What To Do: Onion Lanterns: A Glimmer of Old Glows New

On December 9, 2005, a freak storm toppled a 60-foot pine at Mary and Bill Sliney’s 100-year-old home. The “wintercane,” Mary dubbed it, whirled the top half of the tree through the roof and into the master bath. Outside, one branch sheared off the onion lantern that had graced the side door. Once the wind subsided and the needles settled, one of the first things the Slineys did was order a replacement onion lantern.

 

Certain objects seem quintessentially New England: whale weathervanes, white candles in winter windows, Fourth of July bunting and onion lamps. Stroll Cape and Islands towns and you’ll find them sprinkled through the villages the way kettle ponds and cranberry bogs dot the larger landscape. What is the lure of these 19th-century reproductions?

 

An interior decorator, Mary Sliney says simply, “There’s something wonderful about them.” For the water side of their home, which is nestled on a slope above the Herring River, the Slineys selected traditional lanterns; the new one on the lane and marsh side has “more of an Asian feel.”  Mary loves the bubbled glass, the way the antique bronze finish weathers. “They’re classics, so beautiful for New England. They go with the house, and the spirit of the house loves them. That’s important.”

 

A tap to the Slineys’ lamp sets it swaying. Imagine a whaling ship or fishing schooner in the early 1800s, heaving on the high seas, its oil-lit lamps swinging just so, smoke wafting. If the spirit of the Slineys’ old Cape house loves it, so do many who honor the memories of bygone days.

 

Who buys such fixtures? Craig Souza, who owns North Chatham’s Cape Cod Lanterns with wife, Debra, and son Michael, says “Everybody. Before, if you were west of Connecticut or south of Rhode Island, people didn’t know what they were. Now they’re developing a nationwide popularity.” 

 

Vacationers see them. Those with New England ties living elsewhere want them. The Souzas have shipped to California, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, the Pacific Northwest and South Dakota.

 

Bill Stokes makes lanterns at Lanterns of Cape Cod in Orleans. A distinguished graduate in engineering from Duke University, Stokes drawls, “If you can draw it, I can make it.” This Durham, NC native, who claims he works at the shop “for therapy,” says he is pleased to try out a unique piece he’d created for a Woodstock, Conn. customer.

 

“The lady wants this for her living room,” he says. “She wants a combination nightlight, reading light, and light light. Let’s test it and see if it works.” He plugs in this custom variation on a standard onion lamp, tries all three lighting options and exclaims, “Look at that!  She’s going to be ecstatic.”

 

The shop both hand-fashions lamps and repairs them. “This isn’t machine-run, assembly-line stuff,” says Stokes, gesturing to the hefty hole punch clamped to a table. The space, as much workroom as showroom, is suffused in the soothing strains of Ralph Emery’s “Country Roads.”  The tunes spread their own sort of patina atop labor that can be repetitive.

 

The heart of the lamp is the light. Although 100-watt Edison bulbs are generally used, others can simulate a glass flame or candle’s flicker. The light is mounted inside a glass globe made in Star City, WV. The more traditional squat shape comes in five sizes, measuring from six to 12 inches while the more fully round variety comes in four sizes from eight to 14 inches

 

There are also three variations in the glass itself: clear, optic and seedy. The vertical lines in optic glass are not unlike pumpkin ridges. The random bubbles in the seedy glass suggest the imperfections inherent in old globes. The hooped cage, which generally surrounds the globe, the base, “witch’s hat” top, top and bottom collars, and handle are fashioned from sheets and rods of copper or brass.

 

“It’s a little bit of by gosh and by golly,” explains Souza. He segments rods with a band saw. He likens the rollers used to wringer-washers. The handle and scalloped edging are crimped. The witch’s-hat top starts with a blob that is then stretched and stretched, “not unlike pizza dough.”

 

Stokes points out the template for the sheeting, which gets sheared or hand clipped and then soldered for shaping. These must then be ground until smooth. Ventilation holes are individually hand punched—all 60 of them. He smiles, “There’s a fine line between cussing it and humoring it.” 

 

His store ships across the states and Canada. It has made four lamps for a Disney film, and a general contractor in Hawaii has so far ordered 11. “They’re an association with the Cape,” surmises Stokes about the interest in them, “but they’re also extremely durable.”

 

And variable. While the nautical look evokes this area, the styles and sizes can suit virtually any situation: a child’s bedroom, foyers and halls, an exterior portico, flanking a fireplace and a bookcase, and atop a chamfered, red cedar post.

