On Oct. 31, 1998 @ 09:18, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary wrote:
Tim: I've always called these beasts (calling them "lamps" is perhaps a bit over-complimentary...but they aren't quite lanterns either) "smudge pots". They were used as flares, and sometimes heaters. The concept survives as the smoke pots orchardists use to help prevent frost damage. They burned used motor oil or the like...a heavier and cheaper oil than kerosene. Like the old "parade lantern" which was likely their direct progenitor, they burn in high winds, and make almost as much smoke as light, particularly when the wick is damp. The battery-powered "flasher" has done them in for road markers, at least. I don't have much US material on them, but do have an Australian catalogue from the mid-30's that shows a somewhat refined version (a big-spouted oil can with a fat "rope" wick) of the US "bowling ball". For me, that's a good analogy...I remember as a kid [completely disregarding safety, good sense or the reason they'd been placed where they were, or even where they'd end up still burning!] rolling them down hills when lit at night, joyfully watching the erratic path and all the sparks! 1940's version of a light show? I'd guess they were made by companies like Dietz and Adlake, but the technology was certainly not rocket science. Perhaps some of the lantern collectors who may read this will have US catalogue information? :: Fil ::
- On Nov. 01, 1998 @ 11:24, John Claypole in England wrote:
  I remember those oil pots, I used to watch 'em - they used old sump oil from both aircraft and road vehicle engines and were used to clear fog from runways on airfields in England during the war - to enable both British and American pilots to land from air-raids after fog had "socked the airfield in". The black smoke cleared off the fog, the light provided a marker so that these guys could land after many hours in the air - sometimes even with crippled aircraft and injured crews. They also used swan-neck spout lamps for that purpose. Sump oil still has its uses today. from:- English archbishop.
  - On Nov. 01, 1998 @ 17:45, stan wrote:
    Tim: Just to add a bit to the info from John & Fil - there is an example in Anthony Hobson's book 'Lanterns that lit our world' on page 80 of the paperback version. This example is made by Dietz (marked Dietz #87) - called a highway marker- 8" in diameter - holds 3 qts - burns 30 hours - uses a Dietz #87 burner screw type - burns kerosene - uses 3/4" wick(round)- finished in blue enamel - has a weighted bottom. I too remember the fuel as being more like motor oil than kero. I think Hobson's book is still in print - try a local antique mall that has a book stall if you would like a copy. Regards, Stan
On Nov. 03, 1998 @ 19:51, Charles wrote:
Tim: You have to be describing the old smudge pots. They marked detours, hazards, and construction on Texas highways for years. the taxpayers must have been real generous then, because all the fishing and hunting campsites seemed to have plenty of them during the mosquito parts of the year.I think I saw a pair of them in a Mall in Houston converted to wall lamps with punched tin shades, they were pretty ugly
On Nov. 09, 1998 @ 21:41, Tim Porter wrote:
I found one! In an antique mall near Chicago I found a lamp in very good condition. It was a "Toledo Pressed Steel Torch". Ouch! They wanted $85.00. Seemed kind of high but.... Anyway. Thanks to all who responded. Tim

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