In June of 1974, Elsie R Bogue, one of the greatest influences of my young life passed away at 81 years old. She was the person who spent endless hours with me playing the card game “Flinch.” She was my neighbor and a friend and I treasure the tea cart and lamp that she left to me. As I grew older I became more and more concerned that the lamp with its original wiring would short and start a fire. The lamp is a table lamp with a heavy outer green glass shade lined with white glass, a brass stand and its cloth covered wire had a plug that still had its cardboard holder thingie (Sorry for the technical chatter) to keep the wires away from the prongs.
Once or twice I talked to someone about re-wiring it but I never did it because it just would not be the same lamp with a plastic cord. So it sat unused on the teacart. Then one day I mentioned it to electrician and neighbor, George Fratoni. George enjoys the research and the delicacy of re-wiring old lamps, chandeliers and displays and safely returning them to life. He told me he would re-wire it only if he could maintain the history and integrity of the lamp.
Oh my did he ever! My lamp looks just like it always has except now I can pull its chains to turn it on in comfortable safety and I have honored the memory of my neighbor by keeping the lamp looking the same as she passed it to me.
Years ago I took down a chandelier in my home, even though I loved it, because the electrician said it was dangerous and could not be re-wired. Now if I can just remember where I stored it, I think I found the person to re-store it.
Re-wiring treasured lamps and chandeliers is a wonderful gift for someone you care about and when it is done well it is an even greater gift or tribute. George Fratoni did a wonderful job and I cannot thank him enough for maintaining the integrity and the memory of my lamp. If you have a lamp or a chandelier that you think might be a challenge for George, give him a call at 860.625.5776.
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