Pre-Electric Lighting Devices

Pre-Electric Lighting Devices

Can you imagine a time where there was no electric-powered light? Depending on the perspective, it was either the literally Dark Ages or a romantic era when townsfolk spent time by stargazing or by leisurely watching fireflies light up little paths under the moonlight.

Before the advent of electricity, townsfolk had to get by by using an assortment of lighting devices or equipment.

Torches made of bamboo tubing with a cloth soaked in gasoline at the end were carried around as one walked a dark path. Dried-up coconut fronds were also used as makeshift torch.

Candles were used in homes and churches.

At night, the kingki -- small gasoline-laden lamps made mostly out of tin can with a wick made of cloth -- was useful. The kingki, or tinterwan, came in various shapes and sizes.

For brighter illumination, there was the hasag, a large glass lamp fueled by kerosene that gave a strong clear white light, like fluorescent light. One lighted the bulb-shaped wick by pumping at the kerosene with a lever and using a lighted matchstick.

According to local historical record, it was only in 1976 when the [Central] Pangasinan Electric Cooperative Inc. or CENPELCO, a non-stock electric cooperative, started its operations and extended services to the town of Bayambang.

The changes this development brought on were, of course, profound.