THE ECCMJMEC Am: soczaa ASPECTS c m MASONDANSVILLE EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRZCAL \E Thesis E‘m‘ {he Degree of M. S. ’xiiCI‘iiGAN STATE COLE‘EGE '3 cw. - ' "t s I #3" "’ -’ 2 ‘ l: k x o“.- . ' pr * ' -‘. Austin L: {“i 3.1; :23 '13 C83 f 1946 PLACE IN REWRN Box to remove this checkout from your record. To AVOID FINES retum on or before date due. MAY BE RECALLED with earlier due date if requested. DATE DUE DATE DUE DATE DUE tam W o 1 1 9 1 6 6/01 chlRC/Datoouepes-ms _ 4 mp..- - -_ t . . - .f_ e ".o‘ ‘. ‘ .R‘ ' -’ ‘al, | _ ~' A ' , - - : o " a - l" I ' '— _ _ ~.: ." ‘ r , ‘ _ «_" 3‘ - . ’.I‘v A' . . ' - r 'F. ’ ‘ , . A.- .‘ ‘~ ‘ v H. . ,c - --:.:4’.A’T.‘ .- «- -‘- _‘ r. _- . T. . A , < ‘ < o -I_ 'V ‘ _ '- ‘4 ~ A . —o — " 4 l' A AA V'- T .\ ‘u ' ‘1“. .; £1}. . l . uuuuu 5' u' v . ' u.‘i.‘i’ " :«c-t ' ‘ 5‘ V J . ‘r j ‘1 I l I.‘ l C '15 ‘ V ‘ vi . I'.‘ .' . . - , I v ’h‘t‘ "!“>.. .\’ ‘,’ 1. 1:. ,L‘ ‘ C ‘4 .. _. s. daffy -_- fr: . — ’- ov- - .‘.‘ 3.. 5" 19" ' ‘ a .- - . . . .. n -1 J‘: P- _.. ,-. ‘- i ~d Thisistocerufgthauhe thesis entitled "THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECT OF THE MSON-DANVIIJE EXPERIBENTAL EIECTRICAL LINE ." presented by RI CHLRD ALAN SCI-IROEUER has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for ’C‘ M. 8. degree in Agriculture .— . —....'.-— __. _ . *‘-——P.—A‘- . .- THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE MASON-DANSVILIIE EDERIMENTAL ELECTRICAL LINE BY RICHARD ALAN SCHROEDER A THESIS Submitted to the School for Graduate Studies of Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE Department of Agricultural Engineering 1946 THESTS ‘V- DANSVH LF Fl FHTRUI UN? 1887/46 FRONTISPIECE Midway between Mason and Dansville lies the well- kept roadside park, part of which is shown on the cover picture. The concrete.monument is the center'or attrac— tion with its bronze inscription and steel pole support- ing the test line. The bronze marker has the following inscription on it: fiMASCN-DANSVILLE ELECTRIC LINE Built 1926-1927 Energized Feb. 4, 1927 East two.miles from this point, North two miles and west three miles runs the first rural electric line built in Michigan for the study of electricity's usefulness in farm life. This pioneer beginning in rural elec- trification was accomplished through the cooperation or‘Michigan State College,farm organizations, Consumers Power Company, and twelve farm families who wanted electric service. This marker was dedicated August 25, 1938, by which time 92,000 farms were receiving‘elec- trio service from Michigan utility companies.” Standing in the park and gazing at the two wires carrying electricity dorm the line ani over the hill, it is difficult to visualize that here is the symbol of the dawning of a new day in agriculture. As the park dedicates the Mason-Dansville test line, so the test line exemplifies the new life on the farm. Electric power, carrying with it untold savings in time and labor, less drudgery and more happiness, fewer inconveniences and more wholesome living, all of this and much more has been made possible by the two wires which are strung across the fields and over the hill. TABIE OF CONTENTS Page Chapter I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O O O TheProblem... ........ Definition of the Problem . . . Description and Setting for the Problem Chap ter II 0 O C O O O O O O O O 0 O O O O 0 Economic Aspects . . 0 map» # «PH H ”Otors O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Serviceability . . . . . . . . . . . Table I O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O Electrically operated equipment other than motors and lights . . . . . . . . . 10 Length of life of heating equipment . 10 Table II 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O C O O .— 11 Motor Driven Equipment . . . . . . . . . 14 Life of Motor Driven Equipment . . . 14 Summary of serviceability . . . . . . 15 Wiring on the Mason-Dansville Line . . . . 16 HazardS............... 17 BarnWiring............. 17 Labor saved 0 O O O O O O O O O 0 O O O O 18 WaterSystsms.....-....... 18 Milking Machines . . . . . . . . . . 20 Total Labor Saved . . . . . . . . . . 20 Preferences in Electrical Equipment . . . 21 TableIIIeeeee'eeeeeeeeeee 22 Kilowatt Hour Consumption . . . . . . . . 24 FigureIee ee eeeeeeeee 25 Monthly KWH consumption . . . . . . . . . 2‘7 Fime II C O O O O O O O O O 0 O O 28 Social ASpects On the Line . . . . . . . 29 Rural electrification in Michigan . . . 29 Influence of Rural Electrification . 31 Figure III 0 O O O O O O O O O O O. O O 32 FigureIV.... ........ 34 Community Activities . . . . . . . . 36 Home Conveniences . . . . . . . . . . 3'7 Appendix 0 0 O O O O O O O O O 0 O O O O O O O 39 CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM Back in 1927, nearly twenty years ago, Michigan State College in cooperation with Consumers Power Com- pany constructed an experimental farm electrification test line between Mason and Dansville in Ingham County. Today, after more than nineteen years of service, a study has been made to determine the effect on the farmers from a social as well as an economical stand- point. The problem to be answered in the tin sis and the basis of the study, can be stated specifically as follows: What have been the resulting economical and social aspects of the Mason-Dansville line? DEFINITION OF THE PROBIm In the early planning stages of the Mason-Dansville electrical line, the representatives of Michigan State College and Consumers Power Company felt there were two general categories into which the findings of the experi- mental line would fall. These men were familiar with the equipment used at that time and wanted to know the economical effect on tin fem user. They were also aware that farm electrification might have an effect upon the lives of the farm users. The following thesis is to be divided into the two general headings: (l) economical results of the experimental line, and (2) social aSpects resulting from the experimental line. In considering the economical side of the problem, such things are discussed as: the life of electrical equipment, costs on electrical equipment, kilowatt hour consumption, wiring, the amount and kind of electrical equipment on each farm, safety, and hazards. There is ’some information available relative to this subject,l but not as extensive, or covering such a long period of time. The data included in this thesis is taken directly from fans which have used electricity for nineteen years. As a result, the findings are very. significant