Journalist/writer seeking very specific answer on when New York City's
old tenements were wired for electricity. I'm researching the history
of my own 1897 tenement building, which I'm fairly sure still had gas
lighting. I know roughly when electricity began to appear in new
apartment buildings, factories, and such. But I have been unable to
find out exactly how, when, and why the many existing 19th century
tenements were wired. Was it piecemeal, and due simply to market
forces? Or was it required by a specific housing law? Was it due to
shut-off of gas lighting? Or maybe a combination? Books and sources
welcome, but I'm really after a fairly specifc answer. Was hugely
impressed by response to my last question here (Viola, I believe).
Wonderful service and minds. I think this one is probably tough (I
couldn't get an answer from Con-Ed or NY Tenement Museum,
suprisingly). To any takers, happy hunting! Regards, Nelson