2013 - Volume #37, Issue #5, Page #24
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Lantern Experts Repair, Sell New
Workers at W.T. Kirkman Lanterns had a special reason for getting together to watch the new “Lone Ranger” movie. Two hundred of their lanterns were part of the show’s props. Dawn Kirkman, who owns the business with her husband, Woody, says they have provided lanterns for many movies.
  Other lanterns end up in restaurants, businesses and theme parks like Disney World. The company offers a variety of styles to meet everyone’s budget.
  “A lot of people like to have them on the porch for a dinner, or use them for camping. They’re a fairly inexpensive light and heat source. With a lantern and gallon of oil you’re set for a long time,” Kirkman says.
  For those who love the charm and style of old lanterns and lamps, but prefer the convenience of modern day lighting, Kirkman Lanterns customizes and electrifies to customers’ requests. They also make parts to restore several models of old lanterns including Dietz, Adlake, Embury and other popular manufacturers.
  Kirkman Lanterns manufactures many styles of lanterns and accessories in the U.S, and is the only U.S. tubular oil lantern manufacturer. Tubular refers to the lantern style that takes air down the side tubes to the flame. The company offers premium grade lantern models, which are made by the same overseas company that makes Dietz lanterns. The lanterns are unique because they are made of galvanized steel so they resist rust.
  It was the love of Dietz lanterns, the premiere U.S.-made lantern from 1860 to 1956, that got Woody started collecting when he was in high school. The Kirkmans opened their business in 1984 and went worldwide when they set up a website in 1998.
  “We have one of the largest collections of Dietz lanterns in the U.S.” Kirkman says, noting that many of the 1,000+ lanterns are in the couple’s living room and spill into every room of the house.
  Prices start as low as $10 for an oil lantern and $30 for an electrified version.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, W.T. Kirkman Lanterns, Inc., 2291 Main St., Ramona, Calif. 92065 (ph 877 985-5267; www.lanternnet.com).



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2013 - Volume #37, Issue #5