Man uses antique devices after Sandy saps power

An oil lamp that Stockton, NJ, resident Chris Stoddard relies on to light his home after superstorm Sandy. / CBS/KYW

As many homeowners in the New York-New Jersey area are dealing with the loss of electric power following superstorm Sandy, one of those affected is resorting to vintage devices to get by, CBS Station KYW Philadelphia reported Tuesday.

The non-electrical Victrola provides the only entertainment for Chris Stoddard.

/ CBS/KYW

Chris Stoddard, who had just moved into the borough of Stockton in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, has been relying on antique items that he had collected for some semblance of normalcy. One of those items is a Victrola record player, which has provided the only entertainment in the house--it requires moving a hand crank and no electricity.

"[It] adds some levity when you're dealing with all this," said Stoddard.

As for lighting his home, Stoddard has an oil lamp that still works. "This is what they used before they had electricity and we used it in every room," he said.

CBS Philly reported that Stoddard and his neighbors have been without power for just over a week. According to area residents, power provider, JCPL, told them they would have the power back on by Wednesday.

"After like 7 days we're getting used to it but I guess we're ready for power," said Stoddard.