History of Edisto Electric Cooperative Edisto Electric Cooperative was organized in 1938 when a group or concerned farmers met at the County Agents office in Bamberg to plan for their future. In 1939 things began to happen—June 12, 1939 Edisto received its charter and was incorporated. As if by magic the lines began to extend into the countryside mile after mile, as holes were dug, wire strung and poles set. There was no modern equipment available so everything was done by hand. One crew staked lines, another cleared right-of-way, another dug holes and strung wire, while others would frame, set and climb the poles to pull the wires. It gave someone the spirit of helping others as they watched the crews work so hard. Many times the Co-op members would help with the construction, and even feed the crews. The final joy came when the lights were turned on. Many of the directors were mainsprings in getting members signed up. They have been known to collect membership fees, get rights-of-way and even help string wire. Edisto energized their first lines in 1940 with 550 members connected. Their first annual meeting was held December 2, 1940, at the Community Center near L.P. McMillan's store. This is located about 6 miles south of Bamberg off Highway 301 (known at that time as no. 33) |