​Innovations in railroad lanterns, meant for the safety of the railroad company's property and the life and limbs of the company's employees, were made about this time. The local railroads however, could not be put to the expense of furnishing this essential tool to the railroad men. In order to encourage men to purchase the electric lanterns for their work, the railroad supplied the batteries. The men were also encouraged by the fact that they did not have to clean the globes of the electric lanterns or be concerned about the flame going out, or setting fire to their clothing.