Meet the Olde Good Things Lions: Come roar with us!

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Madison Ave has long been synonymous with high fashion, boutique stores, and all the amazing designer items you could possibly imagine. We at Olde Good Things are super proud of our Madison Ave store and the name it’s making for itself in the city and the community. There are hundreds of salvaged, repurposed, and restored items on display in our store, but the one thing that seems to keep grabbing our customers’ attention is the lion that greets them as they arrive.

Famous OGT Lion outside our Madison Ave. location

This lion, a vintage, beautiful salvaged amusement park fountain piece from years ago, is the unofficial mascot of OGT, but that doesn’t stop people from asking how much he costs, or where they could pick up their own lion.

Some who stop to see the lion can’t help but take selfies, snap quick pictures, or share a tale about how our lions remind them of someplace or some wonderful memory from their childhood. We couldn’t be more proud of our lion, the amazing positive emotions he evokes, and the delightful buzz he brings to our stores.

If you’ve visited our Madison Ave store, you may have met our lion, or if you’ve seen our truck making the rounds in the city, you might have caught a glimpse of his twin brother who makes a permanent roaring statement from the back of our open-back truck.

Do you have questions about our lion? Please ask. We’d really enjoy providing any information you need. We are also eager to show you a few hundred of the other items we’ve salvaged over the years, and the hundreds of thousands of items we have in our ever expanding inventory. If we don’t have it in our Madison Ave store, you may be able to find it at one of our other locations.

Do you have a picture of our lions you’d like to share? Please share them via instagram #ogtlions. We are always looking for pictures of our beloved lions online. View our instagram lion slideshow below.

Do you have a precious childhood memory our lions brought to mind? Please share in the comments section below. We love hearing from our customers, and we love hearing from those who’ve been inspired or impressed by our items—including our mascots.

If you like our lions, you’ll love our other figural items. Here are a few conversation pieces you’ll find on sale:

Below you find one of the latest additions to our lion family. This highly detailed center lion with swag motif three piece sandstone set from Time Square NYC. Small quantity available. Isn’t he a friendly looking character?This lifesize fiberglass lion isn’t as vocal as his Madison Ave cousin, but he has his own beauty and special features. He’s perfect for a garden setting, or a conversation piece outside of your own store.

These gorgeous limestone, art deco mountain lion statutes are the perfect pair. They will liven up your outdoor spaces or can serve as a greeting (or warning) to guests from your front porch. No matter what, you’ll find these amazing big cats will start a conversation.

To learn more about these items, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Posted in Fun with OGT | Tagged architectural salvage, fiberglass, fiberglass lion, flickr, garden design, limestone, lion, Madison Ave, Madison Ave lions, Madison Ave store, marble, marble angels, mountain lions, OGT lions, salvaged materials, statues | Leave a comment

Design Showcase: Incorporating salvaged glass

Posted on February 21, 2015 by sara

Over the years, Olde Good Things has seen many great design ideas emerge from decorators who love to incorporate old reclaimed items into modern design vignettes which take on a totally different dimension.

Here is just a sample of one of these transformations. Aqua blue chicken wire windows once gave contrast to the facade of the Hamilton Manufacturing Co. in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Prior to demolition, OGT was there to remove the windows with a vision for repurposing.

Aqua blue chicken wire glass windows gave contrast to the facade of the Hamilton Manufacturing Company

Well the vision has become reality. Unusual due to color, these windows have taken on a new dimension alright. Here two of these windows can be seen in a high-end showroom giving translucent depth and a pop of color to this modern entryway.

Now this window adds a pop of color to this modern reception area of the Jaipur Rug Company

Now this window adds a pop of color to this modern reception area of Jaipur Rugs

Olde Good Things has a unique niche in reclaimed glass products. American made wire glass, which is no longer manufactured is one of our specialties. Looking for a certain type of vintage glass for your next design project? Take a look at our glass web site and contact us to find out about the many varieties we have available.

Posted in American Vintage, customer showcase, design inspiration | Tagged architectural salvage, customer showcase, design inspiration, salvaged materials, vintage reclaimed glass | Leave a comment

Historic La Ronda: Olde Good Things salvaging dream

Posted on February 21, 2015 by Danica Sorber

As an architectural salvage, restoration and preservation company, Olde Good Things has had the privilege to work with historical societies and owners of historic sites, and salvage incredible pieces from fascinating buildings all over the country.

LaRonda, a Mizner masterpiece in Bryn Mawr PA

One of our more controversial salvage projects involved the La Ronda estate in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Originally, La Ronda was a 17,500 sq ft mansion with 233 acres of estate lands owned and cherished by Percival Foerderer and his family. Foerderer made his riches in the leather goods manufacturing industry. Built in 1927 by J.S. Cornell & Son, and designed by renowned 20^th-century architect Addison Mizner, La Ronda was a Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Gothic Revival masterpiece set like a jewel in the crown of lush green landscapes.

With 51 rooms, 21 of which were bedrooms, La Ronda had the distinct honor of having most of the hardware, furnishings, fittings, and other decorative elements designed and created by Mizner and his craftsmen. Because of the holistic approach to design, the estate boasted intricate and consistent aesthetic features that only added to the beauty of the mansion.

