POWERGRAMS

45 proof that we're not only a resource for the company, but also for the community, as well," he said. "Our footprint at Alabama Power is huge. Kids tour the Archives, and people have worked on their doctorates here. We've had a number of books published." Harvey Jackson's book about Alabama Power dams built from 1910 to 1929, "Putting 'Loafing Streams' to Work," was made possible through the Archives. Renowned Alabama historian Leah Rawls Atkins' Alabama Power centennial history, "Developed for the Service of Alabama," is another book that was researched in the Archives. Employees and visitors are learning more about the company through the newly installed exhibit, "Powered by People," in the Archives museum. "We've discussed the possibility of creating a permanent Alabama Power history exhibit," Tharpe said. A gift and a treasure Employees throughout the company have depended on Tharpe for company information. "Bill's work with the Corporate Archives, which he built and nutured so well, will live on as new generations learn the story of our great company," said CEO Mark Crosswhite. Dan Bynum calls Tharpe a "walking encyclopedia" because of his amazing recall of dates, facts and stories about the company. "Bill really has been a gift and a treasure, not only to Alabama Power but also to the state," said Bynum, graphics team leader - Public Relations. " Years ago, Bill envisioned the space in the Corporate Archives as the perfect setting to display the work of local artists. Combining art and the beautiful architecture of the Archives was a great idea." Tharpe asked for Bynum's help in curating the company's first art show. Dozens of Alabama artists displayed their renderings in the 2003 exhibition, "Electra: Symbol of Alabama Electrified." One artwork from the show, Arthur Price's rendition of the company's Electra statue, graces a walkway in the 1925 Building. The company's Centennial exhibit followed in 2006. "I'm so thankful that Bill gave me the first opportunity to curate an art show at Alabama Power," said Bynum, who served with Tharpe on the board of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. At Tharpe's retirement, Corporate Archivist Erin Harney took the "mantle" of continuing the Archives and protecting the company's history. Harney said she was fortunate to work with Tharpe, to learn the foundations of the archives and institutional history. " Through his family connections and years with the company, Bill has an immense appreciation for the Archives and the company. Bill's passion for history shows in everything he does, from casual conversation and research requests to formal presentations," said Harney, who earned an anthropology degree at Northern Illinois University and is working toward a master's degree in library and information science at the University of Alabama. "As one of the company's leading historians, his breadth of company knowledge is remarkable. I am happy to be a part of continuing the company's rich legacy of preservation." Future trails to blaze "I was lucky to have found something that I really love to do," Tharpe said. "I've enjoyed it, but I've got other things to do in retirement." In his "previous life" – the in-between years of Tharpe's college studies – he backpacked the country. At 23, Tharpe and some friends hitchhiked to Canada. After college, he attended law school, but it wasn't the right fit. "I went to San Diego and learned to surf," Tharpe said, with a laugh. Today, Tharpe enjoys occasional get-togethers with longtime friends who play music. Tharpe joins in by playing the congas. His two children are grown and making their way in the world. Tharpe's 27-year-old daughter, Hannah, studied theater at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and was on the track team at the University of Pennsylvania. His 21-year-old son, Henry, is studying at Jefferson State Community College and works as a host at the Redmont Hotel in Birmingham. While Tharpe is reveling in his retirement and will take time to travel, he's not completely ready to let his "baby" fly away. "I am leaving the Corporate Archives in very capable hands," Tharpe said. "But, if I get the opportunity, I wouldn't mind coming back and helping out with the Archives collection, if needed. I'll miss being able to put my hands on these great photos, documents and artifacts. "Alabama Power Company has been a big part of my life for the last 30 years," he said. "I will miss it." Tharpe moving into retirement after three decades with company. Tharpe began working at APC in 1988.

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