In 1956, the People’s Natural Gas Co. opened its new Roaring Run Station to compress and transport natural gas. Named for the bounding creek behind, it was considered state of the art for its day. This is the story of how the Roaring Run Station came to Coolspring Power Museum.
But first, let’s take a step back in history to see the earlier station. There’s the creek roaring along. Look at all those stacks! I wonder what was inside? Perhaps someday we will discover the answer.

November 2020
Ben Steffy, our board member and a People’s Gas employee, emailed me that their Roaring Run Station was going to be replaced with an automated unit. They would be happy to donate the old structure to CPM. There were many questions to be answered and many details to consider.
I met Ben one mild November day at his home in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania, and he took me for a tour. The road went one way then the other and we were out in the middle of nowhere. He assured me we were near Apollo, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival I found a delightful surprise.

The structure was magnificent and looked like it was just built. The engine was working well and the interior had all the great aromas of a functioning station. It was an experience to be remembered!

The name plate was still proudly displayed on the side near the door. That means it was all bolted together with no welding. In those days, buildings were designed to be moved as the need arose so it could come to CPM and be re-erected. Our interest increased, as did our dreams for future use.
The office is a 12-by-14-foot structure in excellent condition. The possibilities for future use are endless. Ben and I sat down for a bit to enjoy the cozy warmth and reflect on the possibilities.

The engine — working that day — was a massive Cooper-Bessemer model GMX, built in 1955 or 1956. It makes 400hp at 400rpm. With 8 cylinders of 9-3/4-inch bore and 10-1/2-inch stroke, it was a monster! The power cylinders were in a V configuration with four large compressor cylinders jutting out of one side. Although offered to us free of charge, we had to decline. It was beyond our capabilities and did not fit our goals.

CPM was impressed with the structure and donation offer and approved its acquisition formally at a Board of Directors meeting. Next, the long process of getting it here began.

I wrote a letter to People’s Gas gratefully accepting both buildings and understanding that they would prepare them for removal and transport to the museum. They happily agreed.
First, they had to transfer operation to their new station and disable the old faithful engine. Their pumping never ceased. Next, they had to have an asbestos abatement program and inspections completed to certify that it was safe to donate to us.

Then time dragged on and winter was approaching. We thought it might not happen until the next year. However, in the first week of November, Phil Dobson, of Dobson Contracting, called to say two tractor trailer loads would be arriving in two weeks. We quickly chose an appropriate storage area for the buildings to be unloaded.

Amazingly, Dobson Contractors unbolted the structures by hand, causing no damage. They did not use any torch work. All building sections were carefully numbered with the sequence for reassembly, and photographs were taken.
Finally, all sections and parts were placed, and well situated for the winter. Now thoughts turn to its use. A waterworks building? A machine shop? And where will it be placed? There were lots of decisions to be made and a long winter to decide. The possibilities were endless.

CPM would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who helped with this huge project. First to People’s Gas Co. for believing in the museum enough to make it happen. Their efforts were tremendous. Special thanks to Ben Steffy for coordinating so much for us. And all our gratitude to Dobson Contracting for the care that they gave to make re-erection easy and possible. Working together, the impossible came true. My apologies to all who I have missed.
To help fund the Diesel Centrale project or follow its progress visit CPM VintageDiesels. The museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and donations are tax deductible. Please send donations to: Coolspring Power Museum, 179 Coolspring Road, Coolspring, PA 15730.
Dr. Paul Harvey is the founder of Coolspring Power Museum and a regular contributor to Gas Engine Magazine. Email him at engdoc8@gmail.com.