TheLightheadquarters

The 1910 image shows a stage of the preparations for the construction of the future Light headquarters. The front wall of the lot had already been demolished, as had the Carris Urbanos building. In this image, a kiosk is seen in the foreground; there were many throughout the city. Originally conceived for the sale of newspapers, magazines, and postcards, over time they altered their profile – just as happens with newsstands today. The kiosks became a kind of ‘mini-bar’, beginning to market beverages, snacks, and other treats, items for smokers, and lottery tickets. Frequented by the city's poorer layers, they came into the sights of Mayor Pereira Passos' urban reforms until they were finally extinguished.

Image description: This is a historic black-and-white photograph showing an urban scene with tram tracks. On the left, there is a large building with a visible chimney. In the center, two two-story buildings stand close to one another. On the right, there is a more extensive structure, possibly a factory or warehouse. In the middle of the image, the tram tracks curve in a U-shape, with a few people walking along them. On the right, there is a small booth with a triangular roof and a signpost. At the bottom of the image, part of a tree is visible. In the lower right corner, there is an inscription that reads "RUA LACOA CASH HOUSE LOCATION."

From the initiative at the beginning of the 20th century, all the necessary infrastructure was implemented for the start of a new chapter in Rio's history, full of urban progress (but not for everyone, as we well know), comfort, and a radical change in the habits and customs of the population. Since we do not see electricity, we give it little attention in daily life. We only feel its absence when the supply is interrupted and life stops; it is impossible to live without it! Built in eighteen months with a metal structure imported from the United States, and inaugurated in 1912, the Light headquarters building fits into the ‘American Renaissance’ style – a cultural and stylistic movement that manifested in the architecture and arts of the United States during that period; a late neoclassicism with a certain eclecticism, that is, a mixture of styles from the past. The entrance for the trams was through the central bays, leading toward the back of the building.

Image description: This is a historic black-and-white photograph of an urban street. The image shows a series of classical-style buildings with balconies and decorative verandas, arranged parallel to the roadway. On the left, there is a building with a simpler façade, while on the right stands a large building with columns and elaborate architectural details. In the central part of the image, there is a large structure with arches and large windows. The street is busy, with people walking and carriages moving about. In the background, there are more buildings and a tram line. The date "Nov. 3-1911" is written at the bottom of the image, along with "Rua Larga Carhouse."

12

Imagem 1 de 2: Rua Larga Carhouse – 03/11/1911 – Mortimer

The headquarters building underwent renovations when it no longer fulfilled the additional function of a tram station. In 1936, part of the lobby used as access to the old garage was transformed into the main lobby, including a reception area for public service. This was reflected in its facade – those who pass along Marechal Floriano avenue today have no idea that where we see large storefronts, wide openings for the circulation of trams once existed. The main building of the current complex, listed by IPHAN in 1988, integrates the Centro Cultural da Light, inaugurated in 1994 and which remains in operation.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a monumental building, likely the Light headquarters, seen from the front. On the left side, there are tall trees and a modern building in the background. In the center, the main building has classical architecture with columns, a pediment, and a clock on its façade. On the right, there is a large tree and a sign reading "ARTIM PEREIRA." In front of the building, several people are walking and are in old cars.

This photograph provides us with many indications of a way of life that was radically transformed. Starting with the dimensioning of the space – spacious and with a very high ceiling –, the marble finish on the lower part of the walls, the various fans that ensured air circulation, the filtered water cooler, the spittoon (it is worth remembering that tuberculosis was a serious public health problem), the ashtray (because people smoked a lot and in almost all environments) and a comfortable solid wood bench.

Image description: This is an old photograph of an interior, likely of a public building. The image shows a wall with a clock and two wall fans, one near the door and another further to the right. On the left, there is a closed door with metal grilles. In the center, a wooden bench is positioned against the wall, and beneath it, two water taps are installed at the base of the wall. The floor is covered with wood flooring in a parquet pattern.

The atmosphere in the offices was also different, without the typical compartmentalization so common today. Behind the wide counter – “Payment of bills” – the employees' desks were in sight.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of the interior of a large room, probably an old bank branch or public office. On the left side, we see a plain staircase and a closed door. In front, there is a long marble counter with a sign reading "PAGAMENTO CONTAS." In the background, several desks are arranged in parallel rows, possibly for public service. The columns are tall and rectangular, supporting the high, open ceiling. Hanging lamps light up the space. On the right side, there are more desks and old equipment, such as ceiling fans.

It is worth mentioning that in those times, going to Light to pay a bill was considered, by many citizens, a good outing. Taking the tram, strolling through the streets full of novelties, entering that majestic building... and the lines represented an opportunity to practice sociability; let's be honest. Quite different from the bills of today.

Image description: This is a black and white photograph of the interior of an old bank branch. On the left side, there is a wooden barrier with grilles, behind which are work desks. In the center, there is a vertical sign reading "PAGAMENTO DE CONTAS". On the right, there are ceiling fans and more work desks. The background features columns and illuminated windows.

In this image, an example of an internal work environment, in the Light headquarters building – the Accounting Section. Note the exposed steel structure, the dividing grilles, the light fixtures, and the furniture.

Image description: This is an old photograph of a large office. The image shows a wide room with several desks arranged in parallel rows. On the left, there is a series of desks with individuals focused on their tasks. In the center, a large central table separates the workers into two groups. On the right, more desks are arranged, also occupied by people. The ceiling is high and open, with visible beams and hanging lamps. In the lower right corner, there is a signature and text that reads "Light and Power - Seção de Contabilidade Rio-Brazil".

In the detail of the Accounting Section, one can better observe the functionalities of the furniture, which incorporated a taller structure, in metal or wood, to support the large accounting ledgers. The functional hierarchy was marked by clothing. We also see calculators and a water filter, in the background.

Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph of an indoor setting, likely from a public utility company in the early twentieth century. The image shows a large room with several people engaged in their activities. On the left side, we see office desks with individuals focused on their tasks. Moving toward the right, we notice more desks and more people, some seated and others standing. In the background, there is a row of storage cabinets and a metal structure with tall pillars.

The stenographer on the left and the two telephones on the right, besides the employee's comfortable chair in the center, leave no doubt about how different those times were. And for those who appreciate it, it is worth noting the clothes and hairstyles.

Image description: This is an old photograph of an office. The image shows several people busy with their activities. On the left side, a woman is using a typewriter. In the center, two men are sitting in swivel chairs, focused on documents. On the right, more people are working at their desks. The windows in the background let in natural light, illuminating the room.

When the streetcar arrived in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the adaptation process was gradual. Initially, the pace imposed by the novelty barely changed the reality then in place – apart from the installation of tracks, which forced citizens to always keep their paths clear, since the streetcar could not make detours. On the narrow streets where it ran in both directions on the same tracks, there were situations in which it became necessary to use the whistle to signal its presence and avoid mishaps.

Image description: This is a historic black-and-white photograph of an urban square. On the left side, we see buildings with balconies and decorative windows. In the center, there is a large palm tree and a building with a tiled roof. On the right, there is an open area with people and equipment, possibly a fair or market. In the background, there are more buildings and a hill with trees. In the lower right corner, there is a structure with a peaked roof and a horse-drawn carriage.