In the 1890s and early 1900s, electricity was a new phenomenon. It was the key to many “modern conveniences”. It provided the energy to transport the masses and it changed life as we knew it. Several power plants were built to generate the power that was used to electrify the streetcar lines and to light Portland’s streets. It also ushered in a new era that brought us air conditioning, hot and cold running water, toasters, hair dryers and all the things we couldn’t live without today.