More than one hundred years ago, these windows on the powerhouse at Ryan Dam first looked over the largest falls in Great Falls, Montana. Today, the powerhouse is still in use but, as in many old buildings, many of the windows panes are missing.
2026—Power Windows
Interesting photo. It would be interesting to know why this is happening. Most of the broken/missing panes are on the ground floor. Could be small animals or birds colliding with the windows? Could be people throwing rocks? Or do some panes just fall out because of the way there were made long ago? If they’re just falling out from age, why does the 2nd floor have fewer missing panes, and the top floor has only 3 or 4 broken panes. And the top floor panes appear to be broken, not completely missing like on the lower floors. Inquiring minds want to know. Here’s a summary of the mostly likely contributor from my AI friend:
“The lower glass has spent a century closest to turbine-generator vibration, heat and thermal cycling. Its steel sash and glazing aged and corroded. Those stresses caused panes to crack preferentially nearer the machinery. When lower panes failed, maintenance crews removed dangerous remnants but didn’t always replace the glass. Higher panes experienced less mechanical stress, and cracked ones were less accessible and therefore often remained in place.”
AI did an internet search and found a maintenance report for the powerhouse that stated:
“generator vibration resulted in repeated window breakage”
Carol
This is a beautiful old structure reminding me of the Sunset Building. I really love seeing your photos of old structures. Keep them coming!
Brother Art ❤️