This post tells its own story. It is part of the generator shed erected to serve a rural homestead in northern New South Wales during the 1920s. The post and adjoining wall are stained with fumes from the old generator. The light switches tell a story of isolation and connection. From the 1920s many pastoral properties had their own stand-alone generators capable of supplying electricity at 32volts. This was enough to light a house and banks of batteries provided power after the generator had been switched off. This was enough to undertake some late evening chores or read a book in bed.
After the Second World War the cry "put a light in every country window" went up all over the land. Isolated town and council electricity generation and supply systems were connected by newly-formed county councils and throughout the 1950s new feeders were sent out across the vast rural lands of the interior. Rural dwellers were able to access the marvels of agitator washing machines, refrigerators, electric sewing machines, mixmasters and vacuum cleaners. And there was a light in every country window.
The wooden disc on the post was a mounting plate for the 32volt light switch supplied by the building's own generator and the square bakelite switch served the new 240volt system powered by the fires of Wangi, Wallerawang or Lake Macquarie Power Stations.
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