A year ago I was blessed with a complete Aladdin Lamp, and the components for at least one more. I had instructions, but it seemed a bit involved to get one going, so I put it on my “someday” list.
With a quiet house and some extra time on my hands, I decided to make a go of it. I did some reading about Aladdin Lamps, watched a video from Lehman’s, then took the plunge.
The lamp I wanted to light has a metal finish and beautiful shade with pink flowers. The body of the lamp had some damage (which is one of the reasons my dad got such a good deal on it). Unfortunately, I was unable to get the burner to screw on securely enough.
So, I went with plan B and got out the Genie II shelf lamp. I don’t think they’re meant to have as large a shade, but I like it anyway 
After getting it lit, I realized why these oil lamps were so prized by the pioneers. When turned up all the way, the lamp shines forth with the equivalent of a 60 watt bulb! Last night I turned off all the lights, shut down the computers and spent some quality time in the Word and in prayer by lamp light.
Part of my motivation for learning homemaking and other “survival” skills, is to be ready for more difficult days. I want to learn and know how to do things BEFORE I’m in a situation where I HAVE to do them. Living in a hurricane-prone area, we face a reality of being without power for days at a time. Having such a bright, easy-to-use light source will be a blessing. Of course, I’ll need to keep oil and an extra mantle (the part that glows so bright) on hand. But one quart of oil will last 2 – 3 hours. If you’ve ever considered buying a quality oil lamp, I highly recommend the Aladdin! I did learn that they burn very hot, so they should never be left unattended.
Another off-grid lighting solution I’d like to get are solar panels to charge a battery w/inverter so we could use a lamp or a fan. In the event of a prolonged power outage, I also wonder how solar yard lights would work – they could charge up during the day, then we could bring them in to provide light at night. I think some models come with an on/off switch, but I’m not sure.
Even as I focus on learning skills, living a more simple life, and preparing for the future, I was reminded again last night to not become dependent on the things of this world and my own abilities, but to stay close to my heavenly Father; trusting Him to light my path.
“Thy Word is a LAMP unto my feet, and a LIGHT unto my path.”
Ps. 119:105
Great Post!!
Your lamps are beautiful!!!
Lynn
Wow! What lovely lamps! We too live in a hurricane prone area and Katrina/Rita/Gustav have taught us how utterly miserable it is to be without modern convenience for weeks at a time (in August heat/humidity no less!). In our own journey to simplicity, I’m so excited to know that the skills I’m learning NOW will make my life so much easier when the next hurricane hits! And in the meantime, I’m saving cash. Yay! Can’t wait to see your next projects.
What fun. I like the photo of the lamp un-lit and then the photo of it lit – really brings it to life. Beautiful. thanks for sharing. Emily