The First 25 Years:
Looking back, but eyeing the future
1909 –1934
This section’s focus is the early years – 1909-1934.
We believe this look back will help you look forward at the
incredible opportunity that now stands before us on the world
energy stage. We’ve stood the test of time, we’ve proved the
technology works, and we’re positioned to make a difference
for many decades to come.
NDHA 1909-1934
Presidents (now known as chairs) hailed from:
Baltimore, Md. – 1x
Boston, Mass. – 1x
Chicago, Ill. – 4x
Detroit, Mich. – 4x
Grand Rapids, Mich. – 2x
New York, N. Y. – 4x
Peoria, Ill. – 1x
Philadelphia, Pa. – 1x
Pittsburgh, Pa. – 2x
Rochester, N. Y. – 3x
St. Louis, Mo. – 1x
Toledo, Ohio – 1x
Annual conference locations:
Atlantic City, N.J. – 1x
Boston, Mass. – 1x
Cedar Point, Ohio – 3x
Chicago, Ill. – 3x
Columbus, Ohio – 1
Detroit, Mich. – 3x
Indianapolis, Ind. – 1x
New York, N. Y. – 2x
Niagara Falls, N. Y. – 1x
Pittsburgh, Pa. – 3x
Rochester, N. Y. – 2x
St. Louis, Mo. – 1x
Toledo, Ohio – 1x
West Baden, Ind. – 2x
Industry Frontrunners
Here are just a few current IDEA members that had some of the first
commercial district heating systems in the country, which were likely
represented in NDHA’s membership during its startup years. They are
still thriving, as is ‘NDHA.’
Xcel Energy, Denver – System began operation 1880. Considered
oldest continuously operating commercial district heating system in
the world.
Con Edison Steam Operations – System began operation 1882.
Continues to use combined heat and power technology.
Citizens Thermal Energy – System began operation 1888 in a barn.
Current Perry K Plant built in 1893. Uses steam from municipal refuse
incinerator as backup.
Seattle Steam Co. – System began operation 1893. Currently
installing biomass-fueled boiler.
Detroit Thermal – System began operation 1903. 70-80% of steam
sold is from municipal refuse-fired cogeneration plant.
In 1919, NDHA colocated its annual conference with a meeting of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (ASHRAE’s predecessor) in Pittsburgh. That same year ASHVE opened a research laboratory at the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh; perhaps that drove the meeting location.
IDEA Archives
The National District
Heating Association’s
first “Handbook of
the National District
Heating Association”
was published in 1921
as a “working manual
of district heating
practice.” The second edition was issued in 1932 and
featured this NDHA logotype, which reflects the art
deco era.
Cedar Point, Ohio, was the hot spot for NDHA conferences in the early 1920s, serving
as the venue in 1921, 1922 and 1923. Attendees are shown here enjoying the beach
June 20-23, 1922. Cedar Point is home to the “number-one rated amusement park on
the planet” and has been since 1870, according to the Cedar Point Web site. Rumor
has it that college football legend and Notre Dame great Knute Rockne worked as
a lifeguard here with teammate and quarterback Gus Dorais in 1913. During their free
