Local residents fought in 1891 to establish their municipal electricity provider and the Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP) is commemorating that battle with a walk down Memory Lane.
PMLP collaborated with the Peabody Historical Society and the Lynnfield Historical Society to celebrate its 130-year history with a calendar highlighting memorable events in PMLP’s and the city’s history.
The calendar includes pictures of the women of the JB Thomas Hospital Aid Association, Girl Scouts of 1947, The Ship Restaurant, entertainer Rex Trailer at the Northshore Shopping Center, as well as many historic businesses and homes.
One month is dedicated to PMLP’s newest substation which became fully operational in 2020.
Calendars are available at various locations including Peabody City Hall, the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center, the Peabody Institute Library, the Lynnfield public Library, and most banks and credit unions in the downtown area as well as PMLP’s 201 Warren Street extension lobby.
PLMP spokesman John Maihos said calendars have also been distributed to area assisted living sites.
“Only 5,000 calendars are printed, and they will be available while supplies last. When visiting any pickup point, please be mindful of COVID-19 restrictions and special hours of operation,” Maihos said.
PMLP’s history can be found on the plant’s website and it describes how Salem Electric Light Company in 1888 installed the first street lights along Main Street in Peabody.
Peabody’s power contract with the company was short-lived and the search for other electricity providers ran into a roadblock when the state Supreme Court ruled in 1891 that cities and towns could not set up their own power providers.
Peabody and other communities, according to PMLP history, asked the state Legislature to give them authority to provide electricity locally and, on June 18, 1891, Peabody residents voted to establish their own municipal electric plant.
A local power plant was in service within 14 months.
Today, PMLP is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility company serving the residents of Peabody and South Lynnfield.
The calendar’s back cover features photos of PMLP commissioners and employees wearing blue shirts commemorating essential workers in this year’s battle against COVID-19.
“It was important for us to make a public statement about the essential workers in the healthcare industry. They have made great sacrifices this year, and we are truly appreciative,” said Plant Manager Charles J. Orphanos, “As essential workers ourselves, my thanks also go out to each and every employee of the light plant. We have what we have in Peabody because of their efforts.”
In addition to photographs, the calendar is packed with energy tips and information on why publicly-provided power is important. JC Marketing Associates helped edit the calendar.