Douglas Island news., 1916-01-12
Modern Application of Elec-
 tricity in the Home
(Prize Essay by John Hopper, of the
 Douglas High School)


 Douglas High SchooL) | Not long since, Iheard a loud knock ing at my door. On answering the call, !, l found an elderly-looking gentleman who introduced himself as Benjamin Franklin. Unexplained that he saw no knocker as a reason for rapping SO loudly l touched the button of the electric bell, which brought look of astonishment to bis face when it rang.
 Being invited iu, he looked about for a mat upon which to wipe his soiled shoee, SO l directed him to the electric shoe brush for that purpose.
 After being seated in the psrlor, turned on the electric light and heater for his comfort. He expressed his great surprise and curiosity. I explained that these and other wonderful elec- trical appliances in my home, which would be glad to show him, were only developments of his own discovery of electricity with his kite and key. "Butp he exclaimed, "it would require a kite miles long and wide, with continuous thunderstorm to do all these things. Whence is all this electricity pro duced9" told him that it was gener- ated by water or steam power and stored up by the Alaska Electric Light and Power Company in their plant at Juneau. From there, explained how it was distributed to Juneau and Doug las homes.
 Mr. Franklin appeared to be quite chilled, so I placed the electric robe around him, aud the electric foOtstool under his feet.
 Ringing for the maid, l directed her to prepare a light repast to demonstrate to Mir. Franklin some of che modern electrical conveniences for the home. She quickly made a rarebit on tue elec- tric chafng dish, serving it on toast made on the electric toaster, and coffee in the electric percolator. As Mir. Franklin preferred tea, it was quickly made in an electric teapot. While he slipped his tea l turned on the electric piano for entertainment.
 He appeared anxious to investigate further inventions for the use of elec- tricity. l took him into the library, called his attention to the electric reading lamp, giving such a soothing light for the eyes in reading, and the electric Vctrola. asked him to use the telephone which he did with great delight, calling the Alaska Electric Light and Power Company iu Juneau. They cordially invited him to come over aud be shown through their up- to-date plant.
 In the kitchen was the electric range on which the food was being cooked. The electric hot plate and ovenette was also in use preparing the smaller dish for the dinner. The electric dishwash- CT and drier seemed to amuse Mir. Franklin greatly.
 The bathroom interested bim, for here was the electric heater which heats sufficient water for bathing in a very few minutes. There was also a small boiler which is used for heating water when needed instantly. Hanging on a hook was an electric pad for reclining the head on when it aches.
 In the basement showed Mr. Frank lin the selectric washing machine, wringer, electric iron and mangle. In one corner is my workshop with it's electric planes, saws and soldering irons all of which interested him. Here be broke an electric light globe, but l instantly took my electric fashlight which always carry with me and ush- cred him upstairs.
 Dinner was then ready and after eat- ing I showed him the playroom where the children were playing with their electric toys.
 In the dressing room "mllady's" elec- tric curling iron and comb attachment was an article of interest.
 The smoking room was the last room Mir. Franklin inspected. gave him a cigar and it was lighted by means of an electric cigar lighter. After an evening of interesting conversation, Mr. Franklin expressed his desire to retire. l ordered the maid to attach