Old Glass Block Used on the 1848 Line That Ran from Mineral Point to Lancaster Wisconsin

AN HISTORIC INSULATOR.

Those who are familiar with the form of insulators used today in trees and places where the permanent fastening of the wire is not desirable, will be interested to learn that as far back as 1848 this particular form was used, both in glass and porcelain. Through the courtesy of Mr. J. J. Nate, superintendent of the Standard Electric Company, Madison, Wisconsin, we are enabled to give a photographic reproduction of what is probably the oldest specimen of that type of insulator in existence. The form is the one used originally on the Washington-Baltimore line, while the particular insulator shown was in use for years on one of the first lines built in Wisconsin. The line ran from Mineral Point to Lancaster by way of Potosi. It was constructed in 1848, probably by a man named Lundy, who seems to have had an interest in its installation.