05/10/2026
⚡ POWERING STRATHALBYN — A LITTLE-KNOWN CHAPTER OF OUR LOCAL HISTORY
Before Strathalbyn had the convenience of electricity at the flick of a switch, the town relied on gas, kerosene lamps and candles.
That changed in 1917, when Strathalbyn's own Power House began generating electricity.
Located in Commercial Road, the Power House initially supplied DC electricity for the town's street lighting and a growing number of homes and businesses. By 1927, the original 80 customers had grown to around 230, with 80 street lights illuminating Strathalbyn.
But there's more to the story than generators and electric lights…
💥 In 1932, the Power House became the target of an attempted robbery. Thieves tried to force their way into the building using explosives. The resulting blast was strong enough to blow the door handle off and smash the surrounding windows!
By 1939, the old Power House had been replaced with a modern three-phase 240-volt AC supply, bringing Strathalbyn further into the electrical age.
Our Power House display, part of Industries of Strathalbyn, tells the fascinating story of how electricity transformed everyday life in our town — from the first street lights to the machines, appliances and businesses that electricity made possible.
🔌 Come and discover how Strathalbyn was powered.
📍 Strathalbyn Heritage Museum
🏛️ Industries of Strathalbyn
What would life in Strathalbyn have been like before electricity?
