POWERGRAMS

38 A big barbecue at the dam became a yearly tradition. The village at Lay and other company generating plants became the center of workers' lives. The people who worked side by side every day were also village neighbors. Their children went to school and played together. Families became close friends. This feeling of sharing, camaraderie and community that started at Lay Dam continued to grow and helped perpetuate those traditions that are so much a part of the company today. After the dam was finished in late 1913, most of the workers moved on to other projects. The housing and facilities that remained were either dismantled or converted to support the needs of the permanent employees at the plant. Some of the housing was converted to weekend cottages and recreational facilities for Alabama Power employees. The APC Club was formed and for a small yearly membership fee members could take organized trips to house parties at the dam. The club negotiated discounted train fares from Birmingham, Anniston, Montgomery and other communities to the dam, and Friday afternoons saw many employees getting onboard. Management recognized the benefits and supported the APC Club. The company helped fund the construction of additional facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool and clubhouse at the dam. The company built a boat launch and bought a barge. The permanent employees and their families at the dam enjoyed hosting these retreats, and during the 1920s Lay Dam was a popular vacation spot. Just about every issue of Powergrams from spring to fall during those years featured articles about the APC Club and the festivities at Lay Dam. As part of the centennial events, the two remaining village houses were restored and past village structures were located, documented and identified with historical markers. Environmental Compliance Engineer Bill Gardner worked with the University of Alabama Department of Archaeology, the Alabama Historical Commission and Alabama Power Corporate Archives in documenting the village and houses, and helping with their restoration. "We are so appreciative of what the company has done here at Lay Dam," said Jim Green, who grew up in the village in the 1950s. "I can remember riding my bike all around here when I was a kid. Playing baseball, swimming in the pool and in the lake. The work the power company has done to preserve this place and to allow us to return means a lot to us all." by Bill Tharpe At top left, Karen Greene, Bill O'Neal, Mary Lou Easterling, Jo Ann O'Neal and Jim Greene on porch of original building. Bottom right, original villagers Murphy, Joe Ellison, Bill Blanch, Greene, Ben Wall, Bill Woodson, Shannon and Jo Ann O'Neal, Martha Jo Faulk, Bill O'Neal, Sarah Will Dendy, Mary Lou Easterling, Joy Lakeman, Bud McDonald, Murray and Francis Thomason, Harry Ellison and Bobby Murphy. " You don't know how much this place means to all of us." - former resident Jim Murphy " You don't know how much this place means to all of us." - former resident Jim Murphy Photography by Christopher Jones

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