Steampunk - The Engine Room 1974 Poster

Colorized photo from 1974 Original Title: Pratt Institute, power generating plant Location: Brooklyn, NY Built in 1889, these DC generators powered the Pratt Institute school. They ran for many years, at least till around 1970 or so. Their duty became lighter and lighter as the school was switched over to AC power. But they ran the elevators instead. Later on in the 70's they started remove the Asbestos, from the pipes. Then noticed the wires (all those wires attached to the switches), were also covered with the stuff. It was there to prevent it from burning up. So all the main wiring was removed. Today, the boiler that made steam for the engines, is now used in the HVAC system, and I believe one of the pumps is used for the sprinkler systems. The motors are turned on now and then for demonstration purposes and to keep them active. Because the boiler still works, the room is always quite warm and is the home of several dozen cats. The caretaker that restored these machines, also feeds the cats. These animals are known as Pratt Cats, and you can see on by the door right now.