In the early 20th century, electricity was not as ubiquitous as it is today. When thinking about the year 1910, one might wonder if people had lights in their homes, streets, or public spaces. The answer is yes, they did have lights, but not in the same way we do now. In 1910, electric lighting was becoming more common in urban areas and wealthier households, but many rural areas and lower-income households still relied on gas lamps and candles for illumination. The transition to electric lighting was gradual and varied depending on location and socioeconomic status.

Cities and towns were faster to adopt electric lighting due to the infrastructure needed to support it. Power plants generating electricity were being built in urban areas, allowing for streetlights and electric lights in public buildings. Wealthier households in cities also began to install electric lights in their homes, replacing gas lamps and candles. However, the cost of wiring homes for electricity and purchasing electric light fixtures was still relatively high, so not everyone could afford this modern convenience.

In rural areas and lower-income households, gas lamps and candles were still the primary sources of lighting in 1910. Gas lamps, fueled by coal gas or kerosene, provided a dimmer light compared to electric bulbs but were more affordable and accessible. Candles were also widely used, especially in homes that could not afford gas lamps. The quality of lighting in these areas was significantly lower compared to urban areas with electric lighting, highlighting the disparities in access to modern technology during that time.

The transition to electric lighting was not just about convenience and affordability but also about safety and cleanliness. Gas lamps and candles posed fire hazards and produced smoke and soot, which could be harmful to health. Electric lighting was seen as a safer and cleaner alternative, leading to a push for its adoption in more households and public spaces. Advances in technology and the decreasing cost of electricity eventually made electric lighting more accessible to a wider population, leading to its widespread use in the decades following 1910.

In conclusion, while electric lighting did exist in 1910, its availability and adoption varied significantly depending on location and socioeconomic factors. Cities and wealthier households were quicker to embrace electric lighting, while rural areas and lower-income households still relied on gas lamps and candles for illumination. The transition to electric lighting was a gradual process driven by technological advancements, affordability, and concerns about safety and cleanliness. By understanding the historical context of lighting in 1910, we can appreciate how far we have come in terms of access to modern amenities and the importance of addressing disparities in technological access.