When working in the salt mines under Cayuga Lake I remember seeing some old
carbide gas lamps for hats, maybe check with mining museum. I was under the
impression that these lamps generated their own gas.
-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi Harendza <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, March 05, 1999 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: Help Wanted/gas generators


>In a message dated 99-02-17 01:38:14 EST, [log in to unmask] writes:
>
>> We are looking for detailed information about gas carbide generators,
>> devices
>>  that were used in the late 19th/20th C to provide rural houses with gas
for
>>  lighting.  How did they work, who manufactured them, how were they
>obtained.
>>  Were they labor saving devices or commodity saving devices.  Any info
would
>> be
>>  useful.
>
>Candy-
>
>I accidentally deleted the other responses to this query, so I hope this
info
>isn't a repeat. A couple of years ago I took a class on the mechanical
systems
>of historic buildings at the Univ. of PA, and we learned a bit about these
gas
>houses. I don't have my bibliography to hand, but I seem to remember there
was
>some information in the book _Mechanization Takes Command_. I'll try and
>remember to check my references when I get home.
>
>I also remember that Rockwood, a historic house museum in Delaware, still
has
>a gas house on the property, and I am pretty sure the curators there could
>give you further info. You can contact them at Rockwood Museum, 610 Shipley
>Rd., Wilmington, DE 19809. (302) 761-4340. It is a great house museum--
well
>worth a visit if you get the chance. My professor, Dr. Roger Moss, might
also
>be able to provide further information and sources. He can be contacted at
the
>Athenaeum of Philadelphia (215) 925-2688.
>
>-Heidi
>