Mutual Electric & Machine Co. Electric Switch, Used on Sugar Island, Detroit River, Michigan, circa 1910
THF166731 / Mutual Electric & Machine Co. Electric Switch, Used on Sugar Island, Detroit River, Michigan, circa 1910
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Artifact Overview
Switches open or close an electrical circuit to turn things off or on. Knife switches, such as this one, were commonly used on power and lighting switchboards or connected to a motor or generator. This switch was used on Sugar Island in the Detroit River in the early 1900s. The island's powerhouse provided electricity for a dancehall, amusement rides and other amenities.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Knife switch
Date Made
circa 1910
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
28.601.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of White Star Line.
Material
Metal
Stone (Worked rock)
Wood (Plant material)
Color
Copper (Color)
Gray (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 2.75 in
Width: 9.25 in
Length: 7.5 in
Inscriptions
on handle:
[obscured] & M. CO./ DETROIT/ C
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Related Content
SetElectric Stories - 2015-2017 IMLS Grant Project
- 22 Artifacts
In 2015, The Henry Ford received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to digitize a selection of artifacts related to electric power generation and distribution. Many hidden stories have come to light as staff cataloged, photographed, and conserved these objects. This expert set presents just a small sampling of those artifacts and their stories preserved by The Henry Ford.