An unexpected trip to Boise, Idaho, this summer found us in the neighborhood of the Northwest Lineman College. Knowing that Alan Drew's article would run in Crown Jewels of the Wire this fall, we wanted to take the opportunity to meet him and see the college. As luck would have it, Alan was out of town the afternoon we spent in Boise, so president Aaron Howell was our guide.

Alan described the approach to the college perfectly. He said you couldn't miss it ... like not seeing the forest for the trees. In this case, it was not seeing the power installations for the poles! This must be the college!!

John and I couldn't believe the number of poles that had been installed by the students in the instructional field to the back of the school. The yard was filled with every working models of utility installations.

Inside the building, one finds the well done historical display cases that Alan spoke of in his article (see page 9). One of the lobby displays includes insulators and pertinent journals or catalogs showing their application. I especially liked the wooden stick used by the lineman to pull the base from the old cutout fuse "suicide" insulators. The insulator, the illustration and the stick are on the bottom shelf at the left.

Alan's electrical archives are enough to fill the apply named Alan Drew Library. Each hallway had numerous photographs and illustrations that trace their industry. A series of pencil and color art showing the "lineman at work" were on display in the library. Steve Driscoll of Ontario, Canada is a very talented artist. We photographed his color drawing, "De-energized".

"De-energized"

Should you wish to see his artwork for yourself, send for his brochure or visit his website at: www.powerlineman.com 
Steve Driscoll 
P.O. Box 174 
Kars, Ontario Canada K0A 2E0
(613) 489-2531

If traveling take time to visit Boise and the Northwest Lineman College. Our special thanks to Alan Drew and Aaron Howell for making our visit very special. 

"These early Linemen took many risks; however, they were very innovative and took pride in being Linemen. The term Lineman became associated with men who worked hard, played hard, and lived dangerously. Their efforts and experiences are the basis for the enhancements that today's electric consumers and lineworkers enjoy. We at Northwest Lineman College are committed to preserving the legacy of these early pioneers and the history of the trade."

-- NLC 2000 Course Catalog

Yes, we were really in Boise, and flattered to find the color covers
 of Crown Jewels of the Wire framed and on their library wall.