First There Was
FLICKERING FLAMES OF A HOPELESS ROMANTIC – 3 DECEMBER 2017

Then Came
134 FLICKERING FLAMES – A TWO YEAR REDUX – 3 DECEMBER 2019

and; now, A Six Year Update with “New Additions” and “facts to share”

For me, it is fun to collect — it is fun to search for things for a collection — it is fun to see the varieties of items that may fit that collection — and then, when a “new item speaks to me,” it joins my collection. It gets harder as a collection matures, and space for proper display becomes filled. I do not really know what attracted me to the wide variety of candle holders, but as of this moment I have holders to have 148 flickering flames performing at the same time.

Here is my updated report, and gain (albeit small) in the last three years

2019 — and now currently flickering at “44″ in 2023
Porch – 21 — 23
Kitchen – 47 — 48
Dining Room – 34 — 42
Hallway – 6 — 6
Formal Living Room – 9 — 9
Informal Living Room – 14 — 19
Upstairs – 3 — 2
AND
 “CANDLES IN THE WINDOWS” – Battery and Automatic

My biggest gain, and where space worked best for display, was in my “informal parlor” on my antique Cigar Store Indian display base, and around my 1853 fireplace. Click top image to enlarge for a fun view (in my opinion).

I trust you noted above my crackling fire, and its “warmth,” and are curious. For my monthly “Did You Know That…?” history article in the December issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION I wrote about the curious history and traditions of burning Yule Logs. I began the article relating a television broadcast from December 24, 1966. Please click on the image of the article to the right and learn about Yule Logs, and how you can enjoy a roaring fire without a fireplace, and safely.

As you will read, below is the Yule Log made by eighth grader, Ray Boas, in 1959.

When I was at Fort Oswego in May 2022, I saw a chandelier hanging in the mess room of the troop’s barracks. Patterned from an original ship handing fixture – I NEEDED ONE, and with the help of a reader I found someone in Virginia who made me one. It is now hanging over the table in my kitchen, and the hanging candle holder that was there is in the dining room waiting to be hung.

I have only started pulling out my Christmas decorations and the rest of my over 150 bottle brush trees, but here is my start, again showing off my “new prize.”

I enjoy tinware – and a few months ago found this replica adjustable and hangable candle holder and have it atop my stove on my porch. And, the lantern on the floor I found just last Saturday at an 18th century craft fair at the Fort at No. 4, just up the road. I had to have it, and now do.

I mentioned above my “Candles in the Windows” at “44.”Another bit of history I wrote as a “Did You Know That…” comments on some history of candles displayed in windows. I then made it a separate page and published it four years ago, December 1, 2019. For some reason Google links my article at the top of the results for people searching to learn the history of “Candles in the Windows.” From 2020 until today, 3 December 2023, my page has had 32,563 views. Maybe not “viral” but I am pleased at having been able to share. If you have not read my article, click on the window to the right – this image I took at the FENNO HOUSE c 1725 — Old Sturbridge Village, November 17, 2019.

Meant to help “get us all in the mood” I am sharing this update of my “flickering flames,” and if you missed the previous two tales, here again are the links:

FLICKERING FLAMES OF A HOPELESS ROMANTIC – 3 DECEMBER 2017
134 FLICKERING FLAMES – A TWO YEAR REDUX – 3 DECEMBER 2019

What is next? Not sure – I have ideas, and of course, I could update you on my Christmas Tree collection. Stay well, luv, RAY