There are many old towns with history in California, but this one is close to home. Old Folsom or the Historic Folsom District as they it’s correctly called is a typical shopping and dining area like you’d find elsewhere. However the difference is their free parking garage and Historic Powerhouse. This hydroelectric plant, which is now a State Park, began delivering electric power to Sacramento in September, 1895 and continued to do so until it was shut down in 1952.

Unfortunately, we were not able to go inside because it was closed, but we did shoot the outside. But, fortunately, Tom was able to give us a complete history because of his association with the local newspaper and having lived in Folsom. One of these days, we’ll go back when we know it’s open. By the time we walked around Old Folsom, we were tired. Remember, this was the second half of a Tuesday outing. I’m sure Tom will have more interesting and historic stories to tell us.

This is a replica of the way trains were turned around.

It’s built directly on top of the original.

A closer look.

A musician. Edited in Nik Silver Efex.

A bike rider.

Shot through the window of a beauty salon. Edited in Nik Color Efex.

Peaking through a barber shop window. I thought this was perfect for the old time look, except for the cell phone!

The hotel.

Now we’re on the grounds of the Historic Powerhouse. This building housed various offices, etc.

One of the three generators that delivered power to Sacramento.

A close up of the top of the generator.

The Powerhouse Building.

A good view of the 3 generators.

A view at the top!

These butterflies were feeding on the flowers.

I managed to get 3 good pictures.

So you have to look at all of them!