Generator and Motor System at the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, (2 folders, ca. 1890)

Name/Title

Generator and Motor System at the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, (2 folders, ca. 1890)

Scope and Content

This detailed technical drawing illustrates the wiring and electrical connections within an Edison power station. The blueprint includes resistance boxes, dynamos, ground detectors, and ammeters, showing their interconnections within the system. The schematic is labeled with handwritten annotations that describe the flow of electrical current and key components. The layout provides insight into early electrical distribution systems, showing how Edison’s power stations managed energy flow

Context

This blueprint originates from the Engineering Department of the Edison Electric Light Company, located at 16 & 18 Broad St., New York City. The schematic is signed by J. P. Vail, indicating authorship or approval, and it outlines the connections of electrical apparatus in a small Edison central station. Given the historical significance of Thomas Edison’s contributions to electrical infrastructure, this document likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century during the expansion of electrical power distribution.

Collection

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Archive Items Details

Title

Electrical Schematic for Small Edison Central Station

Location

Folder

410os/1

Box

410

Archival Collection

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) QPL Collection

Library

Queens Borough Public Library

City

Jamaica, Queens

State

New York, USA

Continent

North America

Country

United States