Oil lamps were used well into the 20th century in many homes in Shellharbour, even after electricity was introduced.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries in Shellharbour the entire district relied on kerosene lamps and candles for lighting. Kerosene and candles, cotton wicks and glass lamp chimneys, featured on every store order.
The large hanging Miller kerosene lamps gave a soft, yellow light, usually in the living room. Candles were for the bedroom.
In 1927 Shellharbour Municipal Council held a poll on the question of electricity for the area. Well known Albion Park identity Patrick ‘Paddy’ O’Gorman, wrote on a black board outside his butcher’s shop ‘let there be light’. That action could have helped the municipality, with a favour of 40 votes for ‘yes’ and 26 votes for ‘no’ (Information – Joan O’Gorman).
Listen to Lorna Brown's (nee McDonald) memories of the first 'night light' in their family home 'Bellmont' at Dunmore on the audio link.
Makers MarkPyrexPlace of ProductionEnglandProvenance and SignifcanceThis beautiful lamp was owned and used by the Darracott family of Yellow Rock.
Samuel and Frank Darracott were members of the Tullimbar Cricket Team.DonorMckinnon, Wendy
