John A. Ackerman's father built this modern farmhouse in 1910. John A. Ackerman installed an electric light plant, run by a 1 1/2 horsepower gasoline engine. It ran a dynamo with a belt, and electricity was stored in batteries. A button turned on the engine. Both house and barn had lights. The system cost $555. It used 75 gallons of gas a year for $10.