CHAPTER 5
EDISON VS. WESTINGHOUSE: AN EPIC STRUGGLE FOR
POWER
*****
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
March 1886
George Westinghouse tugged the lapels of his coat until the finely woven fabric snugged
properly against his broad shoulders. He licked his fingers and smoothed his expansive handlebar
mustache. He was pleased with his reflection in the mirror.
A voice came from behind him. “We should alert the newspapers.”
William Stanley had invented an alternating current transformer. His outsized ambition,
along with his oversized ego, made him eager to make a name for himself. A story in the
newspapers would help.
“No. Alerting newspapers also alerts Edison and his backers,” Westinghouse said. “It’s
better that reporters cover the story as just another electrification.” He used the fingers of both
hands to fluff his muttonchops.
“Engineers will be impressed that we are making a leap in technology,” Stanley said.
“This is a major breakthrough—we both know that. We’re changing the direction of electricity,
after all. What do we gain by introducing it so quietly?”
Westinghouse turned from the mirror to face Stanley directly. “Edison likes to shout
about his accomplishments from the rooftops. I prefer to simply deliver on my commitments. My
ambition is to provide employees an opportunity to earn money. That is the reason I build large
companies. I pay living wages that are higher than other manufacturers, and my companies are
pioneers in safety, benefits, and pensions. I am in business to help people build better lives, not
for hoopla.”
Westinghouse saw by Stanley’s expression that he didn’t like his answer.
After a silent moment, Stanley gently took him by the elbow and guided him toward the
window. There was a large crowd gathering below. “Mr. Westinghouse, this twilight will soon
turn to dark, and then we’ll turn that darkness back into light. Those people think it’s magic, or
nearly so.”
“Then why should we disillusion them? There is nothing wrong with magic. Besides,
we’ll only incite our competitors if we crow about this evening.”
Westinghouse knew he was not nearly as famous as the flamboyant Wizard of Menlo
Park. Edison had a carefully crafted image as a disheveled genius who lived off apple pie.
Reporters lionized him as a selfless giant dedicated to changing the world.
Westinghouse, on the other hand, was just another Pittsburgh inventor and manufacturer.
He refused interviews. He didn’t make good copy. He was dull. Sure, he was successful and rich,
but his wealth came from arcane industries that received little public attention. Electricity,
however, was different. Unlike trains, telegraphs, or steam engines, electricity came into the
home and made everyday life easier, cleaner, and less expensive. Electric light was soft, odorfree, flicker-free, clean, cool, and soundless—all the things gaslights were not. People believed it
was magic.
Electricity was becoming so popular that small companies were formed almost every day
in almost every city in the nation. Most were doomed to fail, especially those run by electrical
neophytes. So, on January 8, 1886, when Westinghouse incorporated his fifth business, the
Westinghouse Electric Company, no one took much notice. He believed it was in his interest to
keep it that way.
Tonight, they were going to illuminate the town of Great Barrington with electricity
generated many miles away. This was an important milestone because the direct current used
elsewhere needed to be generated within a half mile of where it was used due to heat and energy
loss. This was somewhat workable in cities, but in a rambling town like Great Barrington, it
meant that each business and home would need to install a private generator. Whether placed in
the basement or down the block, these generators spewed coal dust, smoke, and noise.
Westinghouse’s alternating current technology made it possible for power stations to be
located close to their fuel source, well outside of neighborhoods. It wasn’t hard to see the vision:
Westinghouse would build large generating facilities far from population centers and then sell
that electricity to the citizens of each city. It would be cleaner, quieter, safer, and far more
efficient.
Westinghouse patted Stanley on the shoulder. “Now, let’s go give these fine people a magic
show.”
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