose of lighting the village.

Charles Hayden began operating as Sun Prairie Electric and Laundry. They initially provided lighting to Main Street, eventually building out to residences. Sun Prairie Electric and Laundry also operated a telephone exchange and power laundry.

In 1899, the Sun Prairie Village Board awarded a bid to F. Thompson & Sons for the first city well, and a bid to Stegerwald and Lessner for construction of the first city water tower (still standing at the corner of Columbus and Church streets, retired from service in 1991).

The first meeting of the 3- member Board of Water Commissioners was in April, 1903. The original members were the appointed water superintendant B.B. Cobb, J.F. Dott, and J.B. Rood.

In 1910, a petition of 42 citizens led to the purchase of the electric plant from Hayden for $6800.

The water and electric oversight was combined in 1949 with the creation of the 5-member Sun Prairie Water & Light Commission. Original members were Cyril Langer, Tony Klubertanz, Paul Robinson, Max Thorpe and Nubs Weisensel.

Highlights

History of Utility Managers