to any farmer in Michigan. All of the farms studied were of average income and general type farms. A crop failure for anyone of them would have meant an extreme hardship. The section of the problem dealing with the social aspects of the Mason-Dansville line» has to do with the effect of electricity on the lives of the farm users. There has been much speculation on the part electricity 1'1‘. E. Hienton, "Depreciation of Farm Electric Equip- ment," Agr. Engr. Journ., 1938, 19: pp. 205-207. plays in the lives of farm users. In solving this part of the problem, it is determined how many people have re- mained on the farm because of electric ity; the amount and extent of community activity and the number of farmers who intend to live on the farm in tteir years of retire- ment. DESCRIPTION AND SETTING FOR THE PROBLEM The problem centers aroum a small rural community in Ingham County extending between Mason, the County,seat, and Dansville, a small village seven miles east and 2 miles south. The experimental line extends into the surrounding commities of these two rural villages, but does not in- clude a large part of either community. Consumers Power Company was planning to cons trmt a high-voltage line from Mason to Dansville to provide the latter with elec- tric power. During the years of 1925 am 1926, Michigan State College was trying to work out a plan with the Michigan Committee on the Relation of Electricity to Agri- culture to organize an experimental electrical line in a strictly farming community. The decision “as finally reached to make the proposed line between Mason and Dana- ville an experimental line with the farms along the line as the actual laboratory. CHAPTER II ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AS FOUND IN THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY OF THE EQUIINJENT ON THE MASON—DANS'VILLE LINE The first part of Chapter II deals with electric motors which play a very essential part in the electrical program of the ten farms on the Mason-Dansville line. MOTORS Length 9; service-—On the ten ferns studied there are a total of sixty-nine motors in use. They have an average length of usage of 10.3 years. Fifteen of these motors have been in service since the line was energized in the early part of 1927. The fifteen motors are used as follows: four water pumps; three feed grinders; two milking machines; two vacuum cleaners; two washing machines; one incubator; and one 5 H. P. portable. In only one case did a farmer report the failure of an electric motor. The cause in this instance was not in the motor, but in the installation. The motor was on a pump and placed in such a location that cmdensed water from old pipes dripped on it. No other motors were reported to have failed. The owners were very well instructed and trained on how to care for their motors. They practically all stated that they oiled the motor from once to twice a year depending on what it was used for. One owner oiled his pump Jack motor once a month for 18 years, which is of tener than recommended, but apparently didn't get too much oil in the motor to cause any harm. One farmer us ed a one-half horse power motor on his milking machine for nineteen years. He finally replaced the milking machine, but kept the motor. The motor was brought into the laboratory and dismantled for analysis. The motor had been oiled nore often than twice a year and the inside was slightly covered with oily, grimy dirt. The bushings were only slightly worn, the insulation on the windings was in fairly good condition, and the brushes were in good shape. When the motor starts, itruns m the starting winding longer than usual. From the results of this study it become apparent that the life of an electric motor is more than twenty years; The study shows that by using the proper sized motor for the Job and doing a little maintenance work, an electric motor should give indefinite service. Serviceabilipy-Jarmers and everyone else using elec- tricity pay for a service rendered them. The electric TABIEI l ELECTRIC MOTCRS USED ON THE MASCN-DANSVILIE IINE BETWEEN 1927 AND 1946 Motor No . Total Average Range Orig . No . used in 'years Yrs of in yr equip- re- on use of usage use of use ment placed“** Pump 11 119- 10.8 2-19 4 l Milking machine 8 '79 9.9 2-18 1 1* Washing machine 10 94 I 9.4 4-14.- 0 3 Refrigerator 9 '74, 8 .2 3-15 0 1** Feed grinder 4 6‘7 16.8 13-19 2 0 Grain Elevator 4 35 8.8 1-19 1 0 Vacuum Sweeper 10 130 13,0 8-19 2 4 Incubator 1 l9 l9 l9 1 0 Deep Freeze l 2 2 2 0 Miscellaneous 11 92 8.4 4-19 1 0 TOTAL 69 '711 10.3 12 10 *Only the pump was replaced, the original motor is still being used. "In addition to the me refrigerator replaced, another one tas had its compressor unit replaced. ***These replaced were necessary because of the piece of eqiipment and not the motor. service is worthless unless the user has equipment which can utilize electricity. In Table I' are shown the uses to which electric motors have been put on the Mason-Dans- ville line. On the ten farms, eleven motors are used on pressure water systems. All of the farms on the line have at least one pressure system. One farmer has a pressure pump on his soft water line as well as one on his hard water line. Another farmer used an electric motor on a pump Jack for his water supply for seventeen years. Two years ago he installed a pressure water system. In only one instance, as has been explained previ- ously has an electric motor been replaced due to failure, ani that was not the fault of the motor. No other farmers reported any serious motor trouble. Some of the motors were dismantled for cleaning by the owners. The greatest majority of tie motors, however, have never been touched except for oiling. As a general rule most of the More were oiled every four to six months. The second most extensive use of the electric motor is on the washing machine. The average number of years - of usage for these motors was 9.4 with a range in years of usage of from 4-14 years. All ten farms reported the use of a washing machine. These motors were not used as often as the pump motors, but the washing mchines were run longer at one time._ Three.machines have been re- placed on the line since 1927. The owners reported that the washing machine motor was more difficult to oil than other motors because of its nearly inaccessible position on the machine. As a result the motors were not as well oiled as they should have been. The more modern washing machine motors do not need oiling. Three machines were replaced on the line, but the