The Great Northern Paper Company built the North Twin Dam in the years 1903 to 1904, between Elbow Lake and Quaker Lake. These two lakes were important for the travel between Norcross and Millinocket, and the dam helped the mill harvest water power for operation.

New waste gates, added in 1913 and 1914, helped to divert exhaust gas away from the turbine wheel to regulate it's speed. By regulating the pressure, the engine was protected.