Lighting repair expert comes June 14 to The Little Traveler, Geneva

As a St. Charles, IL resident for the past 30 years, Bob Auwaerter knows a thing or two about the Fox Valley. And after a career in construction spanning 35 years, he also knows a thing or two about how to build things, or put them back together. One of his specialties is lamp and lighting repair, which he will be estimating or completing same-day at The Little Traveler in Geneva on Weds., June 14, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Auwaerter says he can do simple repairs—like fixing a lamp socket—while customers are browsing the store, albeit most repairs will be completed at his shop and returned promptly to The Little Traveler for pickup.

Repair prices start around $25 or less for changing a socket. After that, he provides free estimates.

Auwaerter's affinity for restoration began with the transformation of his 1920’s St. Charles home. At that time, he also repaired motorcycles, tractors, and cars. But for the past four years, he has been restoring lighting fixtures and lamps by running a service out of his home. He brings that service exclusively to The Little Traveler in Geneva several times per year.

This second career as a lighting restorer “was sparked,” so to speak, by his wife’s fondness for the Kane County Flea Market. Their attendance over the years was instrumental in the launch of their own antique business development. Today they are associated with three different shops and various booth spaces.

As their business endeavors expanded, Auwaerter began fixing lamps—starting with the wiring. At the urging of an antique shop owner who brought lamps to Auwaerter for repairs, he naturally progressed to lighting fixture repairs. Today he is well versed in all types of lamp repairs and lighting fixture restoration.

With the background he and his wife have in antiques, Auwaerter has a great deal of respect for the integrity of original pieces. He uses vintage wire and replacement parts when repairing antique lamps and lighting fixtures. If he can’t find an exact match, he will look for the best possible replacement to keep the piece’s design intact.

Auwaerter also repairs contemporary pieces, including standing lamps, desk and table lamps, and chandeliers. He's even crafted some of his own original pieces.

He is also skilled at motorized repairs—citing a cast-metal lamp from the 1920s as one of his most unique and memorable projects. The design captured a woman holding a bucket of cascading water. According to Auwaerter, it likely had been crafted by an artisan of the times. He worked many hours to restore the lights that would make the water flicker again.

According to Auwaerter, most of his Little Traveler customers bring in sentimental items like these. Hearing stories about family heirlooms and “buried treasures” keeps Auwaerter engaged with the entire process.

Mike Simon, owner of The Little Traveler, can attest to Auwaerter’s expertise. “Bob’s love and appreciation for the artistry of old lamps is apparent. He’s takes pride in every piece that he works on, and we’re very happy someone with his unique skillset is available to our customers.”

About The Little Traveler: Today, downtown Geneva, Ill., is known as one of the most unique shopping districts in the Midwest, maintaining a tradition of hospitality, charm, and character. The Little Traveler, at 404 South Third Street, has remained the cornerstone of this tradition. The shop has grown from the original Italianate Victorian residence (which now serves as the center section of the shop) to 36 rooms of treasures.

For more information, call (630) 232-4200.