The Second 25 Years:
Defying the odds, gaining momentum
1935 –1959
This section’s focus is 1935-1959, an incredible time in
history. During these 25 years, the association and its members
endured the end of the Great Depression, World War II and the
Korean War, ultimately seeing the beginning of the Space Age in
the late 1950s. Association minutes point out that it lost just one
member company during the Great Depression, an incredible feat
given the trying times. That staying power has been evidenced
throughout the organization’s history and is a trait we believe posi-
tions us to continue to make a difference in the energy industry.
NDHA 1935-1959:
The Second 25 Years
Presidents (now known as chairs) hailed from:
Akron, Ohio – 1x
Baltimore, Md. – 1x
Boston, Mass. – 2x
Dayton, Ohio – 1x
Detroit, Mich. – 4x
Duluth, Minn. – 2x
New York, N. Y. – 3x
Philadelphia, Pa. – 4x
Pittsburgh, Pa. – 2x
Rochester, N. Y. – 2x
St. Louis, Mo. – 2x
Toledo, Ohio – 1x
Lookout Mountain, Tenn. – 1x
New York, N. Y. – 1x
Philadelphia, Pa. – 1x
Pittsburgh, Pa. – 3x
St. Louis, Mo. – 1x
Skytop, Pa. – 2x
Swampscott, Mass. – 1x
Virginia Beach, Va. – 1x
White Sulphur Springs, W.V. – 1x
Williamsburg, Va. – 1x
Annual conference locations:
Asheville, N.C. – 1x
Atlantic City, N.J. – 1x
Baltimore, Md. – 1x
Chicago, Ill. – 1x
Cleveland, Ohio – 1x
Dayton, Ohio – 1x
Detroit, Mich. – 2x
French Lick, Ind. – 2x
Grand Rapids, Mich. – 1x
Hot Springs, Va. – 1x
These members of NDHA’s executive committee in
1938 likely played a role in the association’s contin-
ued operation in spite of the Great Depression.
In June 1935, the financial committee reported that
the financial condition of the association “is much
improved,” with a net cash position of $2,540.56.
The executive committee then approved the 1935-
1936 budget, which projected total revenue of
$9,175 and total expenses of $7,340. The committee
expressed its desire to continue building a surplus, as
long as it could be done “without curtailing the
service rendered to its members by the Association.”
An Industry Frontrunner With
Longtime Customers
IDEA-member NRG Energy Center San Francisco traces its district heating
system’s roots to 1885, when its predecessors began operation of an
off-site boiler plant for a nearby hotel. The main plant was built in
1924 and has some notable longtime customers:
The Flood Building – 870 Market. Built 1904; survived 1906
earthquake and fire but underwent restoration as needed in 1907.
The Phelan Building – 760 Market. Rebuilt 1908 after earthquake and fire.
St. Boniface Church – 137 Golden Gate. Rebuilt 1908 after earth-
quake and fire.
Old St. Mary's Church – 660 California. Renovated 1909 after
earthquake and fire.
The Olympic Club – 524 Post. Rebuilt 1912 after earthquake and fire.
Orpheum Theater – 1192 Market. Constructed 1926.
Russ Building – 235 Montgomery. Constructed 1927.
Grace Cathedral – 1190 California. Constructed 1928.
