The 100 ft. by 135 ft. Central Steam Plant produced steam and electricity for mining, milling and domestic uses. The original wooden plant burned 22,000 tons of coal per year before crude oil replaced coal in 1907. Because hydro-electric power produced near the 240 Stamp Mill on Paris Creek was seasonal, the steam plant was the primary power source during winter months when streams were frozen. The original wooden building was enlarged and remodeled in 1914 with the addition of a concrete foundation and metal siding.