reason was not due to the motors. Later on in the report when the discussion deals with electrical equipment other than motors, the reasons for failure will be related. vacuum.sweepers rated as the third.most popular ma- chine on the line in terms of.numbers in use. All ten farms have a sweeper (Table -I") as well as the washing machine. These sweepers have been used an average of 13.0 years. iMore trouble was reported with vacuum sweepers than any'other of the motors. Of the four machines that were replaced, the.motors were all causing some difficulty. The windings were not burned out but the brushes ani arma- tures were worn. The vacuum sweeper motors were generally dheaper and lighter in construction. These motors were not oiled at any definite interval. Refrigerators rated fourth in terms of the number used. Nine families (Table .I. ) have electric refriger- ators. One of these nine also has a deep freeze unit. No trouble was reported with motors on the nine refriger- ators. The motor load on the se machims is nearly constant as was the case of the water pressure systems. The re fri- gerator manufacturers have installed the correct sized motor for the compressor unit. The refrigerator used by one family has been in service for fifteen years. Milking machines were reported by eight of the ten farms. One farmer has not operated his machine in six years because he has changed from dairy farming to crop farming.’ Another farmer has us ed the original motor of his milking machine for nine teen years, but he has had to replace the pump. No repairs were made on the motor during the nineteen years of its service. The milker has been , used on twenty cows continuously since its installation. Still another farmer has had a milking machine that he in- stalled in 192'? and used on twenty-one cows for 18 years. He installed a larger pump and motor in 1945, but kept the original motor. The motor was operating almost per- fectly except for a slow starting time. The motor was dismounted and found to be in excellent condition-on the inside. There was some greasy dirt inside the motor which could easily cause the slow starting. The bearings were slightly worn. According to actual laboratory measurement the bearing on the pulley and of the shaft had .021 of an inch clearance. The average years of usage of the milking mchines was 9.9 years. Two of the motors on the machines have had eighteen or more years of continuous service. The milking machine is always located in the barn where there is dust and dirt constantly in the air. Sometimes the machine is covered, but those that were inspected on the Mason-Dansville line were all exposed to the dirt of the barn, and had a dirt and grease cos ting on them. In spite of these adverse conditions the motors on the milking ma- chines have given excellent service. ELECTRICALLY OPERATED EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN MOTORS AND IIGHTS In general the equipment studied in the Mason-Dansville line can be divided into two groups, namely; motor driven and heating. Three kinds of heating equipment are covered in the study. They are: stoves, water heaters, flat irons, and radios. L225“ of life of heating eguipment-éThe electric stove is probably the most importmt item in this group to the families on the line. All ten farms ‘use an electric stove. TABIE I EIECTRICALLY OPERATED EQUIPMENT* OTHER THAN MOTORS AN) LIGHTS USED Q‘I THE MASCN-DANSVILIE LINE FROM 1927-1946 No . To ta 1 Average Rang e No . No . Item in years year in yr re- orig. use of usage usage of usage placed equip. Stove 10 120 12.0 1-19 A l 2 Water he ater 7 63 9 .0 8-12 0 0 Fla 1'. iron 10 155 13 .5 8-19 0 4 Radio 10 TOTAL 3'7 318 1 6 *This includes the equipment listed in Table III. The sue table headings are used in both Table III and IV to differentiate between the uses of the motors. Two of the stoves were originals quipment on the line and have been used for nineteen years. The average number of years of usage for tie stoves was 12.0. There has been more repair costs with stoves than other kinds of equip- ment on the line. Five of the stoves have had to have two or more of the heating coils replaced. When the replace- ments were made with the open coil type, the results were still not satisfactory. Evm tually the replacemnts were made with the closed coil type of heating unit. This type unit has been much more satisfactory, and none of them have failed. Tm fam wife did report, however, that the closed unit was slower in heating than the open type. Three of the stoves were reported to have faulty oven con- trols. The temperature in the oven was not the ewe as that on the control. Two of the stoves were slow in heat- ing up and did not reach their operating temperature. The coils were functioning properly as were the switches. One of the stoves was ten years old and the otter was fifteen years old. On one farm, a wood range is used in addition to the electric stove. They have the three, burner Junior-size stove which is not large enough for a farm family and the extra help needed during the year. - Seven of the farms use electric water heaters. These heaters have a time clock switch on them which allows the heater to Operate only on "off peak" service. The heaters have an averagenumber of years of usage of 9.0. The years of usage range five to twelve. None of the families reported any trouble whatsoever with their water heaters. Some of the users had a little difficulty adjusting their household habits and schedules to the use of hot water. Many times when they wanted to use a large quantity of hot water, there was no hot water because the heater was auto- matically turned off. Eventually all the families became adjusted to the situation and practically always have all the hot water they need. Anotter item of hea ting‘equipment studied was the electric iron. All ten families use an electric flat iron. Four of the families still use their flat iron that was pur- chased in 1927. The average nunber of years of usage was 15.5. None of the electric irons have had to be repaired in any way. Three of the four families that have used their electric irons for nineteen years have had six or more people in tin family. One family had five daughters, all of whom used the electric iron for ironing. All of the people re- ported that they had dropped their iron but that it appar- ently was not damaged. MOTOR DRIVEN EQUIPMENT L132 9__f_ mm driven equipmen t--Water pressure pumps have seen as much or more service than any other type of equipment on the line. They are