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In 1912, a spring flood washed out much of the dam at Orono <br />and also undermined the flourmill. The mill machinery was <br />sold in 1913 and by 1914 a plan to build a new hydroelectric <br />dam was in place. In 1915 the Elk River Power and Light <br />Company was formed, and on January 20, 1916 the first <br />electricity was produced by two hydro-generators. A new <br />bridge was discussed as an initial part of these dam <br />improvements, but was not constructed. <br /> <br />The new concrete bridge was finally completed in 1919 as part <br />of the Jefferson Highway improvement through Elk River. 4~ It <br />was designed by William A. Hewett of Minne.a, polis, a local <br />innovator in reinforced concrete construction? This bridge <br />was replaced in 1993-94. The Highway 10 crossing over the <br />Lake Orono portion of the Elk River was first completed in <br />1946. <br /> <br />A bridge over the Mississippi to Otseg0 W.as opened in 1906. Its <br />replacement was completed in 1985. <br /> <br />The steel bridge (1886) over the Elk River in ca. 1925. Photo: MHS. <br /> <br />Transportation and Tourism <br /> <br />Like many communities in the 1920s, Elk River attempted to <br />attract a new generation of automobile tourists traveling along <br />the Jefferson Highway. An ambitious project to bring visitors <br />to the Camp Cozy resort west of Lake Orono was planned by <br />J.B. Jesperson. The resort owner proposed a winding canal <br />locks, and bridges as well as gardens and a golf course on a <br />500-acre parcel. Cottages as well as permanent residences <br />were also planned? At least a portion of the original design <br />was completed. <br /> <br />Elk River Historic Contexts and Phase [[ Downtown Commercial Area Study <br /> <br /> <br />