Let There Be Light - SkyWatch Friday

I liked this shot as it captured both the natural and very beautiful sky light and, the soft glow of a gaslight fixture. So wish I could have cleaned the glass on the light fixture.

In the early 20th century, most cities in the United States and Europe had gaslit streets. However, gas lighting for streets soon gave way to electric lighting. Small incandescent electric lamps began to replace gas lights in homes in the late 19th century, although the transition took decades to complete. Gas lighting has not disappeared completely from cities.

Cities that retain gas lighting now often find that it provides a pleasing nostalgic effect. Similarly, gas lighting is also seeing a resurgence in the luxury home market for those in search of historical accuracy.

The largest gas lighting network in Europe is probably that of Berlin with about 44,000 lamps. Quite a few streets in central London, the Royal Parks and the exterior of Buckingham Palace remain gaslit as well as almost the entire Covent Garden area. The Park Estate in Nottingham retains much of its original character, including the original gas lighting network.

In the United States, Cincinnati, Ohio still uses gaslight in many of its residential neighborhoods, as do parts of the famed French Quarter in New Orleans and of Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood.

South Orange, New Jersey has adopted the gaslight as the symbol of the town, and uses them on nearly all streets. Several other towns in New Jersey also retain gas lighting: Glen Ridge, Palmyra, Riverton, and some parts of Orange. The Village of Riverside, Illinois, still uses its original gas street lights that are an original feature of the Frederick Law Olmsted (a distant relative of Gaelyn at GEOGYPSY) planned community. Do click through to read more about him and Riverside, Illinois. Thanks for letting me know this Gaelyn...it should have clicked you might be related but, I did not think to ask.

The most popular gas lighting fixtures today are made from copper, a sustainable and durable metal that ages and patinas to protect itself from the elements. Gas Lights today are also used with electronic ignition systems that allow the lights to be controlled from an ordinary light switch. With energy conservation a pressing issue today, these systems can also allow gas lights to be placed on a timer or photocell so that they are not running continuously, only when needed. Today gas lights are widely used for creating ambiance and to accentuate a property's design.
(taken from Gas Lighting)

Do stop by and visit SKYWATCH FRIDAY. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job. We had over 300 participants last week. Come on and join in the summer fun!