MUST RUN 6-22

ANTIQUE LAMPS TO LIGHT UP NASHVILLE

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NASHVILLE, TENN. — Collectors of antique lighting will conduct their annual convention August 2–4 at the Marriott Airport Hotel. Sponsored by the National Association of Aladdin Lamp Collectors, the 35th gathering will begin celebrating 100 years of the Aladdin lamp. The 100th year begins on September 25.

The history of the incandescent kerosene Aladdin lamp and the Mantle Lamp Company of America will be the focus of this year’s event.

More than 600 collectors from the United States, Canada, England and Australia are expected to attend. Aladdin lamps that lighted homes throughout the world were manufactured in these countries.

Why has the Aladdin lamp survived for 100 years? The answer lies in the basic science of incandescent lighting and constant improvements. Victor S. Johnson branded the famous lamp in 1908 and formed the Mantle Lamp Company of America in Chicago. The company was renamed Aladdin Industries, Inc and moved to Nashville in 1949.

Collectors of antique lighting gather every year to study and learn from research and history of lighting from rushlights and whale oil to discovery of new fuels and technology in lamp improvements. Gathering events include educational seminars and workshops, an auction of collectible lamps, room trading and closing banquet ceremonies. This year’s door prize is a handmade quilt made by the Ladies of the Knights.

Although gathering events are sponsored by Aladdin collectors, the seminars and lamp show and sale include all brands and kinds of antique lamps. Repair and restoration workshops are featured. Victorian lamps and lighting are especially strong among the dealers who come from as far ways as Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. J.W. “Bill” Courter will introduce his new book — Center-draft Kerosene Lamps, 1884–1940 at the show.

The Marriott Airport Hotel is at 600 Marriott Drive.

For information, 270-488-2116, brtknight@aol.com or www.aladdincollectors.org.