the most important item in the farm business not considering the electric lights in the house. All of the farm families felt that their ‘ water pump had given them excellent service. None of farmers have had anything seriously wrong with their pumps. When one farmer took his pressure pump off his hard water line and put it on the soft water line, he sent it to the factory for reconditioning, although nothing was wrong with the pump. He felt that as long as the pump was disconnected, he would have it overhauled. He put a larger pump on his hard water line. The pump on the soft water line the been in service for nineteen years. The other farmers on the line all report similar sto- ries about their pressure pumps . None of the others have had their pumps reconditioned, but are still using them. The belts have been replaced on the pumps, but nothing else has been done except oil them. When the pumps were inspected, it was found that the older ones were worn in the bearings and piston in the piston pumps. This wear was not serious enough to cause any trouble or failure. The older piston pumps were noisy in operation. No exact time can be given on the length of service to be expected from a pressure pump. After nine— teen years the pumps are still’functioning satisfactorily. There was, no noticeable difference in the wear between the pumps that were used for pumping water to the ham and house .and those that were used only for the house, supply. Many things are made possible with the use of a water pressure system. Running water, bathroom, drinking cups, fire protection and others have all become a part of farm life and the farm business througi the use of pressure water system. The refrigerator is another piece of equipmeit that has been giving long-con tinned service. Only one refri- gerator has had any major work done to it. Walter Carvan had to have a new compresor unit in their refrigerator. The electric stoves have given good service except for the failure of the burners. There were also several reports of the oven control not being accurate. The stoves have received lots of use and are one of the important items in the farm home. Summary 9__f_ serviceability 9; emipment §_§_ shown 1); the results 9; the experiment-«(1) Tm water pressure sys- tems have given unfailing service. (2) The pumps rave been installed on cenent foundations and bolted solidly in ( place. (3) The proper size of equipment is necessary to- insure desirable service. (4) Follow .the manufacturers' specifications as to the size for the job. (5) Proper care of the equipment is required for lasting service. (6) Worn parts should be replaced. ('7) Careful maintenance pracQ- tices are essential such as: oiling at recommended inter- vals, maintaining proper adjustments, aid tightening loose parts. WIRING ON THE MASCN-DANSVILIE LINE Before any wiring was done in any home, detailed plans were made for each layout. All of the farms except one were provided with a sixty amp service which has provided ample power fer every occasion. One farmer had a one hundred amp service installed for the use of a five -hor se power motor. Other farmers with the sixty .amp srvice also used the five- horse power motor on the silo filler and other large eQiip- ment. They had no difficulty due to tie lad: of current for the large motor. None of the farms have any heavy equipment such as a haydrier,‘ arc welder, gutter cleaner. If the farms had one or more of these large pieces of equip- ment besides complete electrical furnishings for the house, the one hundred amp service would be necessary. _H_g_u§3 wiring-«All of the homes were originally well planned as to their wiring. Four of the houses rave been 1'7 remodeled since 1927 and additions were made to the wiring at that time. One housewife reported that she wanted more outlets. New items of equipment have been developed since 1927 that were not anticipated or planned for at the time the original plans were made. The branch circuits and wire sizes were well planned in the beginning. The only dif- ficulty encountered in the house wiring was in the use of armored cable. Hazards-"Three owners reported that the outer armor becme shorted to the main wires and thus emrgized tin outlet box. A fire was started in tm one basement because of the shorted armored calbe. Little danage, however, was done before the fire was discovered. The se farms have all replaced the armored cable with Romex and I!) further diffi- culty has been encountered. . There were no water heaters vhen the wiring was done in 1927 and no allowance made for them. Eight fanilies now use electric water heaters and a special circuit ted to be run from the fuse-box to the heater. gage wiring--All of the barns were not wired in 1927, but since then all of them have been wired. A few minor changes have been made to allow for milking machines, grind- ers, etc. Here again the armored cable Ins had to be re- placed. in three barns. LABOR SAVED Probably the biggest value given to electricity on the farm has been the amount of labor saved by doing a Job electrically as compared to the hand or some other method. Actually the labor saved on’ a Job is a very in- tangible item. Some jobs that couldn't be done by hand were made possible with the use of electri cty. In other cases where a Job was done electrically, hand labor was saved in several related jobs. we}; system-Water sys tems rated second in prefer- ence next to lights in the house on the need for elec- trical equipment on the farm. Many things have been made possible through the use of pressure water systems. Tie inside bathroom and running water for the kitchen are two of the most important uses derived from pressure systems. Knowing how important water is to human life, it should receive first consideration in planning any home. Water should be made as accessible and convenient as possible; accessibility of pure water is essential to good health. To get an idea how much labor is saved by pumping the water with electricity as compared to the hand method, some figures on the amount of water needed arouni the farm are necessary. Each member of the family should have available thirty gallons of water a day, a cow twelve gallons , a hog two gallons, and one hundred chickens will drink approxi- mately two gallons a day. A lawn Sprinkler mes about 200 gallons per hour. Using these figures the following story can be told about one farmer and his water system. He installed his system in 1927. He piped the water 1:) both the house and the barns when the system was