The Cincinnati Enquirer One of the best-known icons of the '60s is celebrating a milestone. The Lava brand motion lamp, which has entranced and entertained generations around the world with its calming undulations, turns 35 this year. Nevertheless, the company that makes this mood-relaxing appliance is uptight about the use of that phrase. We received more than 50 responses from across four generations. Some lamps have been handed down like precious heirlooms, others have been the source of desperate pleas for possession.
Some readers even claim their lamp has special powers.
All confessed the warmth of the lamp conjured fond memories. First, the unofficial winner of our quest to find the Tristate's oldest lamp. We were allowed to take this unique gift into our bedroom, where we would spend hours gazing at the dark ruby wax as it took our imaginations to places we could only dream of. Employees take an oath of secrecy upon being hired so that the mystery of the Lava brand motion lamp is never revealed. They've been spotted on Friends, Dawson's Creek and Will and Grace , also films, including American Beauty and American Pie.