In the insightful exploration of “Historic Street Lamp Posts” provided by the Historic Districts Council, the story of New York’s luminous past unfolds. Delving into the fascinating history of approximately 100 surviving cast-iron lampposts that grace the streets of the City of New York, this narrative sheds light on the evolution of urban illumination.
The journey begins in the mid-nineteenth century with the emergence of two gas lamp posts, marking the early days of street lighting. The transition to electric lights in 1880, particularly on Broadway, signaled a transformative era in urban illumination. The significance of this shift and the subsequent installation of ornamental electrified cast-iron posts on Fifth Avenue in 1892 are acknowledged.
By the 1930s, New York streets boasted a remarkable array of lamp posts, brackets, and pedestals, each contributing to the city’s unique visual character. However, the 1950s and 1960s witnessed the replacement of many of these historic elements with “modern” steel and aluminum types, altering the cityscape. The importance of preserving the past is recognized, acknowledging the existence of approximately 100 old iron posts and brackets that have endured the test of time.
This article serves as a testament to the commitment to heritage and innovation, navigating the intersection of history and cutting-edge lighting solutions in the context of New York’s historic street lamp posts.
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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of hdc.org
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