A celebration of electricity was planned for this week 100 years ago. The businessmen involved in providing electricity and implements that used electricity were anxious to demonstrate the wonderful advantages of electricity. They argued that the United States alone was "basking in peace and prosperity" and that "calamity howlers" were trying to spread discontent. Much was made of the fact that the US was not involved in the war and that "we are entitled to glory in the achievements of peace."
The experts pointed out that an electric clothes iron cost only 5 cents to operate for an hour and saved many steps for the housewife. They claimed that electrical appliances did not have the fire risk of other power sources.
Another article at this time enumerated the many electrical Christmas gifts. Electric toasters, grills, coffee percolators and water heaters were all suggested as appropriate gifts for the lady of the house. Perhaps at that time the novelty of such appliances would protect the husband from the wrath of a wife presented with a housework tool rather than an item of enjoyment. Electric curling irons were also available, as well as personal vibrators, for skin rejuvenation and neuralgia.
Electrical toys were offered: wireless radios, complete electrical power outfits, electricl train sets and flashlights.
As a gift to the family, a whole house could be wired for electricity!
The wonder of electricity had been made practical, now the work was to persuade the public that they wanted to have electricity in their homes.