Seattle City Light's advertising during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s reflected the company's desire to publicize not only the benefits of electric light, heat, and appliances powered by City Light energy, but also to advertise the city itself. City Light advertisements presented Seattle as "the Electric City," where, in the 1950s, rates were less than half the national average.nnThe collection consists of five scrapbooks of newspaper, magazine, and other advertisements publicizing Seattle City Light, products and appliances, developments in hydroelectric power, and the city of Seattle itself. Products and services advertised include electric stoves, water heaters, air conditioning, and heat; dishwashers and dryers, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, appear frequently in advertisements. Ads for the "Medallion Home Symbol" are also common. The symbol indicated that a home had been inspected by Seattle City Light and met certain standards for lighting and appliances. City Light advertised its 24-hour repair service and even its Home Economics Department, intended to "help customers realize the full benefits of modern electric living." Local businesses were often spotlighted to display the advantages of electric kitchens or outdoor lighting. Special events, such as the Century 21 Exposition, the opening of the Gorge Dam on the Skagit River, and the Seattle Home Show, also figure prominently in City Light advertisements.nnWhile advertisements in the 1950s and 1960s focus on the low rates and high power consumption enjoyed by Seattle citizens, rate increases, warnings about overconsumption, and energy conservation tips appear more frequently in later advertisements. 1970s advertisements reflect growing awareness of diversity and include sponsored ads for Black History Month (detailing the lives of prominent African-American leaders) and promoting City Light's equal opportunity hiring practices.nn
Seattle City Light's advertising during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s reflected the company's desire to publicize not only the benefits of electric light, heat, and appliances powered by City Light energy, but also to advertise the city itself. City Light advertisements presented Seattle as "the Electric City," where, in the 1950s, rates were less than half the national average.nnThe collection consists of five scrapbooks of newspaper, magazine, and other advertisements publicizing Seattle City Light, products and appliances, developments in hydroelectric power, and the city of Seattle itself. Products and services advertised include electric stoves, water heaters, air conditioning, and heat; dishwashers and dryers, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, appear frequently in advertisements. Ads for the "Medallion Home Symbol" are also common. The symbol indicated that a home had been inspected by Seattle City Light and met certain standards for lighting and appliances. City Light advertised its 24-hour repair service and even its Home Economics Department, intended to "help customers realize the full benefits of modern electric living." Local businesses were often spotlighted to display