In 1935 on a farm 2 miles north and 3½ miles west of Odell, I had wind power set up.

A 12-volt generator on top of a 40-foot tower used six car batteries for storage. The house was wired with 12 gauge heavy wire. This was in use for over two years.

The longest time with too little wind was 10 days. That occurred once only.

We also used an elevated storage tank for supplying running water in the home.

The electric light was much brighter than the oil lamps. Generators were being marketed as a power source to run radios.

After two-plus years, a government program provided rural electrification and our entire county was wired.

Robert L. Smith

Bloomington