[MassHistPres] [HP-NH] [HP-MA] Seeking Radial Wave Streetlight Shades

[Wilson, Linda]

Streetlights in the Jaffrey Center (NH) Historic District

 

Jaffrey NH has recently formed an Energy Committee and one area that is
being explored is the replacement of the Town's mostly mercury vapor
streetlights with more energy efficient streetlight. The actual details
and the type of new lighting have not been decided upon as yet.

 

The Jaffrey Center Historic District is currently lit by 13 incandescent
utility pole mounted lights. The majority of the shades are the
porcelain steel circular shades referred to as "radial wave." Although
the design of the shade and arm are important, the other issues are
brightness and light quality, issues that should be of concern
throughout the town, not just in the historic district.  

 

Over 20 years ago an effort was made by the Town to replace these lights
and it failed because of strong local opposition coupled with the fact
that the replacement lights would actually have cost more to operate.

 

What we would like to know in Jaffrey is:

 

Are there places in New Hampshire or elsewhere in New England that have
encountered similar challenges in recent years and resolved them
successfully? How did you work with your utility provider to achieve an
affordable solution that met safety and operational standards?

 

Are there any suppliers of shades and fixtures based on the original
"radial wave" shades that we currently have and were common in the first
half of the 20th century? We have searched the Internet and failed to
find any exact or even very similar equipment.

 

For comments or suggestions, contact Robert Stephenson, PO Box 435,
Jaffrey, NH 03452. Tel: 603-532-6066. E-mail: rs41 at comcast.net
<mailto:rs41 at comcast.net> 

 

PS from the NH DHR/SHPO:  List-serv protocols do not allow an image of
an existing radial wave shade to be included as an attachment.  However,
a search of "radial wave shade" images on Google or other search engines
will produce a picture of what Jaffrey would like to have.  They are the
"old-fashioned" fluted circular metal shades that look somewhat like a
metal umbrella above the lighting fixture. 
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HP-NH 08-0013

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