Collecting lamps, friends and memories
Bill Courter bought an Aladdin Corinthian Lamp for emergency light in 1965. He was “illuminated” by the Magic of the Aladdin light and began collecting lamps and their history. He published two books on Aladdin lamps and history of the company in 1972 (revised in 1997) and 1987. He began writing the Mystic Light newsletter for collectors in 1973. The newsletter’s goal is to share discoveries, information and provide interchange among serious collectors.
The name of our newsletter was taken from the original “Order of Aladdin Knights of Mystic Lights” whereby Aladdin company personnel were duly recognized in ceremonies over 100 years ago. Officials were appropriately called “High Mogul, Bright Knight, Inner Guard, Restless Knight and Good Knight.” Collectors today create their own unique “handles” such as Bright Knight and Sir Lamps A-lo
Collectors who subscribe to the Mystic Light are called Aladdin Knights—the finest group of Aladdin and lamp collectors in the world! Aladdin Knights live in 49 states, Canada, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Holland, Italy and other countries. More than 9,500 Lifetime Knights have been assigned during the past 46 years.
Collectors who subscribe to the Mystic Light are called Aladdin Knights—the finest group of Aladdin and lamp collectors in the world! Aladdin Knights live in 49 states, Canada, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Holland, Italy and other countries. More than 9,500 Lifetime Knights have been assigned during the past 46 years.
The Mystic Light newsletter is published by Bill Courter. Gatherings of Aladdin Knights prior to 2002 were organized, financed and promoted via the newsletter.
The Aladdin Knights first gathered at the Nashville, Tennessee Flea Market in 1973. They rented booth space to meet other collectors as well as trade lamps and experiences. Aladdin Industries company staff supported the collectors. Since then the gatherings have grown from meeting at antiques flea markets to major hotels and large, more formal, planned events.
Today the Gatherings are run by volunteers and financed via registration, auction and admission fees, raffle of quilts by Ladies of The Knights and sale of memorabilia.
The National Association of Aladdin Lamp Collectors (NAALC) was formed in 2002 to sponsor the Gathering. Bill Lohmeyer agreed to do the legal and accounting work to accomplish incorporation with the State of Indiana and necessary federal filings to attain the 501 ( c ) 3 status.
Two important reasons for this action: (1) the formal organization provides a legal structure to limit personal liability during the Gatherings, to all of us, and (2) to provide an Association to carry on the interests of Aladdin collectors in the future. The essence of the corporation is to protect 46 years investment given by Aladdin Knights in development of the Gathering for the study, exhibition, and collection of Aladdin lamps. You become an associate member of NAALC by registration at the Gathering or by subscribing to the Mystic Light newsletter.
The newsletter carries official business and NAALC news. The NAALC website is: www.aladdincollectors.org.
The success of Gatherings is attributed to unselfish dedication of time, energy and expertise of Aladdin
Knights to plan, organize and conduct the events over the past 46 years. Knights carry out and perform many
functions at their own expense. Their reward is enjoyment of their hobby, making new friends, preservation of
historical lighting and sharing their knowledge with others. And fun!
Copyright © 2002 by J. W. Courter. J. W. Courter is professor emeritus, University of Illinois. His avocation is collecting and studying oil lamps. He writes and publishes books about Aladdin Lamps.