Electricity Before electricity lines were built to Cardigan , a few buildings — such as Senator John A . MacDonald's sawmill, store and home — received power from their own electrical plants operated by diesel fuel, oil or gas. The Cardigan line was built during the winter, using horse and sleds. Robert Clements from Montague was one of the many who worked on the construction of this line. The power for the Cardigan line came from Knox's Dam. Poles were cedar and came by train from New Brunswick . The first lights were carbon and mercury bulbs. In 1919,12 to 20 houses were wired in Cardigan . In some cases, there would only be one light in the house. Homeowers used an extension cord with the bulb at the end for mobility. Very few appliances were used; toasters were one of the first. Robert Clements , Norman MacKenzie , Frank MacNeill , and David Mac - Donald were four of the earlier meter readers. These meters were read every three months. When more houses were wired, David MacDonald used his airplane to reach meters along the river. David MacDonald 's plane. 45