We recently acquired a newly made Dietz lantern. While there are many sources of light in our home and on our property, I find myself turning to the ol’ Dietz more and more as a source of both light and warmth. This is the old-fashioned lamp many imagine when they picture old farms and barns, lit by glass-domed lamps, a guttering blade of flame safely ensconced within.
Sadly, Dietz is no longer made in this country. In fact, I don’t believe they’ve been made in the US in some time. A Chinese company manufactures them, as they do so many other things, but thankfully the character and simple usefulness of these lights remains intact. Sure, the manufacture of these lanterns isn’t as delicate or detailed as it once was, but the simple fact remains that come Hell or high water, we have a warm source of light for the house that can safely burn for hours without our worrying about dripping wax or lighting the drapes afire.
I have found it superior to a flashlight when delving into the chicken coop to fill the feeder or waterer, simply because it broadcasts an even orange light that doesn’t disturb the roosting chickens. (For those of you who are thinking of getting into chickens, the best time to check them when they’ll stay put and tolerate a little handling is the evening.) On cold nights the lantern has another use I have found. The flame, when turned all the way up, generates a fair amount of heat. This rises into the cap at the top and is diffused upwards towards the hand holding the bale. This has the wonderful effect of thawing whichever hand is holding the lantern. Because of this, I often change hands and enjoy at least one warm hand at a time.
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