Garrison Dam began generating electricity on this day, 50 years ago. Under the headline “1st ND Hydro Power Produced,” the Bismarck Tribune reported about 600 people braved 21 below temperatures to attend the ceremonial starting of the first of five giant water-driven turbine generators.

Governor Norman Brunsdale was given the honor of throwing the switch to allow the generator to begin turning. The front-page story described the climax of the ceremony, “When the generator started, a loud hum filled the powerhouse and brought the crowd cheering to its feet. The thousand tons of moving machinery are so delicately balanced that virtually no vibrations could be felt on the floor.”

Source:
Case, Jack E. “1st ND Hydro Power Produced.” Bismarck Tribune 21 Jan. 1956: 1

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