~ by Paul Sackmann

found an old rusty barn lantern one time, still hanging from a rafter in the remains of a broken down outbuilding. The lantern was bent up some, but looked to be solid. It sounded like it still had fuel in it. We brought it home and placed it on the operating table then proceeded to clean it up and see if it was still usable. It did have kerosene remaining in the reservoir but it was so old it barely was combustible. The fuel in it probably kept it from rusting. After cleaning the glass globe and making the mechanical parts work smoothly, it fired right up and worked as it should.

At one time it was the only way to light up an outbuilding safely.

Before 1936 there was not electricity available in the countryside of Brown County. If you needed a light source the easiest way was with a tin barn lantern. Lanterns were not that expensive. Almost every general store in Brown County had lanterns for sale. Before 1940 there were thousands of lanterns in use throughout Indiana.

There were many manufacturers of barn lanterns and they could be purchased in a variety of colors or be had in solid brass and or brightly tinned metal.

Globes come in different colors. I have seen amber glass, shades of blue and turquoise, red, orange, and clear. The colored glass globed lanterns always hold a higher value than the clear ones. Lanterns were considered hot blast or cold blast. Hot blast lanterns draw the air over the top of the globe into the tubes and down to the burner. It comes in contact with the heat of the globe and is therefore hot when entering the side tubes. A cold blast lantern vents out of the top of a lantern. Both kinds of lanterns work well in all weather conditions.

When I light an old lantern in cold weather I make sure the wick is trimmed straight across and turned down as far as can be done. If this is not done, the glass globe can crack. After it warms up you can adjust the flame for good light.

I have found lanterns that were made back in the 1800s work just as well as they did when they were new. We always check them out for any rusted areas where they could leak.

Even the junky lanterns are desirable as wall hangers. You can always put a candle in it and make it functional.

Old Barn lanterns are still plentiful today. They can be found at the local flea markets and antique stores in the area. They generally don’ t cost very much. There is a history with each lantern.•

Paul and his wife Paulette own Plum Creek Antiques store in Bean Blossom.

Nashville’ s Unique Dining Experience( 1800s Cabin)

54 Our Brown County May / June 2017