Kerosene Lamps

Not many of us remember using kerosene lamps as our evening light. To my knowledge, my family always had electricity, but the very young only remember specific things.

It was always a real treat to me, even in my early teen years, to get to spend the night with some older friends that did not have electricity. Evenings were spent around the kitchen table, playing cards or other games. These particular friends had cats in the house, so you could entertain yourself quite awhile watching the cats play with a piece of paper tied on string. Very little cost to that entertainment!

I never had to really know details about kerosene lamps, but I do know that there were many different kinds and apparently the different types gave off a different light. I do know that there were the Aladdin lamps, as well as the more common everyday lamps. These lamps also came in different sizes, as well as iron lamp holders that could be mounted on the wall. You only need to visit an antique shop to view many different style lamps.

Yes, I love my antiques. Fortunately we have dedicated electric linemen, etc and we are seldom out of power for an extended time. However, it is always a little thrill to arrive home on one of those rare occasions to see a light burning in the kitchen window. It is a good thing to have on hand.,

a lamp or two and a little kerosene for the lamp.