I have been restoring vintage lights since I was a teenager in the mid-1970s. An Interstate highway was being rammed through the city where I lived, and I ran (steps ahead of the bulldozers, and with my shag haircut flying) from one incredible building to another, and from one incredible house to another, and salvaged everything I could.
My poor, bewildered parents. Their garage was soon chock-a-block with what I thought were treasures beyond compare. But which they thought was just useless flotsam. I did though once overhear my mom say: “Well, at least he’s not out doing drugs.”
However, when all their boring lights were systematically replaced with the most stunning lights they had ever seen – and all for free, rewired, and restored – they soon had second thoughts about the flotsam. (I paid for new parts by mowing lawns!)
Fast forward many decades.
One day I realized I had a pile of old lights rusting away in my basement. I hauled a few out, restored them (bringing back many old memories), and listed them on eBay.
At the time I had no idea, not a clue, that I had just radically changed my life.
Within months my life was unrecognizable, and I was working full time restoring vintage lighting and selling the fixtures across America.
My new e-commerce website is now online. Whoee! Please feel free to shop and purchase here:
My blog post are below.
CAN THIS HOUSE BE SAVED: 2539 Ballina Road, Cazenovia, NY
In 2013, I toured a huge 1894 house in desperate condition. The house was for sale and I was interested. After three hours of inspection with the owner, Bob, we were standing in the dining room. He suddenly asked me: “Ross? Is there something wrong with you mentally?” I gasped. “What?” “Is there something wrong…
Continue ReadingVisitors!
When we were in parlor Leslie admitted that she had not at all been sure about my decorative scheme. “I didn’t get it. But, in person, I love it! It’s just gorgeous! I also love how well done it all is!” Obviously, Leslie is my newest best friend.
Continue ReadingA COLORFUL INVENTORY. A DAZZLING INVENTORY.
The Cross House has 42 stained-glass windows. This is extraordinary. I have never been in an old house that had so many. The windows are the glory of the house, and were designed by Charles Squires, the architect of the Cross House. Yet, when I purchased the house in 2014, the windows were literally falling…
Continue ReadingAmerica Needs You
This is a political post. If you are interested, please scroll down. I’m afraid for my country. And I’m not alone. Trump promised to Make America Great Again. Yet, since his election,…
Continue ReadingThe Completion of Colorful!
The parlor stained-glass is the last to be restored, and all enabled by two Heritage Trust Fund grants. This work has entailed 42 windows. Amazing. When I purchased the house, the stained-glass was in…disturbing condition. All this work has taken five years. And I’m damn…
Continue ReadingThinking About Jean Harlow
My online vintage lighting store. My online vintage lighting store.
Continue ReadingBefore. After.
My online vintage lighting store. My online vintage lighting store.
Continue Reading