THROUGH THE DECADES OF ELECTRICITY
When Central Rural Electric Cooperative began in 1938, electricity was a luxury in rural America. At that time, only one in every 10 rural households had access to electricity.
Fast forward almost 90 years, electricity powers nearly every moment of our daily lives, from brewing our morning coffee to charging electric vehicles at night.
Each decade has brought advancements in technology, home comfort and electric usage. To understand how far we’ve come, let’s take a look at how electricity has transformed over the decades.
1930s-1940s
In 1939, Central served 141 farms across 172 miles of line. By 1949, that number had grown to 2,124 members across multiple counties.
The 1940s marked a turning point. Electricity began to lighten
workloads, improving food storage and connecting families to the wider world. The first appliance most homes bought after getting electricity was the radio.
Only eight percent of households had electric refrigerators, and most homes still used hand-powered washing machines in the 1930s. By the 1940s, nearly 44 percent of homes had electric refrigerators, and electric washing machines became more widespread as rural electrification efforts grew.
By 1942, nearly 50 percent of rural farms had electricity.
1950s-1970s
More than 90 percent of U.S. Farms had electricity by 1953. Electricity became more than just a light source; nearly 80 percent of households had refrigerators, and by the 1970s, electricity replaced gas as the most widely used energy source for cooking.
During this time, television ownership boomed. In the 1950s alone, homes with TVs increased from 12 percent to 87 percent. By 1970, 19 percent of homes had color TV sets.
This era marked a shift. Electricity was no longer just a tool; it was a gateway to comfort and entertainment.
1980s-1990s
By the 1980s and 1990s, microwaves, dishwashers, home computers and multiple televisions were commonplace. Households began relying more heavily on electricity for heating and cooling.
By 1990, electricity was the secondmost used heating fuel source in the U.S., heating 26 percent of homes.
n SEE “DECADES OF ELECTRICITY” PAGE 4
SEPTEMBER 2025
Central Board of Trustees:
James Wells, President (District 6)
Sid Sperry, Vice President (District 4)
Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2)
Randy Wedel (District 1)
Melanie McGuire (District 3)
Ken Starks (District 5)
Randy Ethridge (District 7)
Executive Team:
Shane Burgess - Chief Executive Officer
Sondra White - Chief Financial Officer
Mark Prather - President of Fiber and Technology
Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing
Empowered Editors:
Larry Mattox - Director of Communications
Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Contact Us: editor@mycentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884
3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076 mycentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop instagram.com/MyCentralCoop
Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Notice: Central’s office will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025, to observe Labor Day.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CENTRAL’S MEMBER MEETINGS
Once a year, our members do something pretty powerful. It is not flipping a switch, but attending annual meeting. That time is coming up again, and we want you to be a part of it.
I’m excited for my first annual meeting with Central. While I may still be new to this role, I’m no stranger to member meetings. I’ve participated in many throughout my career, and they’ve always served as a powerful reminder of what sets electric cooperatives apart; you, our members.
Centranet’s logos. If you’ve been around farm country or a local show barn, you know just how handy these buckets can be!
While there are no bylaw amendments to vote on this year, our annual meeting remains one of the most important events for our cooperative. This annual tradition is more than just a meeting; it’s an opportunity for us to connect with you, share information and say thank you for being a part of the cooperative family.
This year’s meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7, at four convenient drive-thru locations, and we hope to see a great turnout. Annual meeting is an opportunity to connect with the individuals who serve you every day. When you attend, you help shape the future of Central by showing support, asking questions and being a part of the conversation.
A member-favorite, this year’s attendance gift is another 2-gallon bucket featuring both Central’s and
Grab your attendance gift, a 2-gallon bucket!
As a member, your involvement matters. Participating in annual meeting helps you stay informed, see how we’re working on your behalf and remain part of the decisionmaking process that makes Central a strong cooperative.
I hope you’ll join us at one of our drive-thru locations next month. Whether you’re swinging by before chores or after work, your participation means a lot. Central belongs to you, and your voice is vital to keeping it strong.
Meet board members and employees!
Receive a $10 bill credit on your December bill! We are giving away $3,000 in prizes!
Shane Burgess, Central CEO
CENTRALLY LOCATED FAIRS
It’s fair season in Oklahoma, which means it’s time for corn dogs, carnival rides and blue ribbons.
Across Central’s service area, local fairs are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of community, agriculture and tradition. Whether you’re there for the livestock, the lemonades or the rides, we’ve rounded up the must-visit fairs happening in our region this month.
