Lovely Linda Laughlin, Sturbridge Village hostess, holds a century-old whale oil "sparking lamp." The tiny inspired the expression "sparking" for petting in New England villages more than a century ago. The lamp burned just a little bit of oil and shed a tiny spark light on courting couples in early 1800s.

Digital Commonwealth — Boston Public Library

Lovely Linda Laughlin, Sturbridge Village hostess, holds a century-old whale oil "sparking lamp." The tiny inspired the expression "sparking" for petting in New England villages more than a century ago. The lamp burned just a little bit of oil and shed a tiny spark light on courting couples in early 1800s.

Associated Press · [ca. June 1958]

RightsCC0 — Public Domain

CollectionDigital Commonwealth — Boston Public Library

[Information from item housing] Lamps

🔒

Order museum-quality prints

Sign in to order prints, canvas, and more of this work. Browsing and full-resolution downloads stay free.