Last year Ed Sewall decided to embark on a dream to start a publication that would preserve the history of old power lines and the insulators found along those lines. The culmination of Ed's dream is the Power Line Explorer Journal (PLEJ). His love of collecting multipart porcelain insulators, suspension insulators, and other power insulators is surpassed only by his interest in the history and use of these old insulators. The Pacific northwest still has many old power lines that can be explored which date back to the turn of the century. He has explored many of these lines with Robin Harrison, Mike Spadafora, and others. Ed wants to record the history of old power lines and the insulators used and found along them before all is lost. Without Ed's efforts, all we would have left are the insulators, and the specific lines on which they were used would be forgotten.

PLEJ is published twice per year (summer and winter issues) with about 40 or so pages in each issue. Subscription price is only $6 per year. Along with articles written by Ed, every subscriber is encouraged to submit articles. One goal of PLEJ is to encourage those actually out researching and hunting early lines to document their finds, regardless of how small. Each issue contains several articles on searches of early power transmission lines, hydroelectric plants, old substations, mines, dumpsites, and anyplace else insulators were used. In addition, there are articles documenting historical research around the country on insulators and early power systems. Early porcelain and glass power insulators as well as associated items such as pins, wall tubes, conductors, pole line construction, etc. will be the focus of articles. The whole idea of PLEJ is history and the thrill of the hunt! 

Three issues of PLEJ have been published so far with the latest issue mailed out this month. Most collectors are content to collect insulators for their beauty and rarity. This is fine. But for those collectors who have an interest in how and where their jewels were used, PLEJ is for you. You will be amazed at the scope and wealth of information in each issue. The details and photographs included in each article will put you on the line as if you were there seeing the exciting finds for yourself. You will learn about the latest in new discoveries and interesting historical information will be revealed to you in each issue. 

The PLEJ will add a new dimension to your collecting interest. I hope you will give this unique publication a try. I'm sure you will be hooked!!