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Home / Vintage catalogs / 1950s

A stash of new old stock square recessed lights in Iowa

Pam Kueber - Updated: May 4, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

progress-recessed-lights-page-36

Cadman writes:

Pam, I wanted to tip you and your readers off on some fantastic NOS light fixtures for sale that might be of interest. The trouble? This alert is likely only good for your Iowa readers.

A while back there was a discussion about the in-ceiling square recessed lights and how chrome trim is no longer available (nor it seems more than 1 or 2 common sizes). The Cedar Rapids ReStore has come into old inventory of these lights, still wrapped in 1958 newspaper from the factory and many sealed in their original dusty boxes. There’s an assortment of sizes and glass options as well, and a 5 or 10 spot is all they’re asking. Heavy-Duty all the way around.

We don’t get down to CR too often but managed to make the trek in an icestorm this past weekend on a search for RED carpet and we couldn’t not drop-in.  -Cadman

Thank you, Cadman. Can someone go get these, please!

Above: Progress lights from my fabulous 1961 Progress catalog.

Related posts:

  1. Progress Circlines 1961
  2. 4 pages of pull down kitchen lights Progress 1961
  3. Square recessed lighting available today

progress-recessed-lights-p-37

CATEGORIES:
1950s Lighting Lighting Vintage catalogs

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16 comments

Comments

  1. Jules says

    March 4, 2015 at 9:58 pm

    Just a note – I have these throughout the top floor of my ranch. They have real fire hazard potential should you want to insulate your attic, so be sure that you are aware of wiring and insulation!

    • pam kueber says

      March 4, 2015 at 10:06 pm

      Hmmmm, I recommend to readers: Consult with a properly licensed professional on this issue….

  2. Elizabeth says

    November 6, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    I have some of these (P6631) in my 1964 ranch. So fun to see the original catalog. Does anyone know how to change a lightbulb in one of these fixtures? Thanks!

  3. Connie says

    October 19, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    Hello,
    I am looking for a square dropped opal diffuser for one of my square recessed lights. Are there any still available?
    Thank you,
    Connie

    • pam kueber says

      October 19, 2014 at 7:15 pm

      Hi Connie, use our search box to get to our story on square recessed lighting and where to get it, and maybe parts, too. It also can be found in our Lighting category (under Decorate).

      This story (which you left a comment on) is quite old and about a stash at a Restore – you would need to contact them directly to find out if they still have any. Doubtful, though.

  4. Robert says

    May 18, 2013 at 10:42 am

    Hello, Where in Iowa did they have these lights in stock? Nice article.

  5. D timmons says

    June 24, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    was wondering if these lights were still available or where you can buy trims for them. I called CR restore and they said they could not find them

    • pam kueber says

      June 24, 2009 at 2:30 pm

      @D timmons, there is a post on recessed lighting here: https://retrorenovation.com/lighting/
      Good luck.

  6. PugFreek says

    January 7, 2009 at 1:10 am

    So they go up into the roof? cool

  7. Mary-Frances Main says

    January 2, 2009 at 1:49 am

    We have those downstairs. The downside is you turn them on with a push toggle switch and it sinks into the ceiling. Ick. We might take ours out (don’t gasp) but they don’t work very well.

    I wonder if these are a lot better?

  8. Nate says

    December 30, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    If anybody in Iowa can pick these up, I’d be interesting in purchasing some of them from you, as I am restoring a ’57 walkout rambler. Am in Minneapolis.

  9. Glamorlux Nancy says

    December 30, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    Pam – Was there a website that sold the new square recessed lighting? Those old ones are amazing, but looks like I can’t get my hands on one of those!

    • Mid Mod Pam says

      December 30, 2008 at 3:32 pm

      Glamorlux Nancy, Go to this post on recessed square lighting available today: https://retrorenovation.com/2008/07/31/square-recessed-lighting-reproductions/ …I’ve also added it to the Related Posts list above.

  10. sumacsue says

    December 30, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Are these the size that would go into the soffit over a kitchen sink? If so, I need one of the rectangular ones! I have such a light fixture, but without the cover. But I’m a long way from Cedar Rapids. Oh well, maybe something like this will turn up at my local ReStore.

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