Old World Styling for Today’s Home

Gas Light History

Natural Gas has been around for centuries, with legends dating back 3000 years where in Greece a herdsman tells of a burning spring. Historical records show that China was among the first to transport gas-using pipes made of bamboo.

In 1816, Rembrandt Peale went to England to learn how gas was being used for lighting purposes. Bringing his new found information and ideas back to the US, he displayed his “Ring of Fire” at his Museum. It quickly caught on, within days a gas light company was formed and this created the foundation for the company that is now Baltimore Gas and Electric. It was Peale that installed the first public gas streetlight in 1816.

Since then gas lamps have been widely used to light the interior of homes, including the White House. From simple open flame burners to ornate crystal and brass chandeliers, gas lamps at the time were the way to go. Until the turn of the century when Welsbach of Germany invented the mantle did the gaslights really shine! The mantle allowed the gas to burn with a bright white glow which is still used today.

Use of Natural gas in America came into being in Fredonia, New York, in 1820 when the first gas well was drilled to a depth of 27 feet. Industrious citizens hustled gas into town via lead pipelines. In 1858, Fredonia went on to establish the first recorded corporation serving natural gas to businesses and residential customers.

During the decade from 1865 to 1875, the use of gas for lighting and cooking made significant progress. It did not take long for the Lamplighter to become a familiar figure in streets across America, as well as other countries, as nights took on a warm and friendly glow.

In nostalgic memory, the “Gaslight Era” was a period of unhurried, gracious living never to be forgotten.

Tru-Lite is excited about offering an array of gas lighting with the Old World Styling for Today’s Home. Our lighting selection varies from handcrafted copper sculpture to cast aluminum wall or post mount lights.

Whatever your home lighting needs may be, keep in mind the importance of choosing quality exterior lighting to define and enhance the beauty of your home. Become part of the new nostalgic era and join your local community in preserving the history and beauty of gaslights. Bring back the gracious touch of Old World styling to your home today!