Times Square Illuminated by Electric Lights
Photograph
A black-and-white nighttime photograph capturing Times Square in the early 20th century, bustling with horse-drawn carriages, streetcars, and pedestrians. The area is illuminated by early electric streetlights, with prominent signage on buildings, including "Studebaker" and "Trimble Whiskey." The bright glow of the lamps showcases the growing impact of electric lighting on urban life. The reverse of the image contains an inscription referencing "Lewis Latimer," "Con Edison," and the "Smithsonian."
This image highlights the early electrification of urban spaces, a transformation in which Lewis Latimer played a crucial role. Latimer, an African American inventor and engineer, contributed significantly to the development and widespread adoption of electric lighting, particularly through his improvements in carbon filament light bulbs. The photograph illustrates the tangible impact of his and other engineers’ work in bringing electric illumination to major city centers like New York.
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
Reverse side of the photograph: "Lewis Latimer" "CON EDISON / Smithsonian"