Retro Holiday

First introduced in the 1930s by designer Franklin Gurley, vintage Gurley candles were first used by the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, the company that would become ExxonMobile, to make use of the excess paraffin made during the oil refinery process. These creations were first called Tavern Novelty Candles, but the name changed to Gurley Novelty in 1949. They were sold in various department stores such as Macy’s and Woolworths.

Although Gurley made candles for all holidays, many collectors these days covet the Christmas and Halloween creations as well as the Easter and Thanksgiving candles. Originally selling from about ten to 99 cents during the time of their manufacturing, these collectibles cost quite a bit more these days. They may cost more than $10 with especially sought after ones costing even more.

Many of these collectibles have unlit wicks since the figurines were never meant to be burned but rather collected to be put on display. In fact, many of these figurines do not even have a wick. Designs such as the famous nativity scene are an example of the famous wickless designs. There are also many popular Thanksgiving designs featuring pilgrims, turkeys, the Mayflower and Native Americans.

Those who want to be sure they are collecting the originals need to look for the original Gurley label on the designs. The Vermont County Store has purchased many of the original molds to these candles and provide reproductions of these collectibles. Vintage collectibles that have lost their labels can be distinguished by their duller colors.

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