General Information

Serial #

N/A

Part Number

4

Total Parts

5

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

oak wood; metal (including iron]; ceramic

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

267.0 cm

Width

33.0 cm

Height

295.0 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Energy-electric

Category

Regulation & transformation

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

General Electric

Country

Canada

State/Province

Ontario

City

Peterborough

Context

Country

Canada

State/Province

Ontario

Period

Originally installed and used in 1895. Dismantled and removed from operation c. 1963/4

Canada

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal was converted to electrical operation in 1895, largely in an effort to maximize efficiency during cold weather when traffic through the Canal was heaviest. The contract for the electrical plant, and the installation of an electric lighting system for the canal and powerhouse was awarded to Canadian General Electric Co. of Toronto and Peterborough, Ont. When completed, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was the first ship canal in the world to be electrically operated, and the first to be totally electrified with electric power and lighting along the entire canal. (Ref. 3, pp. 93-150)

Function

To contain and support three panels housing electrical meters, switches, etc.

Technical

Elaborate wooden frame for switchboard manufactured at Compound Shop of Canadian General Electric Co.. (Ref. 2 p.237)

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

"[maple leaf graphic] Sault Ste. Marie Canal 1894 [maple leaf graphic]"

Missing

Unknown.

Finish

Oak frame is stained and varnish on front. Metal (including iron) hardware. Some minor ceramic fittings on frame back.

Decoration

Decorative carving includes scrollwork, leaves (including maple las) and architectural details. Text on lintel and maple leaves highlighted with gold paint.