installed. In years gone by the pump has probably pulped 200,000 gal- lons a year, with a repair bill of only two‘ dollars , and an electricity cost of 48¢. If one man was capable of pumping 200 gallons of water per hour by hand and were paid thirty cents per hour, the hand pumping would cost three hundred dollars for labor per year for the 100 ten hour days he would pump water. This is nearly cue third of a year's time for one man. Tm three hundred dollars for one year's labor will more than install a complete water system. This particular fanner has saved in labor costs in nineteen years at least $5,700 besides having the help of 1,700 ten hour days of labor of profitable employ. This means that the saving is sufficient to buy a forty-acre farm. All of the farms on the line have water pressure sys- tems md can tell a similar story. All of, them appreciate the saving in tin md labor, but they do not necessarily put the extra time to profitable employ. Instead they enjoy life a little more by not working so hard. Electric stoves--Figures show that 8,920 hours can be saved in 19 years by using an electric sieve. Several Jobs enter into the picture here as far as saving time is concerned. First, no mod has to be cut. Second, the fire building task is eliminated and third, no mess around the stove to clean up and no ashes to carry out. If two hours a day fer six days per week were spent on these Jobs that would.be 626 hours a year. According to a.Kansas test it takes $210 worth of coal to do the same amount of cooking as $1.10 worth of‘ele ctricity.z Besides tie saving in money, the electric range is much more convenient and clean. Milking nechines--A herd of twenty cows can be milked in an hour with a milking machine at an energy'cost of 1&9! per hour. By hand the sale Job muld re glire two and one half hours. On the mo milkings per day, three hours would be saved. For the nineteen years 20,805 hours was saved. 22331 1.522.! MnUsing very conservative estimates it can be shown that it is possible to save 50,000 hours in nineteen years by doing the important Jobs on the farm electrically. If an average farm: using a pressure pump, 2Hinricks, H. 3., The Use 9; Electricity 9;; Kansas Farms, 1928, p. 19. ' electric stove, milking nachine and other smaller items, is taken as an example, the following figires can be shown. Assume that there is a family of five people, 160 acres, fifteen cows, 200 chickens, and ten hogs. For tie water requirements , it would take two hours a day of hand labor; the stove, two hours a day for six days a week; the milking machine, two and one half hours of extra hand labor; and miscellaneous Jobs, one hour a day. For one year the saving would be 2654 hours. Considering all of the ten farms on the line, the saving becomes quite large, 500,000 hours in ten years. PREFERENCES IN ELECTRICAL EQUIEMEWI' A questionnaire with twenty-one items of electrical equipment listed was taken to each farm on the line. The families were asked to rate the items in the order in which they thought they were the most immrtant in their farm business. The question has often been asked which was the most important piece of electrical equipment on the farm. I Also from a different angle, a farmer might have a certain amount of money which he wishes to spend on electrical equipment. If he has not had the use of the items previ- ously, he would like to kmw vhat pieces to buy first. I‘able lllshows how the ten families rated the twenty items. TABLE III THE AVERAGE ORDER OF PREFERENCE OF TWENTY ELECTRICAL ITNS USED BY 'EE FAMILIES ON THE MASCN -DANSVILI.E LINE Order rate; Item 1 Electric lights in house 2 Pressure water system 5 Washing machine 4 Electric lights in barn 5 Refrigerator 6 Electric stove '7 Flat iron 8 ‘Milking machine 9 Radio 10 Water teeter 11 vacuum cleaner 12 ‘Milk cooler 15 Grinder 14 Deep freeze unit 15 5 HP Motor for silo filling and other heavy jobs 16 Incubator 17 Portable grain elevator 18 Saw 19 Welder 20 Drill 21 Hay drie r . Electric lights in the house and the pressure water' system.were very close in the final rating. Electric lights in the house received seven first place votes out of the ta: while the pressure system received only two first place votes. The other first place vote went to the milking machine. Electric lights in the house re- ceived two fifth place votes while the water system re- ceived nothing lower than third place votes. The wash- ing.machine in third place received only votes between second and fifth place. The second place washing machine vote was made by a man. The refrigerator and electric stove both received the same average vote. The refriger- ator received a second place vote and none lower than ninth. The stove received only thrid place votes and two below ninth place, therefore the refrigerator was rated fifth.and the stove sixth place. One farm rated the milker first because they feel that their cows play a large part in their business and that their son would not stay hone if he had to help.milk by hand twenty cows twice a day. In general, the farm families feel that the conveni- ences around the house are the most important and the other items are desirable. 24 KILOWA'I'I' HOUR CONSUMPTION By studying the kilowatt hour consumption over a 1 period of time, several things can be determined. Tie increased electrical consumption does not ne cessarily mean that the farmer is putting in more hours per year. He might add electrical ecpipment to his fan in order to do some of his hand jobs with electricity. In this case, he would actually be doing less work by hand with the in- creased kilowatt hour consumption. On the other hand, if the farmer does not add electrical ecpipment to his farm busimss and still increases his electrical consumption, he must be doing more work with his present equipment. Figure I shows the trend in kilowatt hour consumption for all ten farms over the period of years between 1950 arfi 1945. There were no figures available for the years between 1950 and 1954, also there were no figures for the years between 1954 and 1959. There was very little change before 1954. After 1954, the kilowatt hour consumpt 1m increased from 16,000 KWH in 1954 to 40,000 in 1959. It was during this tine that much electrical equpment was . added to the line. Six of the water heaters were instal- led at this time. They are big users of electricity. Three electric stoves were added between 1954 and 1959. FIGURE I KWH CONSUMPTION ON THE TEN FARMS BETWEEN 1930 AND 1945 KWH Consumption 50,000 40,000 50,000 20,000 