Rushlight

From Henry Whitfield State Museum

17th century (Date manufactured/created)

Wood; wrought iron

For New England’s early Puritan settlers, candles were considered a luxury. But an alternative form of candle could be made by soaking rush (tall marsh grass) in melted fat. Once set and hardened, the rush was placed in the clip of a rush light where a two-foot-long piece would take approximately one hour to burn. Although they were less expensive than candles, they were smellier and messier.

Accession/ID Number HW1946.002