Early Light Bulbs, [01/01/1880]?

File — Box: 19, Folder: 1

Scope and Contents note

From the Collection:

The Rogers Family Papers consist of fifteen series, the first being on the Rogers & Clarke families in general, and the remainder focusing on the papers of individuals such as James Webb Rogers I, J. Harris Rogers, James Charles Rogers, Cora Rogers Clarke, Phillips H. Clarke Jr., Mae Harris Clarke and George E. Sullivan. The final series contains objects and oversize materials of varying types.

Extent: 30 linear feet Number of Boxes: 19, with 11 oversize containers

Dates

[01/01/1880]?

Conditions Governing Access note

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 44.5 Linear Feet (30 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Container Summary

3 light bulbs of various sizes and designs, all undated and unidentified. The first bulb, 10.5" x 4", the largest, appears to be made of hand blown glass: a sphere with three glass protrusions, each protrusion containing a metallic disk on the end of a short metal rod; no evidence of a filament; undated, creator unknown. The second bulb, 8" x 3.25", the second largest, labelled at the top in the modern fashion "General Electric 200W 120V;" filament in tact; undated, but probably an early example of a mass produced incandescent bulb. The third bulb, 3.75" x 2", the smallest and possibly the oldest, made of hand blown glass; filament is in tact, base has bare wires; undated, creator unknown. J. Harris Rogers did experimentation with electricity and lighting in the 1870's and the 1880's, during some of which time he was Electrician of the Capitol (1877 1882), installing the first electrical lighting in the Capitol building and on Pennsylvania Avenue.