Existing comment:
Washington DC was nearly 30 years behind most major northeast American cities when, in 1855, it established its municipal gas works to supply lighting to city residents. Rural residents beyond the municipal lines could use a portable system to supply gas for illumination. According to the Solders' Home records, the Maryland Portable Gas Company installed a gas system with fixtures in the Cottage in 1858. Frequent repairs were required to maintain the system and it was replaced when the municipal lines reached The Home in 1872. The installation of electrical service began at The Home in 1903. |