We take a lot for granted in our age....
Posted by Roger V on July 28, 1998 at 20:24:40:
In response to Candlelight, written by Jane Elizabeth on July 28, 1998 at 13:22:53
It is always fascinating to visit a location such as you described after dark, because it really brings home the fact that we take electricity and electric lights for granted, and the only time we REALLY think about them is when a light doesn't come on when we flip the switch.
Some years ago, I visited the reconstructed Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington for an "after dark" presentation, and I was amazed at how bright a single candle flame can be when its surrounded by darkness, and my eyes had adjusted to the dark. This particular occasion didn't offer much "hands on" experience for visitors, but each building in the fort had costumed volunteer actors doing whatever they would have been doing after dark in the kitchens, infirmary, company store, and the Factor's home. A formal dinner was underway in the Factor's home, or at least as formal as it could have been that far from "civilization" in the 1830's.
When I visited Valley Forge in Pennsylvania several years ago, it was summer, but the day was overcast, and the house that had served as Washington's headquarters was amazingly dim under those conditions. Someone had actually lit a candle to help visitors see, as there are no electric lights in the house (or at least none that could be seen).
Candles were an expensive item, and many people simply could not afford them for everyday use. Consequently, the rushlight was generally the only option for poor families. Also, especially when the family gathered around the fireplace in the evening, it was for light as much as heat....
- Candlelight in "Persuasion" Christy R 08:57:52 7/31/98
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- More on Candlelight--Persuasion, etc. Anna P 11:30:36 7/31/98
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- Even in the 20th C. Carolyn B 07:47:47 8/02/98
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- More light on the subject...... Roger V 23:32:12 7/31/98
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- mirrors would have enhanced the lighting also Gayle 20:18:32 8/01/98
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- Not if Mr. Woodhouse had anything to say about it! ;-) The Mysterious H.C. 13:00:49 8/01/98
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- Mr. Woodhouse, our favortie fussbudget RogerV 13:04:22 8/02/98
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- Info, please. Caroline 13:26:34 8/02/98
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- Indoor Pollution Roger V 17:36:32 8/02/98
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- Thank you! (nfm) Caroline 01:38:09 8/08/98
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- Thank you! (nfm) Caroline 01:38:09 8/08/98
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- Indoor Pollution Roger V 17:36:32 8/02/98
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- Info, please. Caroline 13:26:34 8/02/98
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- Mr. Woodhouse, our favortie fussbudget RogerV 13:04:22 8/02/98
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- mirrors would have enhanced the lighting also Gayle 20:18:32 8/01/98
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- Even in the 20th C. Carolyn B 07:47:47 8/02/98
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- More on Candlelight--Persuasion, etc. Anna P 11:30:36 7/31/98
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- Candle power Jane Elizabeth 13:59:12 7/29/98
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