Tough Men in Hard Places: A Photographic Collection [Paperback]

The mines in southwestern Colorado were in trouble and needed cheap, reliable electric power to keep running. This is the story of innovative solutions to solve the problem using alternating current electricity and the incredible effort, tenacity, and toughness of the men who overcame formidable obstacles to bring electrification to the mines, ranches, homes, and businesses in the remote and rugged areas of southwestern Colorado.Here is their story in over 80 intriguing historic photos from the Center of Southwest Studies. Tough men peer from the pages with attitude to spare next to gargantuan equipment in unforgiving terrain. Many of the photographs were taken by Philip P. C. Schools, power plant superintendent with the Western Colorado Power Co., whose turn-of-the-century photographs documented the coming of electricity to Southwest Colorado and from which his legacy glows.Over 80 dramatic black-and-white images.Published in conjunction with (and portion of the proceeds goes to) the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College whose mission is to connect individuals and communities with opportunities to explore, study, and experience the Southwest's dynamic heritage.Shares a fascinating insiders view of how the west was wired.As a sixth generation Durangoan, I great enjoyed seeing this wonderful collection of old photos and reading the firsthand accounts of the men who made our communitys electrification possible. TOUGH MEN IN HARD PLACES belongs in your library. Roderick Barker, Owner, The Strater Hotel, Durango, CO Tough Men in Hard Places is phenomenal. It's amazing that someone who simply came across the cache of these photos was inspired to put this together and have a really well-told and visual history of electrifying the West. When you see the book, it brings it all to life. Danielle Ghear, Powerhouse Science Center, Durango, CO A great book. . . The Western Colorado Power Company employees had tough work to do to keep electricity flowing .l#K