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Wharf and Warehouse Lighting – Edison Municipal Diagram 1M (1881)

Drawing
This is a blueprint-style technical drawing illustrating the application of electric lighting in municipal wharves and warehouses. The upper half of the image depicts a large warehouse interior filled with workers, carriages, and barrels, all illuminated by hanging incandescent lamps. The lower half shows an outdoor wharf area, with workers unloading goods from ships, and street lamps providing visibility. The presence of ships with masts and rigging suggests that this is a commercial port or dockyard.
Wharf and Warehouse Lighting – Edison Municipal Diagram 1M (1881) picture number 1

This 1881 blueprint represents an early visualization of electric lighting in industrial and municipal spaces. Lewis H. Latimer, who worked with Edison, played a key role in developing and installing electric lighting systems. The drawing highlights how electricity was envisioned as a transformative tool for nighttime industry, improving safety and productivity at shipping docks and warehouses. This document was likely used to promote the benefits of electric lighting in large-scale infrastructure projects during the late 19th century.

The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup]Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

"Edison Municipal." – Indicating this is part of a municipal lighting project. "Diagram 1M." – Suggesting it is part of a series of technical schematics. "Wharf and Warehouse Lighting." – Labeling the application of the electric lighting system. "W.H. Sims, 1881" – Possibly the name of the illustrator or draftsman, marking the creation date.