Washington Gas Light Co. - 1950's-70's dated Public Utility Stock Certificate
Inv# GS1267 Stock
Stock with superb 1850's style vignettes printed by American Banknote Company. Blacksmith, early 19th century buildings, including Capitol in the background, early Washington Monument. Rare!! Available in Green, Brown or Orange. Please specify color.
WGL Holdings, Inc., a public utility holding company, serves over 1 million customers across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. A subsidiary of AltaGas, it offers a comprehensive range of energy services, including natural gas, electricity, sustainable energy, carbon neutrality, and energy services. Additionally, the company engages in natural gas exploration, production, and storage. The company operates four divisions: Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL Midstream, and Hampshire Gas. With a history dating back to 1848, WGL Holdings has left a lasting legacy in Washington, D.C.
One notable 19th-century trace of the company is the Civil War-era aqueduct spanning Rock Creek Park between Georgetown and Foggy Bottom. This aqueduct, constructed in the mid-19th century, played a crucial role in providing water supply to the city. Another significant landmark is the gas and electric street lamps installed nearby. These lamps, installed in the late 19th century, illuminated the streets of Washington, D.C., contributing to the city’s transformation from a candlelit to a gaslit society.
Washington, D.C., lagged behind other eastern U.S. cities in adopting natural gas for lighting. Baltimore was the first city to make the switch in 1816, followed by New York City in 1825. However, it wasn’t until 1840 that a gas company for Washington remained merely a proposal. A U.S. Senate document passionately advocated for the benefits of gas on the local economy, arguing that it would enhance the cheerfulness of public spaces and stimulate the growth of fancy and other stores. Among the early proponents of gas was James Crutchett, who purchased a house north of the Capitol grounds and installed gas lighting. This bold move caught the attention of Congress, which responded by allocating $17,500 to light up the Capitol. This generous gesture not only showcased the potential of gas but also garnered public support for its widespread adoption.
A stock certificate is issued by businesses, usually companies. A stock is part of the permanent finance of a business. Normally, they are never repaid, and the investor can recover his/her money only by selling to another investor. Most stocks, or also called shares, earn dividends, at the business's discretion, depending on how well it has traded. A stockholder or shareholder is a part-owner of the business that issued the stock certificates.
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