Electric cooperatives across the country are celebrating their 75th anniversary. Aiken Electric Cooperative, formed in 1938, this year became the first of South Carolina's 20 distribution co-ops to reach that milestone.

Santee Electric Cooperative was formed in the 1930s and chartered Dec. 14, 1939. We will mark our 75th anniversary Dec. 14, 2014. Leading up to the celebration, we're interviewing co-op members and former employees who recall 'when the lights came on.'

Please let us know if you, or someone you know, might have bright memories of those days. And tell us if you have vintage appliances, electrical items, memorabilia or photographs from the early days of rural electrification. Contact Adrel Langley at alangley@santee.org.