The Shepherd Power House, which once ran from 1909 to 1935, is the largest of all this town's local museums, holding a vast collection of often donated history spanning its three floors. The historic site initially housed Shepherd’s first electric plant and water pumps. However, by 1913 it only transported power through the facility, and by twenty-five the village’s distribution was bought by Consumers Power Company. Much like the Little Red School House and Museum, the Power House has served many roles before its current one, though it’s been serving its comfortable role for over forty years.

(THE SHEPHERD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, WHICH MAINTAINS ALL THREE MUSEUMS, WAS FOUNDED IN 1978)

Fan of dioramas? If you’re visiting the Power House Museum during a maple syrup festival then you’re in luck, as the entire second floor is set up to show numerous representations of early 1900’s life. My personal favorite set up was the bedroom, and the many interesting items it held within it. There’s its wall of quilts, some of which date back centuries. A creative baby carriage with a hidden purse compartment. An old wheelchair with a rope and a rubber wheel to provide traction—which I found to be quite cool. And many more extremely interesting collections explained to me by a member of S.A.H.S.

(WANT TO DONATE OR LONE SOMETHING TO SAHS? STOP BY THE POWER HOUSE ON DAYS THEY’RE OPEN)

All three floors are practically littered with interesting items, but perhaps the most interesting thing over all is the civil war era water buffalo. One of the earliest portable carriers of water, there are only three water buffalo’s like this one left, and I have it on good authority that Shepherd has the second best one. It’s a real testament to just how special these museums are.

(WANT TO SUPPORT THE S.A.H.S.? CONSIDER BUYING THE 200y SHEPHERD SESQUICENTENNIAL AT THE POWER HOUSE)

More than just items, these museums contain lives, and the Power House Museum’s dedications are probably the most interesting example of that. It tells the story of the past, with Julia Ruhle, who sewed day in and day out. And with Isacc N. Shepherd, who the town was named after. More so in the present, they have an entire wall for modern Shepherd successes. An inspiring sight, and how I would recommend ending your tour; traveling from the past's wonders to the present's miracles.

(THE POWER HOUSE MUSEUM IS BIG, BIG ENOUGH TO DESERVE A DOZEN PAPERS. IF THIS HAS GOT YOUR INTEREST, PLEASE GIVE IT A VISIT ON YOUR NEXT MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL)

-Caleb Stevens