10,000 O 1930 SI 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 I945 41 42 43 41 45 Years Two pressure pumps, three milking nechines, and four re-i frigerators also were added during these years. The in- crease in KWH consumption can be attributed to these additions on the line. After 1959, the KWH consumption leveled off and slightly decreased until 1941. Very little equipment was added durirg these years. One water heater was installed, also one milking machine. Farming as a whole was level- ing off at that time and the conditions in general were stable. One of the larger farmers changed from livestock to crop farming and began going to Florida in 1940, which accounts for a large amount of the decrease. In 1941, the KWE consumption again started on a big increase and kept on during the war years. In 1941, 58,000 KWH were used on the line by the ten farmers‘and in 1945 the number had increased to 49,000. During these five years, the follow- ing equipment was added to the line: one pump, one milk- ing machine, two refrigerators, one water heater, one deep freeze unit, one stove and one stoker. The addition of these items has not caused all of the increase in the KWH consunmtion during the war years. By far the largest amount of the increase came from using the present equip- ment more extensively. During the war years the farmers were called upon to produce more food with the same amount J of equipment. Here is evidmce that the farm families responded to their country's needs. The increased use of electricity is an indication of the amount of activity going on abort the farm. With practically the same amount of equipment but higher KWH consumption between 1941 and 1946, the answer lies in the facts that; the lights were used longer each day, the milking machine was used more, more. water was pumped for the extra live stock, more feed was ground, the stove was used more, and the water heater was on longer to supply the added reqri rements of hot water. When each one of these items is us ed more and the total figure is determined, an increased KWH consumption results. Most of the families on the line indicated that they had increased their farm business as much as they could under present conditions. The farm business will undoubtedly level off now, but not necessarily the M consumption for there are many new items of electrical eqr ipment which are still to come to the farmers which will make his work easier but will increase his electrical consumption. MONTHLY KWH CONSUMPTION By studying the KWH consumption over a period of twelve months, the active periods during the year on the farm can be determined. Figure II shows the average KWH FIGURE II THE MONTHLY AVERAGE OF KWH CONSUMPTION OF ALL TEN FARMS IN 1941 ‘ KWH Consumption 400 375 550 525 500 275 250 225 200 O _ __F t T... .._... Jan Feb Mar Apr‘May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Months 29 consumption of the ten fame for each month during the year. The year of 1941 was used because it represents a busy and properous year for the farmer as well as being the last year that monthly readings were made. Two peak period during the year is evident by looking at the figure. The late spring and early summer months of May, June, and July are the highest group of months. This is usually a busy time on the farm. The spring work is at its peak then and the farmers put in long days. Spring house-cleaning is in progress which uses extra hot water. The lowest period of KWH consumption is during August and September. Vacations are in order for the farmers that take them. There is less activity on the farm at ttat time. The spring crOps have been harvested, the corn "laid by" and the fall work has not yet started. THE SOCIAL ASEC'IB OF RURAL EIECTRIFICA‘IION AS FOUND ON THE MASCN-DANSVILIE LINE' R__u_1_-_a_1_ electrification igMichigan-Jtural electrifi- cation is very new in terns of actual existence in Michigan. It wasn't until the middle and late 1950's that rural electrification really came into its own. Probably no other single factor has had more effect on the farming business. However, there has been no large scale reor- ganization in the farming pattern. Rural electrification has contributed mainly to the-easier and more efficient handling of many jobs around the farm. Another point of possibly still more importance, is the greater convenience and the deeper attraction to farm life. At the present time there is not enough data available to measure the effect of rural electrification on the added degree to which it the contributed to increased happiness and con- tentment. From observation and personal experience, it some quite obvious that rural families en Joy electric. lights much more than the old kerosene lights which never did give off enough light to see in the barn or house. The electric pump which now supplies water to tie houa and barn is certainly much better than waiting for the wind to Operate the windmill or hoping that the gasoline engine will start and keep going, or if these two methods fail to get water, to use the backbreaking style of doing it by hand. All of these additions to farm life have aided tremendously in making farm life much more enjoyable and happy. As a result of this higher standard of living in the country, the farmer has become more proud of his role 'in society and his sons and daughters are more anxious to continue on the farm. -— 31 Still another way in which rural electrification has influenced the country folks can be measured in terns of} the steady increase of the rural non-farm population over the last ten to fifteen years. It is almost safe to say that these rural non-farm people would not be living in the country if the rural electric power lines did not go by the ir homes and thus make it possible for them to have all of the conveniences of the city. The trend of the rural nor-farm pepulation is shown in Figure III. The rural non-farm population has. rapidly increased in the last ten. years. Tie trend goes parallel with the increased expansion of rural electricity, figure IV. The question of which cane first, the rural non-farm people or the rural electricity, is difficult to answer. They both have increased rapidly in the last fifteen years. Rural electrification is re aching its peak distribution while the rural non-farm population is continuing to in- crease. All of this is ample and substantial proof that city people would not be moving to the country if it were not for rural electricity.