My Old Historic House: Sep 14, 2011

A collection of brass candlesticks in the transom
of the parlor doors. would light 2 rooms at once.

French bronze and crystal girandoles, mantle of the dining room.

Rare and unusual, cranberry glass candle holder. One for a pair, Ladies,Up River Parlor.

Lusters, is a name for a fancy Victorian style candle holder . The prisms added extra light and sparkle to the room. This is one of a pair, English, pink Bristol glass, found in the Down River, Gentlemen
parlor.

The dictionary defines a candle as a solid block of fuel (wax) and an embedded wick,which produces light. Today most candles are made from paraffin, but, some are made of beeswax,soy and other plant waxes. A candle manufacturer is traditionally known as a ,"Chandler."

The Egyptians were using wicked candles in 3,000 BC., but, the ancient Romans are generally credited with the developement of wicked candles. Early Chinese candles were made in paper tubes, wax was made from insects. In Japan the first wax was from tree nuts. In India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree.

Colonial women offered America's first contribution to candle making, when they discovered that boiling bay berry bushes,produced a sweet smelling wax. The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century brought the first major change in candle making, as oil lamps were now being used to light homes. Most of the major developements impacting contemporary candle making occurred during the 19th century. In 1834, Joseph Morgan invented a machine that allowed the continuous production of molded candles. After this invention, candles became more affordable, and every household used them. Paraffin wax was introduced in the 1850's. It had a low melting point, orderless and burned clean. Popularity of the candle remained steady until the mid 1880's.
The earliest known candles originated in China around 200BC and were made from whale fat. Candles did not appear in Europe until sometime after 400 AD. The early European candles, were also made from fat. In the 18th century, Sperm Whale fat ,was used to produce a superior candle. Paraffin was first distilled in 1850 and revolutionized candle making.The candle business boomed after this, but was devastated soon after by the invention of kerosene.

A pair of Austrian , brass and porcelain floral wall sconces, light the pier mirror in the Dining room.

French girandoles on the dining room mantle.

Based on measurement of a taper-type wax candle, a modern candle typically burns at a steady rate about 0.1g/min. The light produced is 100 times lower than an incandescent light bulb. It would take 1,000 candle to equal a 100 watt bulb.A 6 inch candle will burn steady for 8 hours.
Before the advent of electricity ,and in areas with out electric, candles and oil lamps were, and are, used to light peoples homes.. Until the 20th century, candles were more common in Europe than the United States. Most candles were hand made by the home owner or there servants. Most common method was a tin mold. Some were however, hand dipped

A candle stick or candelabrum is a holder for one or more candles, used for lighting or decoration. The name candle stick derives from the fact that it is usually tall and stick shaped. Here in America, we usually say, candle holder.
Although electric lighting has phased out candles, candle sticks and candelabra are still used in modern homes as a decorative element or to add atmosphere on special occasions.
In 1845 when, My Old Historic House was built,candles, whale oil lamps and rag lamps were the only lighting that was available in American rural areas. Elgin who built my home, had a trading post and latter, a general store, so I am sure he had access to store bought candles. Even then, candles were rare and expensive. This is why most people of that day would just go too bed at dark.

This large bronze cherub, hold the massive candle holders on the top of the candelabra.

Detail of the foot of the French bronze candelabra in Ladies Parlor.

Candle light adds beauty and romance to the Ladies parlor.

When I have a party or a night time tour, I love to light the candle all around, My Old Historic House. It takes awhile to light them all. When you blow out a candle, the wick tends to bend and stick in the hot wax. You might have to dig it out and bend it up, before the next lighting. Candles can add charm and beauty to your home, but, if left un- attended, then can be very dangerous. I am sure many house fires were caused by a falling candle or one, that was to close to a curtain. Please be extra careful when burning candles.
I hope you have enjoyed this candle light tour of, My Old Historic House. .I love to see it in the candle light. Makes me wonder what it might have been like, way back in 1845. What do you think?
Please come by anytime for a tour. I will be more than glad to light all the candles. Heck, I will even share a glass of wine or two. And Yes, Sissy Dog ,will always meet you with a jump and a kiss.
And Remember, only you, can prevent candle fires.! BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!