John Carriere's collection is housed in his freestanding garage which he remodeled to have a bay window in front with glass shelves for his favorites. He began collecting some 8 years ago when he found a beat up old lamp and was fascinated by how it works (or, was supposed to work.) In front of his house, out at the street there's a 24x10 sign John made to hang from a metal pole: Lamp and Lantern Museum John Carriere, curator. (It's only open when a visitor happens to catch John at home)

Inside are dozens of hollow wire fixtures hanging from the ceiling, including one unique to collectors, some wall sconces, and many Coleman specimens kept in glass cases. On the walls are shrink-wrapped copies of paper, the ads from early magazines that show families using the lamps. John displays a spread about the museum from the local paper, his fifteen minutes of fame.

His collection excludes irons, heaters, stoves or electrical appliances, but specializes in glass lampshades on bases. It includes pottery vase Coleman lamps in all 6 colors, plus 2 Akron vase lamps manufactured for Montgomery Ward. There are 2 poultry lanterns and 3 of the 4 316 arc lanterns by Coleman, Yale and Sunshine Safety.

Fellow collectors are invited to come by to "cuss and discuss" Coleman lore.