Stamford, CT c.1915, Fire Station, Old Street Light

By Joe Maurath, Jr.; posted October 4, 2013
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On the far right note the latter. These old incandescent street lamp fixtures were of the "double walled" design... two matching sections that fit together conically with the white porcelain (reflective) piece on the bottom. These were gradually superceded by single, stamped steel "radial wave" refectors in the teens and retained their white porcelain undersides to reflect light downwards.

I collect old street lights and parts resembling this one... (hint!) and am always looking for any parts to lights like this such as metal clamps, cast iron pin caps, reflectors, etc. Some threaded caps are marked Wheeler Reflector Boston, PEMCO, etc...others are unmarked.

Note how the fire alarm (or utility?) wires deadended on this vintage firehouse using a crossarm bolted into it. Actually this method of service wire termination was common through many of the early years and can still be seen on a few surviving historic dwellings across the US...mostly with the wires long since disconnected.

Nice view of the old fire truck with its crew within it too ;-)

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