Electrifying Manhattan

Summary

In 1881, Thomas Edison shifted his focus from Meno Park to New York, where he set up a Brownstone as a showcase and headquarters for his electric light company. Despite facing challenges in designing the world's first electrical power grid, Edison was determined to electrify Lower Manhattan. His team transformed two warehouses into a central power station, equipped with heavy machinery and a vast network of copper conductors beneath the streets. Edison's ambitious plan involved convincing city officials, overseeing mass production of components, and managing financial backers, all while ensuring a simple, switch-based electricity supply to homes and businesses.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ In 1881, Thomas Edison shifted his focus from Meno Park to New York, where he set up an operations base in a brownstone on 5th Avenue.
• 🏢 The brownstone was equipped with 200 lamps, serving as both a showcase and headquarters for the Edison Electric Light Company.
• ⏳ Edison's promise to electrify Lower Manhattan had been delayed for over two years due to the complexities of creating the world's first electrical power grid.
• 💡 Edison was committed to the practical production and full realization of the light bulb, viewing it as a business venture requiring a significant return on investment.
• 🏭 Edison's Central Power Station in Manhattan's Financial District was to be housed in two warehouses, featuring steam engine dynamo sets and testing facilities.
• 🚧 Over 80,000 feet of copper conductors were laid under the streets to supply electricity to a mile-square area, including homes and businesses.
• 🏗️ Edison faced the challenge of convincing New York City officials to allow the running of electric current underground before he could begin construction.
• 🔧 Mass production of lamps, meters, and other system components was necessary, with Edison overseeing the factories to ensure production.
• 👨‍💼 Edison had to juggle multiple roles, including administrator, manufacturer, and salesman, to manage the project's vast scope.
• 💰 The 'money men,' as Edison called them, provided a constant distraction as he sought to secure funding and maintain investor interest.

Q & A

When did Edison leave Meno Park to work on the electric light project?

Edison left Meno Park in February 1881 to work on the electric light project.

What was the location of Edison's Brownstone in New York?

Edison's Brownstone was located at 65 Fifth Avenue in New York.

How many lamps were wired in Edison's Brownstone?

Edison's Brownstone was wired with approximately 200 lamps.

What was the purpose of the Brownstone at 65 Fifth Avenue?

The Brownstone served as both a showplace and headquarters for the Edison Electric Light Company.

What was the main challenge Edison's team faced in electrifying Lower Manhattan?

The main challenge was designing the world's first electrical power grid.

Where did Edison's family reside while he worked on the electric light project?

Edison's family resided in a suite of rooms in a nearby hotel.

What was the significance of the Pearl Street location for Edison's project?

Pearl Street in the Financial District was chosen as the site for Edison's Central Power Station, which was central to his plan to electrify Lower Manhattan.

How many steam engine Dynamo sets were installed in Edison's Central Power Station?

Edison's Central Power Station was equipped with six steam engine Dynamo sets.

What was the weight of each steam engine Dynamo set installed in the Central Power Station?

Each steam engine Dynamo set weighed approximately 30 tons.

What was the planned area of electricity supply by Edison's project?

Edison planned to supply electricity to a swath of city blocks, a Mile Square area.

What were some of the roles Edison had to take on for the project?

Edison had to act as an administrator, manufacturer, and salesman for the project.

What was the term Edison used for the financiers involved in the project?

Edison referred to the financiers as 'the money men'.