Lighting and the Willimantic Linen Company
In September of 1878, Thomas Edison started experimenting to develop incandescent electrical light. Since 1830, this issue had been researched by Edison and other inventors such as Charles Brush for over forty years. During this time, many scientists were able to create electrical light lamps that functioned in a laboratory as well as short term demonstrations. Although these were positive accomplishments, the true goal was to create bulbs that could be utilized for long term commercial use. Edison understood this issue which led him to not only create a successful commercial lamp which could be used in private homes but also an entire electrical system that could be used for large businesses. After two years of research and development Thomas Edison had created his final product. On New Year’s Day in 1880, Edison was able to demonstrate his work to the public. Over the following years between 1878 and 1882, Edison and his staff worked tirelessly to bring his system to the market. By the spring of 1881, Edison and his team had spent over $200,000 on research and development. An additional $500,000 was needed to introduce the development to the commercial sector. Once approved with a grant by the state of New York the first system was installed in first central station in NYC on September 4, 1882.
At the same time, the Willimantic Linen Company was investing in new lighting technology. In 1879, the co-founder of the company Austin C. Dunham and manager William E. Barrows were facing backlash from the community on their interest in new technology. Members of the community as well as stake holders in the company were worried that the Willimantic Linen Company was spending too much money on unnecessary items which may impact wealth and jobs. It was argued by the stake holders that the company should invest in items that will assist in product development rather than added lighting for workers. Amid these criticisms, Barrows and Dunham continued their interest in new technology by purchasing a Brush electric light system. In January of 1879, the lighting system was installed in Mill No. 2. The following month, dignitaries from both a national and state level were invited to witness the replacement of sixty gas burners with only two electric lights within the Willimantic Linen Company. Criticisms continued however, which forced the Willimantic Linen Company to step up their public relation efforts.
Throughout the summer of 1879, arc light experiments continued in Mill No. 2 as Dunham and Barrows pressed public relations throughout the state. They took their light systems to the state capitol in Hartford, where lights illuminated the capitol building and the surrounding Bushnell Park fountains, with 30,000 individuals watching the display. It was noted by spectators that the arc lamps rays of light could be seen for six miles. By the end of the year Barrows continued experimenting with new electric lighting systems by purchasing improved arc lights.
By April 1880, experiments in Mill Nos. 2 and 3 allowed for a second shift to be introduced throughout the Willimantic Linen Company. The following September, the Willimantic Linen Company hosted a competition between arc light and newly created incandescent light to see which system was better. For nearly two years arc light illuminated the Willimantic Linen Company mills. However, with these lights came issues with sparks that ignited cotton particles and dust. This issue is detrimental to the cotton industry as fires were unmanageable in that environment. As a result of this the mill looked toward other options for lighting systems.
Mr. Dunham and Thomas Edison were acquainted with one another allowing their common project to develop. Mill No. 4 became Edison’s first attempt to light a large building with incandescent light. In September of 1882, Dunham invited Edison to demonstrate his lighting system in Mill No. 2. One year later, the Willimantic Linen Company decided to accept Edison’s invention for their mills.
On August 27th, 1883, William Barrows arranged a public demonstration of the new lighting system for Willimantic. The large crowd consisted of workers, townsfolk, and businessmen from around the country. Barrows illuminated the company store, library, and the second story of Mill No. 2. Those present at the event agreed that the new lamps were far superior to the previous lighting system which produced harsher light. The new lighting system was bright but had a soft effect on the eye.