Notes from the Museums: Candlesticks

Candles have created light for homes for a couple of thousand years now. The type of candle directed which type of holder would be used for the candle. A holder of some kind was needed to keep the candle in place, whether it was made from tallow, beeswax or even whale sperm. Some early candles were made like cakes, so a flat dish, stone, metal sheet or board was used. When tapers were developed, inventors came up with ways to hold the candle upright. Sometimes, it was as simple as a nail pounded through a board and the candle impaled on the nail!

However, candlesticks evolved into being part of a home’s decoration and set the mood for a meal or for entertaining, especially in the parlor and dining room. The May-Stringer House has a lovely collection of candlesticks that are made of a variety of materials. You will find a number of brass candlesticks, some pewter, some silver and some are made of glass. Those made of glass tend to be candelabras that have multiple arms. The glass ones also often use crystals or mirrors to increase and spread the light.

A good household would also be sure to have at least one candle snuffer, too. The style of the candle holders chosen to display tapers was an important part of daily living and entertaining before a flip of a switch would turn the lights on. I daresay a candle in a jar would be frowned upon!

The Museums Schedules!
The May-Stringer tours on Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 3pm – 352-799-0129
The 1885 Depot tours on Friday & Saturday from noon – 3pm – 352-799-4766
The Countryman One Room Schoolhouse tours on Thursday – Saturday from noon – 3pm – 352-515-3054