William Lemberg began Lemberg Electric Company, Inc. in 1928, just before the stock market crashed. In the years that followed, the industrial and manufacturing industries shrunk and unemployment numbers grew. By 1930, according to EC&M, less than one third of all wire men in the U.S. were employed.
We uncovered this image of William Lemberg dated April 2, 1939. He'd been in business for about ten years. The country was climbing out of the Great Depression but sitting on the precipice of World War II, which began in September that very year.
Despite the tough times, the electrical industry leaders looked forward and predicted profits based on manufacturing and the technological advancement of modern electrical conveniences such as lighting, air conditioners, appliances, and television. Electricians were going to be in high demand.
