The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-03-21
Mr.. KE|TH'S LATEST.
win install Electric Lighting and
Power Plant in Theatre.
Work win Begin as Soon as Weather VIII
PermIt-A Big Undertaking.

Mr.. II. +. Keith is always coming 10
the front with the latest improvements
and conveniences for the benefit OF the
patrons of his theatre I'm this city, and
his latest move will be the installation
of complete electric lighting and
power plant, for which the arrange
ments are now being perfected, and
this work will be commenced as soon
as the weather permits. The new plant
will be located on the lot of land on
Clenmence street, which sdjoins the
stage.
The present boiler house will be taken
down, and in its place a much large
structure will be erected, built in ac-
cordance with the latest ideas i'm such
work and containing a number Of new
features. Two large new boilers. capa-
BILE OF furnishing power sufficient To run
a plant double the size of that now in
contemplation, will be installed. so that
every possible emergency shall be pro-
vided for. The plant itself will be a
double one; and. in addition. there will
be single reserve plant for emerg-
encies. Each OF the two engines for
the regular plant will be capable OF do
ing the work without the other in use,
IL necessary. and while their make is
not yet stated. they will be OF the most
improved design. Ii is probable that
the two dynamos of the regular plant,
each of sufficient capacity 10 supply
all the lights now in use, Will be OF
the Thomson Houston type, but final
decision has not yet been reached.
In addition TO the more than 2000 in
candescent and over 20 arc lights now
used In the theatre. IL is the intention
of Mr.. Keith To supply the stores and
Offices in the entire block bounded by
Westminster, Union. Weybosset and
Clemence streets with light and with
power IL desired: and the tenants and
owners OF the other buildings In the
block have already arranged for this
service, while at least two OF them are
desirous also of securing heat FOR their
places of business.
Quite a number of new features VIII
be introduced by the aid of the power
station and II will be possible 10 use
this power in devices for the equip
ment and running OF the stage, not
now used in other theatres. The opera
tion OF the drop curtain and the hre
curtain, the hosting of trunks, scenery
and other heavy materials, ana the
raising and lowering of the big Hats.
uesd in the stage settings may then all
be done by electric power, I'm aditlon
TO several other APPLICATIONS OF the pow
er which at present will not be dis
closed until patents are issued.
Mr. Keith has a corps OF electrical
and mechanical engineers I'm his four
theatres, and these men have for some
time been at work on plans for the new
plant, the erection of which Will also
effect n decided economy I'm the matter
of heating, for which the exhaust steam
may be utilized; and new coils and
radiators will be placed In the various
Offices and other apartments outside
OF the theatre building proper where
now other means OF heating are en-
ployed. IL Is. therefore, likely that oc-
cupants OF the block who desire to Sc
cure heat as well as light and power.
may be accommodated.