 

Finishes offer color options as well, although all darken as they weather. Sandwich Lanterns makes all of its pieces in antique brass and sprays sea water from a nearby beach on the finish which, according to craftsman Dick Putnam, “creates a more natural verdigris.” The Sandwich website explains its preference: “We do not recommend polished brass or lacquered. Over time the lacquer wears, the lantern darkens to a spotty finish…this is accelerated near coastal areas…customers become unhappy… and grumpy.”

 

Nobody we spoke with was grumpy about onion lamps, least of all Lynne Donovan whose Hyannis home holds three. A large, ceiling-mounted lantern casts a diffused halo on her dining room table. “It’s not like a typical chandelier,” remarks Donovan. When an addition was recently completed, she moved the two from her loft outside to flank the door of her new garage. “I never saw them until I moved here. They’re so different, so Cape Cod.”

Shopping: Cape Cod

 

 

UPPER CAPE

 

Designs by Liz

Sandwich • 508-292-7573 • e-mail: Crannies4U@aol.com

Designer of the Original Cranberry Designer Collection (tm) of Cape Cod, Designs by Liz offers bracelets, necklaces, earrings and anklets available in all sizes. See ad for the towns they can be found in exclusively. In addition, A Village Gift Shop in Sandwich carries a complement to the Cranberry Bracelet, “The Cranberry Twist.” Single and double garnet bracelets can be seen at Deborah Ann’s Rainbow in Dennisport. 

 

Sandwich Lantern

157 Main St. • Sandwich • 888-741-0714

Sandwich Lantern has been handcrafting colonial lighting fixtures since 1987. Here you’ll find 1800s lanterns, chandeliers and wall sconces. Customize your lighting by choosing from a variety of styles, sizes and finishes. Authentic reproductions and custom work can also be done to individual specifications based on your drawings or photo. Open Monday through Saturday. To view merchandise in stock visit sandwichlantern.com.

 

A Village Gift Shop

157 Main St. • Sandwich Village • 508-888-5508

This unique and attractive shop features gifts for all occasions, games, custom window treatments, furniture, home décor products and much more. It’s always a treat to browse, with new finds every visit. Products change with the seasons. Open year round.

 

MID-CAPE

Armchair Book Store

619 Main St. • Dennis

508-385-0900 • fax: 508-385-0990

Come experience a Cape Cod shopping tradition. This bookstore offers an extensive selection of books for all ages, as well as great gifts. The well-read staff can help you find the perfect book to enjoy. Open seven days a week all year long. Call or visit armchairbookstore.com for special events and hours of operation.

 

The Barn & Co.

358 Main St. • Yarmouthport • 508-362-3841

Explore a country cottage shop overflowing with ideas for gift giving and home decorating: seaside, seasonal and everyday items. Open year round.

 

Bead Emporium of Cape Cod

551 Main St. • Hyannis • 508-790-0005

A short drive to the unexpected, the Bead Emporium, the Cape’s premier bead store,

offers an incredible selection of glass, semi-precious stones, Bali silver, pearls, vintage, seed beads, charms, crystals and lamp work. Discover a diverse line of findings—tools, books, kits and stringing materials. You’ll also find a stunning collection of unique, handcrafted jewelry and gifts. Open year round.

 

Details Cape Cod

821 Route 6A • Dennis • 508-385-2100

Details features a collection of selective and affordable jewelry, pottery, candles and accessories. The shop features several local artisans and tons of fresh ideas for seasonal decorating. Open year round.

 

Harvest Gallery

776 Main St. (next to Cape Cod Museum of Art)

Dennis • 508-385-2444

Harvest Gallery features paintings and prints by owner/artist Michael Pearson and more than 25 other artists. Paintings are displayed alongside unique media such as assemblage sculpture, collage and tapestry, resulting in a contemporary and diverse gallery experience. Call for information on special events.

 

Kindreds Antiques & Folk Art

845 Main St. • Osterville • 508-420-7390

Whether you’re looking for a special gift or that out-of-the-ordinary piece to feather your nest, Kindreds has something for everyone. With an array of beautiful, one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces against a background of primitive antiques, Kindreds ignites an appreciation for the wonder of American folk art and its talented artists.

 

Ross Coppelman

1439 Route 6A • Dennis

508-386-7900 • fax: 508-385-7966

Ross Coppelman has been handcrafting high-karat gold, platinum and sterling silver jewelry for more than 35 years. Ross’s attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship have garnered him the international reputation of a master goldsmith. Open year round: Monday through Saturday from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (May to December); Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (January to April). Visit rosscoppelman.com.

