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Oconomowoc, WI - Dec 2011 |
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Not the usual fare, the Oconomowoc job was the result of a "salvage auction". On the coldest day to date in December (wind chills at minus 10), J trekked down to Oconomowoc to retrieve the last of our materials...the front porch and corbels! With the harsh December wind blowing inland off the lake, J drove up to the sight to find himself among a scurry of amateur "salvagers", those Oconomowoc natives who were also retrieving the last of their material. J's beat-up 1999 diesel truck and graffiti covered, 16 foot enclosed trailer nestled itself in a strategic loading position among a number of hybrid Priuses, Hondas and Volvos. As expected, he found himself surrounded by normal citizens with new air-respirators, new leather work gloves and new steel-toed boots, all claiming what was rightfully theirs from the auction.
Reclaiming architectural material can be as complicated as an FBI extraction mission! Throw in a few innocent by-standers and things get even more complicated. With his hardhat firmly affixed to his head, J stood in front of the porch evaluating the work to be done (did I mention he is by himself?!) Keep in mind, after 20+ years of salvaging experience, J is extremely resourceful, creative and never submits to defeat! After 45 min to an hour of evaluating the complexities of the situation, he went to the nearest gas station for a hot cup of coffee. Upon his return, he still was without a definitive plan that would accomplish the complex task of removing the porch a piece at a time, and allowing his "fellow salvagers" safe exit to and from the house. If you have had the opportunity to personally work with J, you will know that he always says, "The big problem is simply made up of many small problems. Solve one problem at a time."
Then it came to him, "give me a lever and I can move the world". Words spoken by a very dear friend, Dan, a fellow salvager and antique dealer from Oconto Falls. Dan passed away less than a few short years ago. With Dan on his mind, and perhaps hovering above J's right shoulder, he began his arduous task.
As he prepared the porch for the extraction of the columns, several "fellow salvagers" told him he absolutely could not salvage that front porch. As he continued working, a buzz of conversation began within the house, bringing most of the "fellow salvagers" out to the porch and down to the lawn. After imparting their feelings of dismay that he would salvage the very porch they needed to get in and out, J simply replied "watch me". AND they did! They watched him build a lever system in which he could simply push on the end of his crowbar, lift the porch roof with enough room to install make-shift columns from the waste material pile, then tap out the first 10 foot column, and carry it down to the trailer. After removing the second column, he turned toward the trailer with the column on his shoulder, only to see a line of vehicle traffic parked on the curb taking in the spectacle.
Upon his return to the porch, he gathered his tools, secured the load, and departed Oconomowoc with two porch columns, and a whisper in his right ear, "I"m proud of you."
A Warm, Happy Holidays from us to you and yours!
We will be open this week for regular retail hours: Thu (15) and Fri (16), 10 - 4 and Sat (17), 10 - 2.
Next week we will be open Thu (Dec 22), 10 - 4 and closed Fri and Sat.
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Custom Built Garbage Bin |
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Salvaged barn board, ceiling tin, cabinet latches and hinges meld form and function for the kitchen! |
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Jeff and Stephanie - Illinois Project |
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We are so fortunate to meet amazing and inspiring couples like Jeff and Stephanie! We met in January of 2011 just before they raised the roof of their home. At the time, they needed salvaged flooing. In the meantime we've collaborated on reclaimed mantel tile, lighting, additional flooring, grates, etc, etc. We are SO lucky to do what we love and reap the benefits of lifelong friendships! |
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Menasha and Appleton (WI) Salvage, Oct 2011 |
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Click on the photos below to view recently acquired material. These items are currently in the "Private" area of the shop, and available for purchase. |
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Summer Project - How to hide your neighbors pool! |
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Crescent Moon can only take credit for supplying the doors for this project. The idea and installation were all theirs! We LOVE it!! |
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