From the archives: They made Montreal a much brighter city

This story was first published on Aug. 1, 2004, in the Montreal Gazette.
”The city is to be lighted throughout by electricity to-night, the contract with the Montreal Gas company … having expired last night.”
The Gazette, Thursday, August 1, 1889
Gas lamps had illuminated Montreal streets, however fitfully, for more than 50 years. Now it was the turn of that new marvel, electricity.
Much was expected of the new lights. They would shine the whole night long, from 8 in the eveni