'Turnback Tuesday' features arc lamp over Main Street, Derby

Turnback Tuesday views Main Street in a different "light."

This image is of Main Street, Derby looking west. In the top center of the photo is an enclosed arc lamp hanging over the street.

Arc lighting was the earliest type of electric illuminant used in the late 19th/early 20th century. The light in the lamp is a spark or electric arc through the air between two carbon rods.

These lights were not only used on Main Street but on Derby Avenue as well.

Thank you to Valley Lighting for their assistance with this research.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.