Compton to Speak About History of Electricity in Carroll County

HUNTINGDON — Lynn Compton, retired general manager for the Carroll County Electric Department, will speak to the Huntingdon Historical Society about the history of electricity in Carroll County on Wednesday, August 19. Compton's presentation begins at 9 a.m. in the conference room of Huntingdon City Hall.

The town of Huntingdon got its first lights in 1901. Steam power powered the early light system. In 1935, a public act was passed that allowed local governments to operate local electric utilities, enabling rural counties to receive reliable electricity. Only five electric systems are county owned, and three of them are in Tennessee's Carroll, Weakley and Benton counties.

Guest speaker Lynn Compton was born in Mixie, Tenn., in a home with only one lightbulb and a refrigerator. He was raised in Carroll County and graduated from vocational school. When he was 19, Compton was hired at the Carroll County Electric Department, and he "climbed poles" for 13 years. Compton then served as the general manager for 26 years before retiring.

The public is invited to join the Huntingdon Historical Society for a lively discussion about the history of electricity in Carroll County.