In the 1800’s it was necessary to conduct most business in person, especially for salesmen.
Educators and government officials generally travelled by carriage or after 1850 by train. In the evenings on the road, they often slept in taverns, inns or boarding houses.
The lodging was fairly inexpensive (about $5 in today’s prices). But the bare bones sleeping arrangements would not provide candles because they were quite expensive. So, the guest who wanted to read or write after dark often carried in his bag a Traveler Candle Holder such as the one pictured.
The candle holders were made of tin, light, inexpensive, and could store eight candles in the drawer. Because of the heavy wear and tear on them there are very few original ones to be found.
Tourist shops may sell imitations.
WHAT IS IT?
(Editor’s note: Palisades resident Howard Yonet has an interesting collection of curios from around the world and with his permission, Circling the News is publishing one a week. About the collector: Dr. Howard Yonet was born in Brooklyn in 1934 and attended Brooklyn College. He went to Baylor Medical School and then returned to do an internship at Bellevue Hospital. Yonet completed his residency at the Manhattan V.A. and the Montefiore Hospital. During this time he went skiing in Vermont and the Catskills, and while traveling found barns filled with early American pieces. This led to his interest in American Antiques.
In 1965, he married Daniele, who was originally from Nancy, France. During the Vietnam War, Yonet was drafted as a medical officer and stationed in Landstuhl, Germany (1966-1969). This was close to the French border, which meant he and Daniele and could visit her family.
While abroad, the Yonets took weekend trips through France and Italy, purchasing many interesting pieces at flea markets.
The family settled in Pacific Palisades in 1970 and Yonet practiced general radiology until 2006. He continued to acquire antiques and collectables at estate and garage sales and the Salvation Army Store. He also enjoyed looking for collectibles while traveling in Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Massachusetts. Daniele’s family helped add to his collection.)