New Heating Source: Converting from Oil to Propane
July 28, 2026
There’s been a lot of heavy equipment on campus in recent days – and curiosity to go along with the big machine presence. The summertime project underway is a conversion from oil to propane as our primary heating fuel.
On Monday crews from Calkins Excavating dug up the oil storage tank that was originally installed in 1988. It was like unearthing a time capsule the size of a small submarine. In 1988, Fred Torrey was headmaster, Ted Peters was dean of students, and Gloria (then Thurston) Konicki was a recent high school grad working in the administrative office. The oil tank served us well for 38 years and had reached the end of its serviceable life.
Last week crews from Northwoods Excavating installed the new propane tanks, which are buried on the edge of the front lawn near the flagpole.
Director of Buildings and Grounds John Brown explains, “The conversion to propane provides us with a cleaner fuel source, more stable fuel costs, and much lower maintenance expenses.” The existing boilers in Anderson Hall and the White Building will be retrofitted to complete the project in time for the winter months.
And for those who like to watch the action happen …