The Pettibone Creek Hydroelectric Restoration Plan

The Pettibone Creek Hydroelectric Station Milford Michigan
Phase II Hydroelectric Restoration Plan 2009

History

All of Henry Ford’s Village Industries were built where water power existed and had been used by early settlers. Ford improved the waterpowers in each case, but Milford’s site was unique. Here a flume or penstock (4-foot diameter steel pipe) was buried under ground and laid across the Upper and Lower Mill Pond beds, traveling almost 2/3 of a mile to the hydroelectric plant on Liberty Street. Ford took advantage of the topography and also built a dam on Moore Lake, creating the 50-foot headwater that powered the generators.

Once inside the building, the 48 inch diameter pipe is split to feed two hydraulic turbines in the basement. A shaft then connected each turbine to a generator located directly above on the main level. The two generators were rated at 75 and 62.5 KVA. When synchronized with the other hydro plant Ford built on the Huron River, the power was distributed to the manufacturing plant via underground cables across the lower mill pond. Both hydroelectric could be operated from the control room in the carburetor plant.

What we want to do

We at D & R Energy Services Inc. and the Powerhouse Restoration Committee want to bring back the grandeur of the Pettibone Creek Hydroelectric Station to its full potential. Just think of supplying electricity to light Central Park at night. How about helping power the Well House and maybe the Iron Removal Plant too? This could mean a potential savings of $80,000.00 per year to the village of Milford. Maybe just for fun we light 13,333 60w light bulbs. This can be a reality that is obtainable.

Originally, the station contained two vertical, Francis type turbines, one 75 KW and one 62.5 KW capacity, manufactured by the James Leffel Company. We have contacted James Leffel Company and working with their engineering staff, plan to install one generator rated for 100KW capacity. The new generator will be located in the lower level keeping the main level open.

Most of the original controls are still located on site and we plan to integrate the new with the old. Original equipment needs to be restored and will take time. New controls will be housed in the old cabinets to keep the look and feel of 1939. Possibly in the future remote monitoring can be installed and anyone with internet can see how much electricity the hydro plant is producing day or night.

How we can do it

In Phase I, many hours were dedicated to restoring the architecture of this treasure of Michigan’s Past.
You can help in Phase II of the restoration dream – once again producing electricity from the power of Milford’s waters. Not only will there be a need of financial support but also help with making ready for the generator.

If you would like to help, please feel free to visit www.milfordhistory.org or www.milfordpowerhouse.com. We at D & R Energy Services will also be able to answer any questions you may have, visit us at www.drenergyservices.com.
Any and all financial support will be used to make this endeavor a reality for generations to come.

How you can help

Saving a local landmark depends on help from many sources:
•    Preservation Grants
•    Local business support
•    Community support
By utilizing these three sources of financial revenue and professional skill Phase I of the projecgts has been completed.

Now it’s time to chip away at the rest of the plan.

You can be a part of Milford’s history and restoration of the Pettibone Creek Hydroelectric Station in a number of ways:
•    Make a donation
•    Buy a brick
•    Become a member

Henry Ford would be proud of the efforts of the people of Milford and the surrounding communities in this restoration effort.