Night Magic

As I continue getting stained-glass windows restored, I continue adding more rooms to the “lighted at night” program.

The Cross House has an amazing 43 stained-glass windows and while I get to enjoy them during the day, because the sun makes them come alive, people walking or driving by do not get the same delight.

Unless…the windows are lighted at night from inside.

This week, I added a lot of windows to the “lighted at night” program, but I had to stay WAY late at the house today to see how this all looked after dark.

Tragically, my camera captures but 20% of the effect in person. In person, the effect is dazzling. And when driving by? The effect is astounding. The stained-glass windows glitter and sparkle when driving by. IT IS SO GORGEOUS!

So, here are some images which show only a suggestion of the effect…

 

My camera, too, cannot capture all the colors.

 

I even got the round window of the telephone closet lighted! Squee!!!!!!!!

 

See the stained-glass to the left? That was covered over since the 1960s! So, it was a particular thrill seeing it tonight, all restored and GORGEOUS! 

 

 

 

29 Comments

  1. Karen Spencer on September 11, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    Truly gorgeous and so wonderful of you to share with your neighbors and us. I am one of those people who loves driving in beautiful neighborhoods at night and seeing the lighted interiors. Thanks Ross!

    • Timothy A. Slocum on January 5, 2019 at 2:33 am

      Wow!!

  2. Annette on September 11, 2018 at 11:08 pm

    Oh wow, I wish I lived in your neighbourhood. I would take a detour every night just to look at those windows.

  3. Sandra Lee on September 11, 2018 at 11:19 pm

    Just magical lit at night & previously unseen windows— just beautiful!

    • Mike on September 12, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      Magical is the word, Sandra 🙂

      • Sandra Lee on September 12, 2018 at 3:48 pm

        Mesmerizing I’m person!
        I will never forget driving up at night…. had to park & walk on sidewalk ….to see all views:-)

  4. Stephanie on September 12, 2018 at 12:27 am

    Those windows are exquisite! Thank you for sharing with your neighbors – and with us.

  5. A. H. on September 12, 2018 at 1:32 am

    incredible! Makes me want to see it in person even more!

  6. Barb Sanford on September 12, 2018 at 8:13 am

    Can’t wait to see it in person! I usually drive by the house in daylight (because there’s a better chance of a bonus Ross sighting).

  7. Jackie on September 12, 2018 at 8:25 am

    I’ve been hoping for some night-time shots for SO long, I think we all have. I’m glad you’ve finally shared some, Ross, I know you’ve held off before because of your frustration as not being able to capture the full impact of them, but at least we’ve got to see one fifth of it now! Especially happy to see the phone closet’s window lit. 😀

    I’m confident that there’s someone out there, who is both close enough and has the right equipment to be able to take some shots that show the Cross House’s evening jewellery in all its sparkling splendour. Fate wouldn’t get in the way of that, surely, so I optimistically await the day we get to see our favourite lady at her glittering best. 😁

  8. Nona Adam on September 12, 2018 at 8:52 am

    You won’t need a Christmas tree this year, just light up all those beautiful windows!

  9. Derek Walvoord on September 12, 2018 at 9:15 am

    That is the coolest thing! And, I think it will pay dividends. Who wouldn’t drive by at night and not notice that! You will convert some people into old house lovers!

  10. Marlon Mormann on September 12, 2018 at 9:39 am

    Lighting from the inside to show off the jewels is brilliant. What a wonderful accent.

  11. Devyn on September 12, 2018 at 10:14 am

    So beautiful!

    Not. Jealous. At. All.

    If only leaded glass windows were popular when our middle class Greek Revival rowhouse was built in 1852. I have neighbors who have added leaded glass transoms over the doors, but they don’t look very authentic.

  12. Mike on September 12, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    All kidding aside, that is one of the prettiest sights I have seen in some time. You are a lucky man, Ross, a very lucky man…do you ever stand back, look at it, and have to pinch yourself to be sure you’re not dreaming?

  13. Carrie Masters on September 12, 2018 at 1:10 pm

    It’s so pretty!

  14. Cindy Belanger on September 12, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    Amazing, thank you Ross for sharing the night time photos even though your camera doesn’t show the full extent of the beautiful windows. I can only imagine how they look in person.

  15. Randy C on September 12, 2018 at 8:33 pm

    Please excuse the fact that I have drooled all over my keyboard. Ross, you truly are a fortunate man and should be very proud of the beautiful glow you have shined on your corner of Emporia. It is spectacular.

    • Ross on September 12, 2018 at 8:35 pm

      Thank you, Randy!

  16. Miss-Apple37 on September 13, 2018 at 1:51 am

    Gorgeous! I’m wondering what it really looked like originaly, the gas and/or electrical lights must have been dimmer and maybe flickery, making maybe the stained glass more discreet and less shiny that what it looks today…

  17. pk on September 13, 2018 at 7:02 am

    You gave the house a life and soul. It’s stunning in the photos and I am sure breathtaking in person!
    What a treasure to the neighborhood.

  18. San on September 13, 2018 at 8:22 am

    Glorious. Now all you’ll need at Christmas will be a few green garlands and wreaths.

  19. Trudy Palmer on September 14, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Beautiful job Ross 💝

  20. Jordan on September 14, 2018 at 10:51 am

    Why not contact your local newspaper to do a story about illuminating the windows at night for the town to enjoy? They could send a photographer who would have a fancy camera to capture the glory? Just an idea? Publicity and some free professional photos!

    • Ross on September 14, 2018 at 9:06 pm

      Thank you, Jordon!

      I have had the same thought, but was waiting till the WHOLE house is lighted up like a Christmas tree. Which will be next year!

  21. Nancy from Georgia on September 14, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    Sooooo beautiful!! I drool over all your windows!!

  22. Cindy from California on September 30, 2018 at 12:10 am

    I can’t wait to meet you and see your beautiful house in person! I’ll be in touch soon about taking a grand tour. CANT WAIT ROSS!!

    • Ross on September 30, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Squee!!!!!!!!

  23. Joy on January 30, 2019 at 3:30 pm

    Are you using the flash? Try turning the flash off?

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