Jay County REMC was incorporated in June of 1936. In 1937 the first board of directors, incorporators and contractors were on hand to set the first pole.

The contractors had the power equipment to dig the holes, lift and place the poles in the holes. The tamping of the ground was done by hand. Construction started north of Portland near the Lon Wehrly farm. REMC members were urged to complete the wiring in their house and other buildings before REMC line construction was completed. Delay of home wiring would delay receiving electric current.

Pictured above beginning on the right side: Frank Wegmer-Director, Lon Pettis-Incorporator, John Schmidt-Director, Clarence Strauss-Director, Frank Bunker-Director, Clynas Flesher-Director, Fidelis Wagner-Director, William Theurer-Director, John Macklin-Manager, Harley Brumm-Director, Willis Bye-Incorporator, Joe Remakluse-Incorporator, Lora Frank-Director, Dennis Frank-Director, Chester Ryle-Incorporator. Those on side and back are not named and were contractors.