- _‘1_‘_h_e_ influence 91111331 ele ctricity on the families of the Mason-Dansville line-~0riginally thirteen farms were signed up and ent eregd into the exper inent. Nine of FIGURE III TEE RURAL NON-FARM POPULATION IN MICHIGAN BETWEEN 1920 and 1940 333a}; Non-Farm Population 1000.000 900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 500,000 200,000 100,000 0 ' In 1950* 1930 1510 32 33 the original families (man and wife) are still at their sane farm. One son ani his family have taken over his father's farm, which was one of the original farms. These are the ten families used in the experiment. 0f the othe' three, one has died, and tvo moved away. Since then those three farms have changed hands so much that the original experiment has lost its value as far as any true resrlts are concerned. According to statements made by all the ten remain- ing farm families , electricity has played a big part in their lives. They said that they couldn't farm without it and made other similar statements. This sort of in- formation is all well and good, but if of little value without some actual proof. One family was living in town at the time the electri- city was brought in. They said that they would not come back to the farm without electricity. Since they moved back to the farm, they have completely remodeled their home. This farmer has been and is very active in Farm Bureau. Besides being an officer he was roll call chair- man for the county. That is a big task and takes a great deal of tire. They have no children. He is very profuse in his praise ‘for electricity, and he cannot see how any farm can function properly without it. Percent 100 75 50 25 FIGURE IV PERCENTAGE OF MICHIGAN IMHWB EIECTRIFIED 1950 Years 34 35 One of the farners had unseen and three daughters, and the son would not be home farming with hisdad if itI were not for the electrical power. They are probably the biggest famers on the line in terms of the amount of business handled. Trey havethe largest KWH consumption of any customer on the line. The dairy herd is a big part of their farming program. Sixteen to twenty-four cows are kept the year around. A milking machine has been used since 1947. The milking mchine received top rating by them in their choice of electrical eqripment. The am said he would not milk the cows by hand. Tie father could not take care of the herd alone without electricity and without the dairy herd, their) fan would be a very small business. Here is some evidence that the electricity has kept a young man on the farm. The son is married and they have their own home farm near his father's place. Trey have a modern house with a bathroom and all the modern conveniences including a fro zen food unit in the basement. One farmer in particular has probably made electri- city pay out and work for him more than any one of the other farmers. This is true mainly from the standpoint of personal gains and pleasures. By 1940, he had made his farm business pay out so that he and his wife could g) to Florida every winter since then. Between 1927 and 1940, he had always kept a large amount of_.livestock on his farm. He used electricity extensively in caring for these ani- mals. -He had a milking mchine, running water in the barn, grain elevator and grinder, blower for putting grain in I the barn, and a five-horse power motor for silo filling. All of this electrical equipment permitted him to do a larger volume of business at less cost than if he had tried to do it all by hand or hired a man to help him. After 1940, he changed his syr: tem of farming from livestock to crops. This change left the winters free to w to Florida, but still provided an income for them. On still another farm is an exanple of how electri- city helped one of the original families to continue farm- ing. The operator died in 1955 and his wife has been Operating her seventy-four acre farm alone since that time. She has had a hired man part of the tins and help from her family part of the time. She has had all of the electrical equipment for her house, such as the water heater, running water for the house and barn, stoker for the furnace, stove, bathroom, refrigerator, etc. Also she has had a milking machire for the dairy herd. She feels that she would not have been able to carry on the farm business without elec— triCitYO *- Commupit; ggtivitieg--Most of the farm families on tm line made the statement that they would rather take life easier with the tine saved them through the use of electricity. Upon investigation this has not been found to be ‘true necessarily. Instead of doing work themselves, the peeple have continued to work nearly as hard, but not on their farms. They have been entering into comunity activities with the ir extra tine. One farmer has bear township supervisor for thirteen years, war board chair- man, secretary-treasurer of the Farm Bureau for twenty years, on the boa rd of directors on the Michigan Milk Pr0ducers Association for two years, and worked on the Red Cross, war chest, and war bond drives. Another farmer has been roll call chairman of the Farm Bureau, county Red Cross chairman for two years, secretary of the Farm Bureau discussion group for two years, and they attend church in Lansing. Still another fanner has been a school board member for the Dansville school for several years. These have been the main community activities of some of the people on the line. The extra time required for this work has come about largely through the use of elec- tricity. Home congenienceguProbably one of the biggest reasons for the happiness and contentment portrayed by the families ’on the Mason-Dansville line has been due to the modern con- veniences each of the families are enjoying. Every family has running water in the house, and they all have a bath- room as a result. Tie se conveniences more than anything else make life worth living to many people. Along with the water system, the stove, refrigerator, and water heater have all added to the pride and joy of these ten farm families. Nine of the families are well past middle age and are grandparents, but they are still strong and in g>od health. They are all satisfied with their fann life and hone and say nothing about leaving the farm to live in town. APPENDIX 39 TABLE I THE MGQTHLY AVERAGE OF KWH CONWTION OF ALL TEN FARMS IN 1941 m Average January 316 Febniary 266 March 289 April 286 May 343 June 583 July 373 August _ 360 September 292 October 372 November 350 December 289 FIGURE I HLOWATT HCUR C(NWTION OF 'IHE WAIEER.CARVEN FARM BETWEEN 1930-1945 INCIUSIVE Kilowatt_hour consumption 8000 7000 6000 5000 