It was a notable event 140 years ago on this night in Wichita (1885), as the first electric light ever seen in the city blazed over the downtown intersection of Douglas & Topeka avenues.
The street was crowded with people to see it for themselves, and the trial demonstration of the Thomson-Houston electric light was a complete success; there were four lamps in operation, and half-dozen lights were installed.
N.F. Niederlander had the honor of turning on the first electric light in the city.