Rushlight Club 2018 Spring Meeting Report May 4th - May 6th, Madison, IN
The meeting hotel facilities at Clifty State Park were well appointed and some members arrived early to enjoy the park.
Friday evening, we visited the Shrewsbury-Windle House designed by architect Francis Costigan, who also designed the Lanier mansion. Built in the mid 1840's it has been recently restored as appropriate to the period by Historical Madison Inc. This home with its 14 foot ceilings, 12 foot high doors and beautiful self-supporting spiral stairway, is an excellent example of the classic Greek revival style.
Club member Craig Maue was involved with much of the lighting restoration throughout the house. The first floor gasolier's were exceptional in their quality and appearance.
John Staicer, president of Historic Madison, gave a guided tour of the house and Keith Letsche provided commentary and insight on the gas lighting incorporated throughout the house. Jerry Mercer helped to host our tour of the Shrewsbury-Windle House by graciously supplying beverages and appetizers.
Saturday's activities included visiting historical sites in Madison beginning with the Lanier Mansion, a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1884, it features 16 foot high ceilings, 12 foot high doors and a magnificent spiral staircase that extends from the front foyer to the third floor.
Just across the street we visited the History Museum and the Railroad Museum. The History Museum had exhibits relating to the development of Madison through the years, and it's participation in the Civil War. The Railroad Museum, a restored railway station, was built in 1895 and was in use until 1931. The museum had an exceptional collection of early railroad lanterns and station lighting including some fixed-globe conductor's lanterns.
Following lunch at Harry's Stone Grill was a tour of the 19th century Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum. A saddletree is the wooden part of a saddle to which the leather is attached. The leather work is done by other companies who purchase the saddletrees. Currently undergoing restoration, this 19th century factory, was an interesting comparison to today's factories. We then toured the Francis Costigan House which Costigan built for himself. The Costigan House, although built on a narrow town lot, gave a feeling of spaciousness on the inside.
The Saturday evening banquet was held at the Clifty Inn. President Donna Schoenly welcomed everyone and asked Club member Joe Hays from nearby Kentucky to light the rush and officially open the meeting. Program Chair Don Schoenly gave an overview of the Club's summer meeting in Peoria, IL and the fall meeting in Cooperstown, NY.
The evening presentation by Keith Letsche discussed the presence of lighting shown in works of art over the 18th, 19th and early 20th century. Using images of historical paintings and illustrations, Keith provided interpretation of the lighting in the images and gave insights into the impact of lighting and its use during that time period.
Sunday morning, many members traveled to Jerry Mercer's home in nearby Moscow, Ohio to view his lighting collection. Jerry's collection is primarily kerosene-era lighting but he also displayed some whale oil and burning fluid items.
Jerry's collection included many patented lighting items such as Atterbury's 1876, patent No. 181681, pressed glass font (center front at left), where parts of the lamp are molded separately and then assembled and fused together by heat.
The meeting ended after viewing Jerry's collection and some socializing.
The Rushlight Club Inc. www.rushlight.org