Ardara to celebrate 100 years of electricity
Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group is looking for anyone with old photographs, documents, electricity bills, artefacts, family stories and memories connected with the Ardara Electric Light Company and the Owentocker scheme.
Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group is celebrating 100 years of electricity in the town.
This December marks 100 years since electricity first came to Ardara, and plans are underway to celebrate this important chapter in the town’s history.
The ‘1926 – Coming of Light to Ardara’ events will take place on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5, and will include an ecumenical service of light, an exhibition and an oíche airneáil.
The events, coordinated by Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group, will celebrate the centenary of the arrival of electric light in Ardara and explore the fascinating history of the Ardara Electric Light Company, officially known as the Ardara Woolen and Industrial Company Ltd., which operated a hydro-electric scheme on the Owentocker River from 1926 to 1952.
The group is now appealing to the public for old photographs, documents, electricity bills, artefacts, family stories and memories connected with the Ardara Electric Light Company and the Owentocker scheme.
They are particularly keen to speak with anyone whose parents, grandparents or other relatives worked on the scheme or were involved in its operation, as well as those who remember it themselves or recall stories being told about it.
A spokesperson for Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group said: "This is a fascinating part of Ardara’s history, and we are sure there are families out there with stories, photographs, documents or memories that have never been recorded.
“We’d particularly love to hear from anyone with a family connection to the scheme, whether they worked at the power station, helped with the water supply, or were involved in the company in any way.
"Even a small piece of information or an old photograph could help us tell the story. We want to make sure the people behind this remarkable local venture are remembered."
The deadline for submitting stories, photographs, or artefacts is Friday, November 23. Those who wish to add to the events are asked to contact Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group by emailing [email protected], or phoning 087 9214206.