 

Tumbleweed Quilts

1919 Route 6A (at Route 132) • West Barnstable

508-362-8700

In addition to more than 7,500 bolts of fine cotton fabric, Tumbleweed Quilts carries a vast selection of books, notions, patterns, batting and other quilt supplies. Classes are held all through the year for every level of quilting. See the shop’s ever-changing quilt show exhibits with wonderful presentations of cutting-edge quilt designs. Tumbleweed Quilts is a fun and dynamic place, where the contemporary mixes with the traditional. Visit tumbleweedquilts.com.

 

LOWER CAPE

Antiques By The Bay

1424 Main St. • Brewster • 508-896-3766

Many wonderful treasures abound in this 1880s barn. For more than 50 years, it has been a “must stop” for seasoned antiquers, and the tradition continues. Antiques By The Bay offers quality antiques and vintage items; fine furniture, glass, china, sterling, art, paintings and decoys. Be sure to include a stop here on your next antiquing adventure. Open June through November daily; December through May, weekends only.

 

Antiques at Post Office Square

17 Post Office Rd. • Chatham • 508-945-3733

Large sunny windows brimming with colorful glass greet you at Antiques at Post Office Square. There is a lovely selection of elegant, depression, and cut glass. Vintage and fine china, furniture, sterling silver and art are also featured. Antique enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the shop’s nooks and crannies, especially the Victorian linen room. Ample parking available. Open year round.

 

Brewster Bike

442 Underpass Rd. • Brewster • 508-896-8149 

Enjoy the Cape by visiting one of our two bicycle shop locations. Brewster Bike is located directly on the Cape Cod Rail Trail; Chatham Cycle (508-945-8981) is located a half-mile from the Chatham bike trail extension at 193 Depot Rd. Both shops are open April through December and are full service for sales, rentals and repairs. Visit us at brewsterbike.com

 

Brewster Bird House

Route 6A in Lemon Tree Village • Brewster

508-896-1522 • 888-220-2254

Here you’ll find everything you need to make the birds feel at home and bird watchers happy. From high-quality birdbaths, feeders, houses and seed to decorative garden and home accents, there’s something for everyone at this unique specialty shop. Open daily year round; closed on Wednesdays January through March.

 

Cape Cod Lanterns

309 Orleans Rd. • North Chatham

508-945-1659 • 877-794-5337

Established in 1836, S. Wilder & Co. continues the tradition of manufacturing and selecting high-quality brass and copper lanterns for the home and garden. Visit the unique showroom for a large variety of handcrafted lighting. The shop also offers the largest selection of solid western red cedar lampposts on Cape Cod. Custom work and repairs are done on the premises. Open year round.

 

Chatham Sign Shop

40 Kent Place (off of Main Street behind Yellow Umbrella Books) • Chatham

508-945-1909 • 800-547-4467

Chatham Signs are created in a full range of traditional sizes, styles and shapes–from small oval street number signs or name signs with customized graphics all the way up to those famous Cape Cod Quarterboards. All signs are handmade and gilded in the downtown Chatham shop. Request a free brochure or shop the online store: chathamsignshop.com. They’ll ship anywhere. Open year round.

 

Continuum

7 Route 28 • Orleans • 508-255-8513

Continuum offers quality restored lighting jewels for your home. From dining room to mud room, from floor to ceiling, the staff can help you choose just the right “jewels” to light up your home. Always more than 500 quality restored lamps in stock. Specific inquiries are invited. Call for hours or appointment. Open year round.

 

Countryside Antiques

2052 Main St. (Route 6A) • Brewster • 508-896-1444

You’ll find English, Irish, French, Swedish and Chinese country antiques in these showrooms. The extensive collection features 18th- and 19th-century furniture, paintings, mirrors, china, porcelain, silver and decorative accessories from the British Isles, Scandinavia, Europe and mainland China. The staff searches these countries to bring you farmhouse tables, chairs, chests, linen presses, coffee tables, hutches, armoires, bookcases, sideboards and more. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. See countrysideantiquesinc.com.

 

C. P. Thomas

35 Unit B3, Route 28 • Orleans • 508-255-8662

C. P. Thomas is not your usual Cape Cod store. Celebrating its 10th year in Orleans, the new location continues a tradition of fine jeans, purses, tops and bottoms for men, women and teens. Huge selection of Crocs in all colors and sizes and Jibbitz to dress them up. Easy parking. Come in for low-priced fashion and the unexpected.

 

Kahn Fine Antiques

582 Main St. • Chatham

508-945-6450 • fax: 508-945-6452

Visit the full online catalog at kahnfineantiques.com, with more than 1,200 historic antiques fully described, photographed, priced and guaranteed, with new acquisitions being added daily. Kahn specializes in maritime antiques of the 18th and 19th century with a large selection of scrimshaw, Nantucket baskets, marine instruments, swords and guns, paintings and prints, silver, bookends and boxes. Open year round. Hours vary in the off-season.

