Back in 1947, Popular Science printed a five-part article that
very concisely sketched out every step necessary for
establishing a small water-power plant on a farm or homestead.
That informtion is just as valuable today for many of MOTHER's
readers as it was 25 years ago and the publication has kindly
given us reprint rights to the whole package. You'll find the
first three installments in this issue and the last two sections
of the series will be printed in a later issue. Homestead Hydro:
Part 1 Many farms, ranches, and other fair-sized tracts of land
embrace at least one brook within their limits. In most cases,
the idea that a small stream can provide a useful source of
power has never occurred to the property owner or, if it did,
has been rejected as silly. The fact remains, nevertheless, that
impressive advantages can spring from small water-power
installations. Electricity can be generated for general use, for
pumping water, and for stand-by or emergency purposes; and the
pond that is usually created c