According to Noname Hiding’s article titled “History of Antique Street Lights,” the evolution of street lights has an intriguing past. During the late 18th century, the initial street lights were oil lamps fueled by whale oil, which emitted a feeble and narrow glow, leaving the streets relatively dark. However, in the early 19th century, both Western Europe and the United States embraced gas-powered public lighting, marking a significant transition.
These gas-powered lights required dedicated lamplighters, responsible for maintaining and illuminating them. The lamplighters would commence their shifts before dusk, ensuring that all lamps were simultaneously lit. As dawn broke, they would traverse their route once more, extinguishing the lights.
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