West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 105 by Charlie Miller
____July 1907 – Trial lamps sent from the Joseph Lamp Co., Wheeling, W. Va.-- (1) two burner and (1) one burner. The Company requests that they be authorized to install these lamps in a prominent place in the town so as to enable the citizens to watch these lamps and see what they will do in the way of lighting the streets. Our lamps are built from solid brass castings, burner part that is, the stem of wrought iron, highly nickle plated. The top is a combination of a large protecting and reflecting shade and a patented ventilator, which is baked enamel. They are absolutely rust-proof and will last for years. A post cap is made of cast iron and readily adjustable to any post.
____November 11, 1907 – A contract was adopted between the Village and the Sun Vapor Street Light Company of Canton, Ohio – The company agrees to supply and furnish incandescent boulevard natural gas lamps of 100 candle power for lighting of streets. To be iron, not less than 300 pounds each. Forty or more Wellsbach Incandescent Boulevard 100 candle power natural gas lamps. Furnishing all materials, mantles, chimneys, burners, and everything necessary, including labor to keep the lamps clean and in good order and repair for a 10-year period, at $10.00 per lamp, per year. Payment is to be made monthly.
It appears that both natural gas and gasoline lamps were used at the same time for a while.
____November 14, 1907 – A motion was made and passed to have the light committee contract with some plumbing firm to pipe the Opera House for lighting with natural gas, buy the burners, and have it all ready to go for lighting, and to do it at once.
____November 15, 1907 – A contract was made with a Mr. Eckler for drilling of the well in front of the Baptist Church, the old part was already 28’8” deep.
____The Opera House was being lit by natural gas in December of 1907.
____May 22, 1908 – Francis Bidwell drowns in the Big Darby Creek at the Pan Handle Bridge. He was unable to be rescued by two companions, Ralph (Paddy) Gillivan and John Quinn. He was the son of Marion Bidwell.
____June 19, 1908 – The Interurban Hotel burns to the ground at 11 o’clock, caused by an explosion of a gas lamp. The building belonged to Anthony Kuehner. (Gas lamps were nice but dangerous)
____June 26, 1908 – DIED, Frank McNeal, son of pioneer Jacob McNeal. (Jacob McNeal, born in Cumberland County, Pa., came to West Jefferson in 1837 when the construction of the National Road was only this far. When he was 18, he apprenticed with wagon maker John McCray and took over the shop in 1846 at the corner of W. Main St. and S. Twin St. He also served as Township Clerk.)