2015 Midwest Rushlight Regional Meeting Report, Jan. 31st, West Chicago, IL
By Donna Schoenly
Twenty-one Rushlighters and one guest met on January 31st, 2015 at the lovely Victorian home of Keith Letsche. Keith has a great interest in gas lighting fixtures which is evident in his kitchen. The lighting fixtures are operable and provide a nice ambiance. In addition he has collected and studied early Light Bulbs displaying them in his finished basement. Other types of Lighting are also displayed throughout his home. One nice touch that Keith does with his lighting is to place a small card by each lamp with information about the lamp, such as name, circa, fuel type etc.
Chuck Leib, all the way from California, brought some ephemera from his collection. These included a variety of forms, including advertising broadsides and brochures depicting numerous lamps and accessories. He emphasized the importance of the advertising to the collector, noting that it shows the manufacturers’ description of the lamp or accessory. This is invaluable in determining whether a lamp set-up has the correct original characteristics, including burner and chimney, or whether it is incomplete or has been modified or changed. The advertisment shown at right is for the Bridgeport Brass Co. "Leader" rectangular burner, pat. 207048 to W.O. Lincoln, Aug. 8, 1878, assigned to Brideport Brass Co. View U.S. Patent No. 207048
Lunch was delicious and then there was "Show and Tell", and sometimes ask. Pictures and explanations of some of the Lamps are pictured below. It was a wonderful afternoon for learning and fun was had by all.
Mel Zaloudek, talkative as ever, brought 4 lanterns, 2 of which are pictured and explained above. On the right, Mel is showing a railway lantern, factory upgraded to be a safety lantern (with twice as many guard wires twelve instead of six). The lantern was made by the Ham Manufacturing Company, and dates from the 1890’s. On the left is a railroad lantern modified for maritime use, with 360 degree rotating blackout storm shield, circa 1865-1875, maker unknown.
Bob Jacobsen talked about the tin manufacturing industry in Pittsburgh. One of the items he showed was a tin rushlight holder.
John Shallcross brought a Kinnear type lamp. When purchased, this lamp was covered in a heavy coat of gold paint. Expecting to see rusty tin plate when the paint was removed he was surprised to find shiny tin plate. The lamp was very well made and the question posed, was the lamp period 19th century or a 20th century copy. The font contained congealed lard oil and the remains of old wick material showing that the lamp had been used.
Don Schoenly had several lamps from Ed Johnson’s collection. At left is a Gauge Lamp made by Peter Grey
Most everyone showed a lamp or two and explained what they knew about it. Sometimes questions were raised about the age and the authenticity but gaining knowledge was first and foremost and no one seemed to mind being corrected. Next year will be our 8th Meeting. You don’t have to be from the Midwest to attend so come one or all. Maybe someone wants to start another group in another part of the country?? We are happy to share the "hows" to do it.