Descriptive Circular of Puget Sound Traction, Light & Power Company
Rare investment prospectus for a large Washington public service company with accompanying map.
Out of stock
Description
The Puget Sound Traction, Light & Power Company was originally organized in 1912 as a result of aggressive consolidation by Massachusetts-based Stone & Webster Engineering Consulting Corporation. The incorporation of interurban transportation operations and electricity generation and distribution was an economic phenomenon that took place in urban areas across America during the early 20th century.
Stone & Webster managed numerous such companies, as outlined in the header at the top of this 1913 investment circular. Immediately below is a description of the assets owned by the newest addition to the portfolio – The Puget Sound Traction, Light & Power Company. Details on capitalization (including potential returns), company organization, the territory served and future potential acquisitions then follow. The back page presents a 1909 map of the electric railway and transmission lines in operation across Puget Sound, with new residential developments noted where applicable.
The prospectus must have been effective as 8 more utility providers would be acquired by the end of the decade. A decline in interurban ridership during the 1920s would eventually lead Puget Power to divest its railroad operations to the city of Seattle, but its utility services would continue to grow and today it operates as Puget Sound Energy.
Identified as a proof copy with a stamp on the front page, the circular is undoubtedly scarce. I’ve been unable to identify any other copies in WorldCat or in online repositories, though it’s possible an example resides in the special collections at the Seattle Municipal Archives or the University of Washington (both contain company archives). A rare example of transit and utility development in the Pacific Northwest during the early 20th century.
Sources: Electrical World, University of Washington Special Collections, Seattle Municipal Archives,
Map Details
Publication Date: 1913
Author: Stone & Webster
Sheet Width (in): 8.4
Sheet Height (in): 12.75
Condition: B
Condition Description: Two page proof circular originally folded vertically at the center but now also with four extraneous horizontal creases. Moderately tone and worn, especially along the centerfold. The map on the back page shows heavier toning and wear along the former folds.
Out of stock