It is hard to believe that something that we take so for granted, was such a big deal at one time! This is a photograph
titled "First electric lights in Westbrook." The use of electricity for lighting purposes arrived in Westbrook in the 1880s. According to Highlights of Westbrook History, the first electric generator was installed outside the Leatherboard Mill
on Main Street. On the day that the mill was to be lighted a large crowd gathered to witness this event. Many of the
mill employees were members of the Saccarappa Lodge of Odd Fellows and they induced the owner of the mill to
run wires across the street to light the Odd Fellows Block, thus creating the first business block in Westbrook to
have electric lights. [Possibly this photograph was taken at the first lighting of that block.] The Dana Mill quickly
followed with a generator. Mr. Dana later ran wires up Bridge Street to Main Street and lighted the square there.
Soon S.D. Warren replaced their gas lights with electricity.... and the rest is history!
What a wonderful photograph to have in our Collection!

(Note: This photograph was probably reproduced from a glass negative. More about that at a later date!)