As a UCHS student, George Ackerman identified this river spot as a possible dam site and later became a civil engineer. Around 1919, rising coal costs led the village to pursue hydro power and seek out Ackerman’s Chicago firm. Local landowners nearly blocked the needed land acquisition, and the village council that forced the controversial project through was nicknamed “The Dam Council.” Built for $160,000, the dam was dedicated in August 1923. It is one hundred ft. long, with a head of 10 to 15 ft., and it still produces up to 15% of local electricity. A portage dock and ramp were added in 2016.