By Margo Frink
(Oneida, NY – Dec. 6, 2013) Oneida resident Mike Lewis will open his vintage Christmas decorations displays at the Oneida Public Library Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and at the Cazenovia Public Library Dec. 7 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Lewis said his collection of around 3,000 pieces dates from the 1800s to the 1900s. Some was given to him, some he purchased at estate sales and flea markets and some he rescued from the trash.
“I want to bring nostalgia of days when I was younger,” Lewis said of his interest in collecting holiday decorations. “And days of my father’s youth and days of my grandfather’s youth.”
Much of his collection is electrical lighting or “twinkle lights.” Through his research in books and on the Internet he was able to date the items, many made in Germany, Italy, France, Canada and the U.S. Some are of the Civil War era.
None of Lewis’ decorations are for sale.
Both displays will be available for viewing through Jan. 6.