LOCAL COUNTY FAIRS:
PAWNEE COUNTY FREE FAIR
Sept. 2-6
Pawnee County Fairgrounds
510 Memorial Dr., Pawnee, OK
Don’t miss:
Apple pie baking contest and pedal tractor pull are fun competitions we suggest attending!
LOGAN COUNTY FREE FAIR
Sept. 3-6
Logan County Fairgrounds
215 Fairgrounds Rd., Guthrie, OK
Don’t miss:
The Logan County fair features a great rodeo, mutton bustin’ included, and a great livestock show!
NOBLE COUNTY FREE FAIR
Sept. 6-11
Noble County Fairgrounds
1 Ivanhoe St., Perry, OK
Don’t miss:
We suggest attending the 4-H and FFA exhibits and the Farmhand Olympics!
STATE FAIRS:
OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR
Sept. 11-21
OKC Fairgrounds
3001 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK
TULSA STATE FAIR
Sept. 25-Oct. 5
Tulsa Expo Center
4145 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK
FAIR FACTS
The longest corn dog ever made, over 18 feet long, was created at the Oklahoma State Fair in 2012.
All 77 counties in Oklahoma host their own county fairs.
Cotton Candy was originally called “Fairy Floss” and debuted at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. It was invented by a dentist!
The Oklahoma State Fair started in 1907, the same year Oklahoma became a state!
The Tulsa state fair began even earlier, in 1903, originally as the Tulsa County Free Fair.
The oldest fair in the U.S. is the York Fair in Pennsylvania, established in 1765.
The first state fair was held in Syracuse, New York, in 1841.
The world’s largest state fair by daily attendance is the Texas State Fair.
STOP FIRES BEFORE THEY SPARK
Each year, electrical fires are responsible for thousands of home and business fires across the nation. Most are preventable with simple precautions and regular maintenance. Here are some key tips to help you prevent electrical fires in your home or business.
⚠ Inspect power cords regularly for frays, cracks or exposed wires. Replace damaged cords immediately.
⚠ Always plug major appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, directly into a wall outlet.
⚠ If your home is over 30 years old, consider having an electrician inspect your wiring. Flickering lights and frequently tripped breakers can be signs of serious electrical issues.
⚠ Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and keep a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires (Class C) in an accessible location.
n DECADES OF ELECTRICITY
CONTINUED FROM FRONT NOW
Today, electricity powers nearly everything, from smartphones, laptops, streaming devices and smart home systems. Homes are smarter, more connected and more energy-efficient.
About 99 percent of the nation’s farms have electric service. Most rural electrification is the product of rural electric cooperatives, just like Central.
As we look back on a century of progress, it’s clear that electricity has done more than light our homes.
Through it all, Central has stood beside its members, adapting, innovating and growing with the members it serves. While tools may change and technology may evolve, one thing remains constant. Our commitment to empowering the lives of those we serve every single day.
Sources available at mycentral.coop.
LOCAL HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH
Check out these fun local events happening within Central’s service area this September!
CHEROKEE STRIP CELEBRATION
Sept. 7-13
Perry Community Downtown
Enjoy a parade, 5K/10K race, rodeo, carnival, food trucks and so much more! The race begins at 7 a.m. on the 13th, followed by the parade at 10 a.m., while the carnival and rodeo continue into the evening!
PERKINS OLD SETTLERS DAY
Saturday, Sept. 13
Perkins Main Street
The parade begins at 10 a.m. and welcomes Perkins to Candy Land! Join this annual festival for local vendors, food trucks, a sweet parade and candy-themed games and crafts!
JUKE JOINT JOG
Saturday, Sept. 13
Eskimo Joe’s, Stillwater
It’s time for Eskimo Joe’s Juke Joint Jog! Set for 9:30 a.m., the event is $30 per person for the 5k run/walk, and $25 for the one-mile fun run.
GUTHRIE ROAD CELEBRATION
Saturday, Sept. 13
Mineral Wells Park, Guthrie Cruise historic Guthrie and visit this classic and vintage automobile celebration! Stay to see which classic vehicle is awarded Best of Show!
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
Saturday, Sept. 27
Memorial Park, Cushing
Hosted by the Cushing Chamber of Commerce, this fun event is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features airplane rides, a chili cook-off and more! The event kicks off at 7 a.m. with Grappler’s Gallop Run, a 5K and walk.
AGRA TRADE DAYS
Saturday, Sept. 27
Agra High School, Agra Combined with the annual Founders Day Celebration, this event begins at 10 a.m. and welcomes unique and local vendors!
Tuesday, Oct. 7 3 - 7 p.m.