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Columbia Dry Cell Battery
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| Accession #: | 4175.4 |
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| Title: | Columbia Dry Cell Battery |
| Object Type: | Battery, Dry-Cell |
| Participants: | |
| Physical Description: | Dry-cell battery; cover is cardboard with red text (see inscription field for details); there are two connectors on the top and one covered wire attached to the right connector, there is also a short length of uncovered wire attached to the left connector. Caution, battery is toxic so handle with care. |
| Description: | Electric lighting for streets and homes came to Spokane soon after hydropower technology was available; a power station was constructed at the falls of the Spokane River as early as 1885. By 1898, numerous large Spokane homes, including the Campbell's, were constructed with combination gas and electric lighting, with gas as backup during power outages. Although the Campbells brought both gas and electricity to each chandelier and sconce, they appear to have relied on all-electric light fixtures in each location. For the reduced voltage needed by the telephone and Servants' Hall call bell (annunciator) systems, the household relied upon wet and dry cell batteries in a cellar cubby. |
| Category: | Campbell Collection |
| Geographical Reference: | Campbell House (Washington->Spokane County->Spokane) |
| Dimensions: |
Object H x Dia 7 x 2 1/2"
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| Materials/Techniques: |
cardboard (Material)
toxic chemicals (Material)
metal (Material)
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