 

Sativa

517 Route 28 • Harwich Port • 508-430-4410

Just a block away from beautiful Nantucket Sound in historic downtown Harwich Port is a wide and eclectic selection of gifts for your body, home and spirit. Sativa offers everything from essential oils and candles to music and jewelry. You’ll find a huge selection of bath and body items to pamper yourself, creative gifts, local pottery and numerous other items to nourish your soul. Visit sativastuff.com.

 

The Spyglass

2257 Main St. • Brewster • 508-896-4423

Since 1981, the Spyglass has been one of Cape Cod’s premier shops for antique telescopes, barometers and rare navigational instruments. Although the shop originally focused on nautical antiques, over the years inventory has expanded to include 18th- and 19th-century American furniture paintings, folk art and early maps. Located in Brewster on historic Route 6A, the shop is open year round. Restoration services provided. Email: bradfinch@verivon.net.

 

Town Ho Needleworks

1912 Main St. • Brewster • 508-896-3000

Town Ho Needleworks, the Cape’s premier needlework shop, has a unique collection of fine art needlepoint, crewel and counted cross-stitch. The shop carries canvas and cross-stitch fabric by the yard, as well as a fantastic collection of specialty threads, including such names as Caron, Gentle Art, Rainbow Gallery, Paternayan, Appleton, Gloriana and Vineyard Silk. Open Nov. 1 through May 31, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; June 1 through Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

The Trading Company

614 Main St. • Chatham • 508-945-9191

The Trading Company, an exclusive women’s haberdashery conveniently located in the quaint village of Chatham, remains after 30 years an attractive destination for those in pursuit of quality clothing provided by renowned purveyors including Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana, Kiton, Luciano Barbera, Amina Rubinacci, Gunex, Brunello Cucinelli and more. For quality fashion and professional assistance, be certain to visit the Trading Company in Chatham.

 

Yak Arts

21 Route 28, Orleans • 508-240-0511

Yak Arts is renowned for its outrageously interesting content, from folk art and fine art to hand-painted sarongs, teak-root furniture and a wide selection of beautiful sterling silver jewelry. With a new art gallery, paintings and wooden sculptures, Yak Arts is the place to shop for the most unique gifts at competitive prices. Open year round. Visit YakArtsGlobal.com.

 

Yellow Umbrella Books

501 Main St. • Chatham • 508-945-0144

Established in 1980,Yellow Umbrella Books has become one of the best-known book destinations on Cape Cod. A full-service literary bookstore with an emphasis on poetry, modern and classic literature, current fiction, regional and children’s books, the store also features nautical, art, cooking, gardening, other non-fiction categories and a growing collection of used, rare and out-of-print books. Open year round.

 

OUTER CAPE

 

The Cape Cod Dog

4665 Route 6 • Eastham • 508-255-4206

The Cape Cod Dog is a specialty shop with treats for dogs, cats and their humans. Here you will find holistic foods, supplements, leashes, collars, beds, toys, gifts and the best “Barkery” the Cape has to offer. The logo—a dog with a tail shaped like Cape Cod—appears on tees, sweatshirts and hats. Open year round. Visit thecapecoddog.com; e-mail: kat.boucher@verizon.net.

 

Wellfleet Flea Market

51 Route 6 • Wellfleet • 508-349-0541

Cape Cod’s biggest and best flea market is at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre. Up to 300 vendors sell antiques, crafts and new merchandise. The flea market is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays from mid-April through October, plus Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August. In-season admission per carload is $3 on Sundays, $2 on Wednesdays and Saturdays and $1 on Thursdays and Monday holidays.

 

Yak Arts

301 Main St., Wellfleet • 508-349-3600

205 Commercial St., Provincetown • 508-487-2717

Yak Arts is renowned for its outrageously interesting content, from folk art and fine art to hand-painted sarongs, teak-root furniture and a wide selection of beautiful sterling silver jewelry. With a new art gallery, paintings and wooden sculptures, Yak Arts is the place to shop for the most unique gifts at competitive prices. Open year round. Visit YakArtsGlobal.com.

 

 

Martha’s Vineyard

The Black Dog General Stores

11B Water St. • Vineyard Haven

508-696-8182 • fax: 508-693-0483

The Black Dog has come to symbolize “a love for the sea, an appreciation for tradition, and all things authentically New England.” Thirteen stores offer everything from clothing to toys and gift cards. The newest store location, and latest homage to the sea, is 215 Commercial St., Portland, Maine. Open year round. For more information, or to view an online catalog, visit theblackdog.com.