1900 - 1940

Street Lamp, Saugatuck

Fair

Status By: Mary Voss Status Date: 2016-05-02

From May 2016 SDHC newsletter: We know that electricity first came to Saugatuck in 1902 when the electric interurban line was completed to Holland. In 1912, the Lake Shore Electric Company was founded in Saugatuck to generate electrical power. This resulted in the expansion of the original brick "Pump House" building when electric generators were added (today home to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum!). Along with the new generators and expanded facility came the addition of 70 street lights in Saugatuck and 40 in Douglas. Research indicates the new electric lights were turned on on July 17, 1912. It is likely that this one pictured in the postcard view is one of those original lamps. Some were hung from span wires centered over major intersections. Others were pole-mounted to illuminate both street and sidewalk. Recently donated to the Society's collection is an example of one of these original style Saugatuck street lights. The artifact includes wiring insulators and the socket mechanism along with the decorative fluted reflector plate. The wiring which remains would never pass inspection, but what do you know? A modern socket was at some point installed and a 100-watt bulb fits quite well. ... Thanks to Bob Lord for donating this vintage lamp fixture!