Reminiscences of Dr. Langstaff
Street lighting
Panels
Lacrosse in the old daysEveryday lifeStreet lightingChristmas timeHorse and buggy daysAnecdotesAdvent of horseless carriage”The Liberal” July 27, 1957.
With the incorporation of Richmond Hill as a town, ratepayers are now entitled to elect two hydro commissioners and already a commission has been set up. With progress being made and the establishment of an independent organization to look after Richmond Hill’s hydro needs, it is interesting to take a look at lighting in the village at the time of the first incorporation.
In a resume of the progress made in the village during former years, the late A. J. Hume, clerk of the municipality for 40 years, wrote some interesting facts. Up until 1913, Richmond Hill had been lighted by 25 coal oil lamps. These lamps had been located along the main street for many years and were tended by lamplighter. In the year 1913, however, it was decided that such a system was becoming inadequate. The increasing demand led to the construction of an electric lighting system. The original plan was only to provide street-lighting, and a canvass to build a system to provide not only for street lights but domestic lighting also resulted in only 25 persons agreeing to have electric lights installed in their homes.
But the council of that year was a far-sighted group and they had the vision and faith in the future to build a system which would produce double the capacity required for street lighting. Their faith was amply justified for the Richmond Hill hydro system has always paid its way.
Recent years have seen notable changes as newer and better types of street lights have been installed along Yonge Street. Almost all the side streets are lighted now. Further additions are being made to the system as finances permit and with the growth of the municipality and the formation of a Hydro Commission, it is expected that there will be even more Improvements in the near future.
With the incorporation of Richmond Hill as a town, ratepayers are now entitled to elect two hydro commissioners and already a commission has been set up. With progress being made and the establishment of an independent organization to look after Richmond Hill’s hydro needs, it is interesting to take a look at lighting in the village at the time of the first incorporation.
In a resume of the progress made in the village during former years, the late A. J. Hume, clerk of the municipality for 40 years, wrote some interesting facts. Up until 1913, Richmond Hill had been lighted by 25 coal oil lamps. These lamps had been located along the main street for many years and were tended by lamplighter. In the year 1913, however, it was decided that such a system was becoming inadequate. The increasing demand led to the construction of an electric lighting system. The original plan was only to provide street-lighting, and a canvass to build a system to provide not only for street lights but domestic lighting also resulted in only 25 persons agreeing to have electric lights installed in their homes.
But the council of that year was a far-sighted group and they had the vision and faith in the future to build a system which would produce double the capacity required for street lighting. Their faith was amply justified for the Richmond Hill hydro system has always paid its way.
Recent years have seen notable changes as newer and better types of street lights have been installed along Yonge Street. Almost all the side streets are lighted now. Further additions are being made to the system as finances permit and with the growth of the municipality and the formation of a Hydro Commission, it is expected that there will be even more Improvements in the near future.
Gas street lamp in front of the Palmer family home Details
