On March 15, 1906, Rogers Dam went online, producing 3,000 kilowatts of power and creating a reservoir with a surface area that ranges from 450 to 610 acres.
At the time, the dam drew praise for the opportunities it would bring to Big Rapids.
“Big Rapids, nearest to this great power, is to be provided with power for manufacturing purposes and with lights for streets, stores, hotels, factories and residences not later than the first of next September,” according to the book “Big Rapids Michigan: The Water Power City,” published in 1906…