The idea of a pipeline supplying gas to houses for heat, cooking and light was revolutionary in the late 19th century but by the turn of the century, electricity was becoming practical enough to threaten the gases dominance. This somewhat awkward cartoon tries to illustrate that point.
I've rented apartments that still had the capped-off gas pipe that used to be the light for the room. They generally still had the 80 plus year old flowery wallpaper. Oh, they also generally had one outlet in the room because who could need more than an electric clock or bedside light in a bedroom?
6 comments:
An electric clock?! What a dreamer.
In fact the single outlet was there only to provide power to advanced patent health equipment such as the electric belt for "dissipated" men and the ... er ... vibrator. (Prescription required, shipped in a plain box; for the relief of female nervous exhaustion.)
--rats
There are houses in my neighborhood that still have working gas front yard lanterns. They burn continuously and are relatively dim, but apparently were a status symbol back in the 1950's. I like them, but they get disconnected as houses get sold because home inspectors go nuts over them. Now with plentiful soft-white LEDs electric is the way to go.
Racing at Mondello Park near Naas, we all hired caravans (from a local company) that had gas lighting. Part of the travel kit was replacement mantles... D.
What decade was that, D?
Mondello Park, as it currently sits, looks very attractive. Me for a track day! -- as soon as I have money and a new skeleton. --rats
1990s; first race I took part in there was in 1998 - my third ever race was a 24hr one! The other 3 drivers had International race licences and didn't want a novice cross on the back of the car; I was quicker than all of them... (24hr 2CV race, incidentally). D.
Various towns have a single antique heritage gas lantern street light. Does someone come around and light it in the evening, I wonder, or is it permanently on? Solar LEDS are the way to go :-)
Post a Comment