Look Who it Was Random video

Boston: 1895 Otis Traction Elevator (Delta-Beckwith MODS) @ Boston Public Library

1,850 views · Published 13 June 2010 · 5:01 · Indexed 10 November 2026

Channel: georgef551 · 2010 · Science & Technology

Watch on YouTube

We ride a treasure: a mostly original, Otis Traction Elevator, original to the 1895 Boston Public Library building, Boston, Massachusetts.
  As you can see, it uses a caged body, but is a fully enclosed unit. Enclosed elevators did exist, but usually were not used at the time, because birdcages were "en-vogue" at the time. However, when you're handling precious volumes, you don't install a birdcage, because books can fall out, or get destroyed between the bars of the elevator and shaft (or doors). An enclosed elevator was installed, with windows for light, to protect carts full of volumes. (Granted, some older elevators will have a gated door, but the staff would position the cart away from the doors.)
  Over time, Delta Beckwith got their hands on this elevator, outside of a couple bad choices, they actually did a very respectable modernization of the elevator. The buttons almost look like they belong, but they removed the glass windows (regular or stained, not sure), and put in el-cheapo transluscent plexiglass.
  It's very hard to see, but you can see the original wood guiderails on the second look up the shaft. From here, you can also tell the shaft was filled in with concrete blocks, for safety (door next to it is likely an MPE I didn't try to get).
  This is an amazing ride. If you visit the Boston Public Library, you =MUST= ride this elevator!

More from this channel