Consumer Protection Photographs -- Weights and Measures, 1911-1981, bulk

The Weights and Measures Division was established in 1911 in the Department of Public Utilities. The division included a chief inspector, two assistant inspectors, and a bookkeeper/stenographer. The inspectors were responsible for checking loads of firewood, weighing coal deliveries, testing taximeters, inspecting oil pumps, and verifying the net contents of packaged goods. Similar functions are now performed by the Consumer Protection unit of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services. Spanning 6 decades (1910-1960s), this collection of photographs shows the activities listed above. The 178 digitized image records showcase an assortment of early to mid-century vehicles including taxis, sight-seeing cars and busses, ambulances, and tow trucks. Early photos show lumber wagons from several well-known companies carrying firewood, inspectors in the field, and various types of confiscated scales and other equipment.