Name/Title
Blueprint of U.S. Electric Lighting Co.'s Isolated Plant – Turn-Verein BuildingDescription
This is a blueprint of an electrical system layout for an isolated power plant at the Turn-Verein Building located on East 67th Street, New York. Dated September 17, 1892, the document is credited to L. H. Latimer, indicating his involvement in the engineering and drafting of this electrical system. The blueprint features labeled diagrams of electrical components, including dynamos, automatic systems, and switchboards, representing an early electrical lighting system.Context
Lewis H. Latimer had begun his electrical career working for Hiram Maxim’s U.S. Electric Lighting Co., a company competing with Thomas Edison’s enterprises in the race to electrify cities. By 1892, however, Latimer had been working for Edison for several years, and U.S. Electric Lighting remained a rival. Exactly why Latimer drafted this blueprint remains a mystery. In any event, it showcases Latimer's technical expertise in drafting and electrical engineering, as he played a significant role in designing and implementing electric lighting systems in buildings and urban spaces. The Turn-Verein buildings were often used as German-American social clubs, indicating that this project likely involved electrifying a community gathering space.Collection
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]Inscription/Signature/Marks
Transcription
"Diagram A." "U.S. ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO'S." "ISOLATED PLANT" "TURN-VEREIN BUILDING" "EAST 67 ST. N.Y. CITY" "SEPT. 17 1892. L. H. LATIMER." Various technical labels including: "Armington & Sims 75 H.P. Automatic" "Dynamo 750." "U.S. Dynamo 750." "Fig 1." "Fig 2." (Detailed schematics of the electrical system, featuring dynamos, switches, and power distribution lines.)