The Moonlit Streets of Tacoma
Electrician Laaton pushes to replace wooden utility poles with ornamental iron lighting throughout the downtown core.
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The city has begun installing ornamental iron light poles, 12 feet in height, near Wright Park. In action, they resemble full moons. City Electrician Laaton proposes that these be extended to Pacific Avenue, Commerce Street, and G Street. The plan involves placing them every 80 feet, with lamps at every crossing, while moving wires underground into conduits. A petition is being circulated among merchants to gauge their willingness to share the costs. If funded, it would replace the existing wooden poles and potentially lower operating costs.
“In action they look like big full moons.”
This marks a pivotal moment in the 'City Beautiful' movement's arrival in Tacoma, where industrial efficiency (removing overhead wires) met civic vanity. The push to beautify Pacific Avenue remains a recurring theme in the city's downtown revitalization efforts.
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