The lifespan of lamps

Yesterday, I at last opened the door to my favorite place in Rochester, the Village Lamp Shop. And I’m so glad I did, for I failed to do so this past Christmas season.

You see, Jim and Bill, the Beuthien brothers, stock a plethora of original gifts amongst their gorgeous collection of vintage and antique lamps, and new, replacement shades.

Last springtime, they’d sprinkled little, woolly wind-up sheep amongst their wares. Perfect cure for what ails you. I bought several sheep to give to whomever needed to laugh.

However, what I most appreciate about the brothers is they repaired the brass lamp my grandmother-in-law gifted my husband and me as newlyweds fifty-five years ago.

Gram’s face glowed as she handed the lamp to me.

My late husband set the tall, brass lamp on the fireplace mantle of our apartment for we had no living room tables.

Today, Gram’s lamp sits on the bedroom nightstand I inherited from my mother. Oh, and Jim and Bill also found the perfect shade for Gram’s lamp.

The brothers’ collection of shades never failed to provide what one of my adopted lamps needed. Almost every lamp I own has Jim’s and Bill’s fingerprints on it.

One could consider their mastery of their craft marvelous customer service. Yes, that and more.

What drew me to their door yesterday after shopping for a 2025 calendar, a stop at Café 3:16 for coffee and feta cheese pastry, and Holy Cannoli’s for their new peppermint, chocolate cannoli, was something more.

Pure passion for and knowledge of original and beautiful lamps.

For I needed one small lamp for a table I inherited from a late friend whose house I cleaned years ago. The table sits in my dining room in tribute to Al. I also needed a floor lamp to place by the sofa for night reading.

I walked into the brothers’ lamp shop convinced they stocked my heart’s desire.

“Everything is fifty percent off,” Jim said, busy moving inventory.

My heart sank. I could never remember which brother was Jim or Bill, so I asked.

“Jim,” he said. “We’re closing the store.”

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you guys.”

Once I fulfilled my mission, I carried my two lamps and a rain charm to the counter with mixed emotion-thankful to find the perfect lamps for my needs. Yet, fighting tears.

For Jim and Bill and the Village Lamp Shop are an uplifting part of my life. I know somewhat their story, their parents’ devotion to making their business a success.

I always found a gift within that crowded little shop that felt like I walked into a Charles Dickens book. “And where can I find your quirky little gifts?” I asked.

Graciously, they accommodated a reply. “We don’t want to close the store, but can’t avoid it. The younger generation isn’t restoring lamps, or buying used lamps. They want modern.”

Having two daughters and aware of their home furnishings, I grappled with this reality.

Everything has a lifespan. Enjoy my lamps while I may.

Contact Iris at irisfarmletters@gmail.com