POWERGRAMS

18 that resemble a capital A. Because Alabama Power uses eight-pace meters, the type Nesmith purchased aren't compatible with the company electric system. Initially, he labeled every nut and bolt so he'd know where they go. "In my sleep, I could tell you if a screw goes on a GE meter or on a Westinghouse," he said, with a laugh. "The history behind the meters is unreal – in World War II, the metal was totally different. Every meter is different. Some have jumpers, some don't." Nesmith's JA team enjoyed a profitable year: "We were Company of the Year in Birmingham that year for our lamp sales," he said, with a grin. Mail Coordinator Kerry Welsh, who worked with Nesmith for nearly 20 years in the Mail Center, bought a lamp in June 1978. "To me, it's a treasure," said Welsh, who keeps the 41-year-old lamp in his bedroom. "It's very well-built. The meter still spins, and I have the original shade on it. My cousin liked mine so much, she had me order one for her. It's in her new house in Chelsea." By the time Nesmith retired as a regulatory compliance analyst in Supply Chain in 2012, he'd amassed quite a following: His vintage meter lamps graced the offices and homes of about 200 employees. A LABOR OF LOVE Nesmith works from his large basement workshop, where he built several shelves and cabinets that allow him to put his hands on the large inventory of dated meters, wiring and hardware. "Most years, I didn't make much money," Nesmith said. "I was mostly selling the lamps to friends at Alabama Power. Now I'm retired, and I have more time. I get down in my basement with a big old glass of tea or Diet Coke, and get working." Customers select from meters originally installed between 1938 and 1959. "About 99 percent of people get a lamp made to honor the year their parents were born," Nesmith said. "They might say, 'My daddy was born in 1946,' so they get a meter made that year. That's the most meaningful part of it, and why I take such PROFILE Photos by Phil Free

• Cover