400W 500 2000 1000 1936 5: 52 33 5: 55 53 35 EB 39 I546 II I? 43 44 :5 Years FIGURE 2 KILOWATT HOUR C(N SJMPTION OF THE PEARL ASELTINE FAPM BETWEEN 1950-45 INCLUSIVE Know; hour con sumptng 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 19 Wows—WWW 6 5 f 4 4 4 415 Years FIGURE 3 KILOWATT HCIJR CONSUMPTION OF THE IULA WHIPPIE FARM BETWEEN 1930-45 INCIUSIVE Kilowatt hour consumption 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 V . t 1950 SI 3§ 53 54 55 36 37 58 39 I540 II 42 :3 4E 35 Years FIGURE 4 ICIIDWA'I'I‘ HCDR CONSUMPTION OF THE ARTHUR DEYO FAFM BETWEEN 1930-45 INCIDSIVE Kilowatt hour consumption 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 5000 2000 1000 0 4 , A 19mm 35 3 e e 1940 41 42 m Years FICURE 5 KILOWATT HCUR CONSUL'IPTION OF THE AMI TERRILL FARM BETWEEN 1930-1945 INCLUSIVE Kilowatt hour consumption 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 1930 31 32 33 34 35 36 33 38 3B 1540 41 4E 43 44 45 Years FIGURE 6 KILOWATT HCUR CONSUMPTION OF THE ROY RAE FARM BETWEEN 1930-1945 INCLUSIVE Kilowatt hour consumption 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 19“T30 3 3'? 5334 35 as sfia 39 1940 41 4?: 4:5 44 43 Years FIGURE 7 KILOWATT HOUR CONSUMPTION OF THE ELLIS HAYNES FARM BETWEEN 1930—1945 INCLUSIVE Kilowa t t hour eons umLti on 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 o . 1‘”T“““930 3 52 W 54 36?? 38 391940 41 42 45 44 45 Years FBHJRE 8 KILOWATT HOUR CONSUMPTION OF TEE EHMER_BRAVENDERJFARM BETWEEN 1930-1945 INCEUSIVE Ki lowa 1:3 hou r 00 ns umgt ion 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0—7 1930 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 I940 41 42 43 44 45 Years FIGURE 9 ICELOWATT HCUR CONSUMPTION OF THE JAMES NOXAN'FARM BETWEEN 1930-1945 INCLUSIVE Kilowatt hour cons umptign 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 5000 2000r-~4lngg5§-*—fl__fl_fl_____,___,‘_‘_4//”"""//) 1000 O A 1930 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 I940 II 42 43 44 45 Years FIGURE 10 KILOWATT HCUR CCNSUMPTION 0F TEE LLOYD HAYHOE FARM BETWEEN 1930-1945 INCLUSIVE Kilowatt hour consumption 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 100 OR 0 . . 1933 31: 32 33 a 35 36 37 38 39 I943 41 42 43 44 45 Years TABLE II EQUIIMENT ON THE E. BRAVENDER FARM 1927-1946 Item No. Yr. Inst. Yrs. Service Replaced Pressure water system 1 1934 12 O Refrigerator 1 1940 6 0 Electric lights in house 1 1927 19 0 Washing machine 1 1934 12 0 Electric stove l 1936 10 0 Water heater 1 1936 10 0 ‘Electric lights in barn l 1932 14 0 Flat iron 1 1930 16 0 Vacuum cleaner 1 1931 15 0 Radio 1 TABLE III EQUIPMENT ON THE E. HAYNES FARM 1927-1946 Item Pressure water system Refrigerator Milking machine Electric lights in house Washing machine Grinder Electric stove water heater Electric lights in barn Flat iron Vacuum cleaner 5 HP Motor for Silo filling and other heavy jobs Radi o No. I--'l--'l--'l-' rd P‘ re F‘ ta F4 ta P‘ Yr. Inst. 1927 1931 1927 1927 1938 1927 1927 1938 1927 1927 1930 1927 Yrs. Service 19 15 19 19 8 19 19 8 l9 l9 l6 l9 Replaced 0 OOOOOOOI—‘OOO TABLE IV EQUIPMENT ON THE R. RAE FARM 1927-1946 Item Pressure water system Refrigerator Milking machine Electric lights in house Washing machine Electric stove Water heater Deep freeze unit Electric lights in barn Flat iron Vacuum cleaner Radio NO. rd P‘ Id ha Id h‘ id P‘ id k» HP Yr. Inst. 1929 1930 1927 1927 1931 1930 1937 1944 1927 1927 1930 Yrs. Servie e 17 16 19 19 15 16 9 2 19 19 16 Replaced 00000000000 TABLE V EQUIPMENT ON THE A. TERRILL FARM 1927-1946 Item No. Yr. Inst. Yrs. Service Replaced Pressure water system 1 1937 19 0 Refrigerator 1 1934 12 0 Milking machine 1 1936 10 0 Electric lights in house 1 1927 19 0 Incubator 1 1927 19 0 Washing machine 1 1937 14 l Grinder 1 1927 19 0 Electric stove 1 1937 19 0 Water heater 1 1939 7 0 Electric lights in barn 1 1927 19 0 Flat iron 1 1927 19 0 Vacuum cleaner 1 1932 14 0 Radio 1 TABLE VI EQUIPMENT ON THE A. DEYO FARM 1927-1946 Item Pressure water system Refrigerator Milking machine Electric lights in house Washing machine Grinier Drill Electric stove water heater Electric lights in barn Flat iron Vacuum cleaner Portable grain Elevator Saw Radio NO. rd P‘ be P‘ r4 P‘ is P‘ re P‘ Id r4 F‘ Yr. Ins t. 19 27 1930 1927 1932 1930 1931 1932 1937 1927 1933 1930 1938 1931 Yrs. Service l9 16 19 14 16 15 14 19 13 16 15 Rep la ced 000000000000 TAKE VII EQUIPMENT ON THE P. ASETINE FARE! 192791946 . Item No. ' Yr. Inst. Yrs. Service Replaced Pressure water system 1 1936 10 0 Refrigerator 1 1936 10 0 Electric lights in house 1 1927 19 O Milking machine 1 1954 12 0 Washing machine 1 1937 9 0 Electric stove l 1953 13 0 Water heater 1 1938 8 0 Electric lights in barn l 1931 15 0 Flat iron 1 1950 16 0 ’ Vacuum cleaner 1 1951 15 0 Radio 1 TABIE VIII EQUIPMENT ON THE L. \‘IIHPPIE FAIM 1927-1946 Item Pressure water system _Rerrigerator Milking machine Electric lights in house Washing machine Electric stove Water heater Electric lights in barn > Flat iron Vacuum cleaner Radio NO. Id P' re Id h- Id Pi id ha ta P‘ Yr. Inst. 1929 1932 1931 1927 ' 1934 1929 1946 1927 1935 1934 Yrs . Se rvic a 1'7 14: 15 19 12 19 10 19 11 12 Repla ced 0000000000 TABIE IX EQUIPMENT ON THE W. CARVEN FARM 1927-1946 Item . No. Yr. Ins t. Yrs. Service Replaced Pressure water system 2 1927 19 0 Refrigerator 1 1954 12 l Milking mchine 1 1929 ' 17 0 Electric lights in house 1 1927 19 0 Washing machine 1 1930 16 0 Grinler l 1927 19 0 Electric stove 1 1927 19 0 Water heater 1 1936 10 0 Electric lights in ham 1 1927 19 0 Flat ircn l 1934 12 0 Vacuum Cleaner 1 1935 11 0 Portable grain elevator l 1941 I 5 0 Radio 1 TABLE I EQUIPMBVT ON THE 3'. NOXAN FAN 1927-1946 Item No. Yr. Inst. Yrs. Service Replaced Pressure water system 1 1932. ' l4 0 Refrigerator 1 1940 6 O Milking mchine l 1938 8 0 Electric lights in house 1 1927 19 0 Washing machine 1 1939 '7 0 Electric stove l 1941 5 0 Electric lights in ham 1 1932 14 0 Flat iron 1 1930 16 0 Vacuum clemer 1 1938 10 0 Radio 1 i TAKE XI EQUIPMEQT ON THE L. HAYHOE FARM 1927-1946 Item No. Yr. Ins t. Yrs. Service Replaced Pressure water system 1 1944 2 0 Refrigerator 1 1936 10 0 Electric lights in house 1 192'? 19 0 Washing machine 1 1939 '7 0 Electric stove 1 1927 ' 19 0 Electric lights in barn 1 1940 6 O . Flat iron 1 1932 14 0 Vacuum cleaner 1 1936 10 0 Radio 1 - J V { q (-u -J -.l-1 E! , 1 .- . \ a . . J I o . .. ~ \ . - .. . _. . O u a... . . 3 . 1 . rMJ, . NJ 9 I. n I 9. . OJ 1,. . . r s. \3. . . , Y: I . u I M . . . . v- 1 J .H . I id . . -. , . .nuU 11111111111IJIIIHMMIII'II1I11 31293 01732 6053