Five Channels Dam is a hydro-electric dam on the Au Sable River in Michigan.
Background
Consumers Power Company (now Consumers Energy) began construction on this hydro-electric dam in 1911 and completed it in 1912.[2] The dam, the second of six built by the company on the Au Sable River,[2] is named for the nearby location where there were once five distinct river channels. The current plant is capable of producing 6,000 kilowatts.
Five Channels Dam worker's camp
During construction of the dam, the company tried to provide a healthy environment for workers[2] by incorporating lessons learned on worker safety and health during construction of Panama Canal. They built a 45-acre camp for workers and their families, complete with a central water supply and sewage system, icehouse, school, washroom, store and boardinghouse.