trician to note that when this
pioneer station was started, and in fact for some little time afterward,
there was not a single electrical instrument in the whole station--not
a voltmeter or an ammeter! Nor was there a central switchboard! Each
dynamo had its own individual control switch. The feeder connections
were all at the front of the building, and the general voltage control
apparatus was on the floor above. An automatic pressure indicator had
been devised and put in connection with the main circuits. It consisted,
generally speaking, of an electromagnet with relays connecting with a
red and a blue lamp. When the electrical pressure was normal,
neither lamp was lighted; but if the electromotive force rose above a
predetermined amount by one or two volts, the red lamp lighted up,
and the attendant at the hand-wheel of the field regulator inserted
resistance in the field circuit, whereas, if the blue lamp lighted,
resistance was cut out until the pressure was raised to normal. Later on
this primitive indicator was supplanted by the "Bradley Bridge," a crude
form of the "Howell" pressure indicators, which were subsequently used
for many years in the Edison stations.

Much could be added to make a complete pictorial description of the
historic Pearl Street station, but it is not within the scope of this
narrative to enter into diffuse technical details, interesting as they
may be to many persons. We cannot close this chapter, however, without
mention of the fate of the Pearl Street station, which continued in
successful commercial operation until January 2, 1890, when it was
partially destroyed by fire. All the "Jumbos" were ruined, excepting No.
9, which is still a venerated relic in the possession of the New
York Edison Company. Luckily, the boilers were unharmed. Belt-driven
generators and engines were speedily installed, and the station was
again in operation in a few days. The uninjured "Jumbo," No. 9, again
continued to perform its duty. But in the words of Mr. Charles L.
Clarke, "the glory of the old Pearl Street station, unique in bearing
the impress of Mr. Edison's personality, and, as it were, constructed
with his own hands, disappeared in the flame and smoke of that Thursday
morning fire."

The few days' interruption of the service was the only serious one
that has taken place in the history of the New York Edison Company from
September 4, 1882, to the present date. The Pearl Street station was
operated f