When Percival died in 1969, his family sold La Ronda to Villanova University, and after subsequent owners, the estate lands were reduced from their original 233 acres to only 3.2 acres where the mansion sat.

LaRonda in 2009 prior to demolition

La Ronda was purchased in 2009 for a paltry $6 million. The new owner chose to keep his identity secret, and some believed this was because of his next move—applying for a permit to demolish the historic mansion to build his own house.

Understandably, this had many of the areas’ historical societies up in arms, determined to find a way to prevent the demolition and save the property. Unfortunately, despite their efforts to raise $7 million to purchase the property, they were unsuccessful at raising the funds or negotiating with the previous owner to achieve historical status.

Once the negotiations and attempts to buy the property fell through, before exchanging ownership, salvage companies were contacted to come and remove some of the more beautiful pieces of architecture.

Olde Good Things was one of the companies contacted, and we were more than willing to come to help preserve some of the original architectural elements.

Here are a few images of our salvaging experts carefully removing some of the architectural pieces of La Ronda.

Olde Good Things doing careful removal of historic LaRonda salvage

Olde Good Things doing careful removal of this historic salvage

Here large arched tudor windows are removed

The architecturologists are seen here dismantling one of the cast stone arches

As well as cast stone door surrounds

Many of these pieces salvaged from La Ronda have now been incorporated in a Mizner style home in Florida, where the owner wove these beautiful features into the structure.

Elements from LaRonda incorporated in this Florida home

Olde Good Things is honored to be a part of this amazing salvage and historic preservation project. We would love for you to visit one of our many locations to see the other gorgeous pieces we have been privileged to recover over the years.

To learn more about our salvaging services or look through our growing inventory, contact us.

Posted in customer showcase, Historic Treasures | Tagged Addison Mizner, architectural salvage, customer showcase, design inspiration, historic property, La Ronda, news, Percival Foerderer, redesign, remodel, repurposed, salvaged materials, Villanova, vintage hardware | Leave a comment

Fall in love with vintage

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Petite gold metal framed beveled glass mirror

Valentine’s Day is here and Olde Good Things is sharing their deep and abiding love of vintage and antique items by showcasing a few beautiful pieces.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, our customers are the fairest of them all! This stunning French style bronze and beveled glass antique mirror is perfect for any entry way, staircase landing, bathroom, powder room, or bedroom. It’s intricate, petite filigree brings to mind romance and fairy-tales fit for any pair.

This is a large Victorian period cast iron bust of a woman with wonderful detail.

Look at her, isn’t she just gorgeous? Who do you suppose she is? Is she someone beloved, perhaps a woman loved and adored centuries ago? Whoever she is, her face is classically beautiful, and this 19^th century Victorian iron bust, when gracing the intimate interior spaces of your home, will add elegance and a bit of mystery.

Decorative French bronze mantle clock on an onyx base with large spelter Cherub.

Nothing says love despite the passage of time like a gorgeous bronze mantel clock on an onyx base. This clock features a cherub, staring adoring up into the face of the one he loves the most. The clock itself is beautifully detailed, perfect for any fireplace mantel or other prominent place in your home.

There are many more amazing items to fall in love with at Olde Good Things. Contact us today to learn more about these items, or visit one of our locations to come face to face with an item you’ll fall for at first sight.

Posted in design inspiration | Tagged antique art, antique mirror, beveled glass, bronze, cherub, design inspiration, iron bust, mantel clock, mirrors, onyx base, victorian bust | Leave a comment

Samuel Yellin: Antique whimsical iron

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Samuel Yellin, master blacksmith

Samuel Yellin was born in Galicia, Poland in 1885. In 1906, he departed Europe to begin his career in Philadelphia where, 13 years later, he’d garnered attention for his work as a professor at Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art, and his iron workshop at 5520 Arch Street.

With the industrial revolution well under way in the early 20th century, and the proceeds from it building a wealthy America, many benefactors commissioned Samuel Yellin to incorporate ornate and impressive architectural metal pieces in grand structures which still stand today. At this time, he employed as many as 250 artisans to produce these commissions. He demonstrated not only traditional ironworking skills, but also whimsical creativity, always encouraging his artisans to use their imaginations. The result being his studio was able to produce anything, from a small candlestick to a massive gate each with the uniqueness of his detailed work.

Yellin’s draftingroom in the early 1920’s. Photo: samuelyellin.com

His massive gates are among some of his most impressive works, including the Harkness Tower Gate at Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut and the enormous gates of the Packard Building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also designed gates for J.P. Morgan’s estate, as well as many other wealthy individuals. His studio designed outdoor lighting fixtures, window guards, interior and exterior stair railings, and decorative ironwork.

Packard Building Philadelphia: photo samuelyellin.com

Genius like this is unprecedented in today’s world of mass-production and off-shore fabrication. The saying: “they don’t make it like they used to” is an understatement when considering the works of Samuel Yellin. If you are a lover of old world architectural artistry, we have a fabulous opportunity for you.

Now available through Olde Good Things, several pieces of Yellin’s master craftsmanship tell their story from long ago. Currently in our inventory, you find two pair of entry gates and a pair of signed Yellin window guards.

These entry gates were salvaged from a Philadelphia bank. Each measures 118.25 in. tall.

Hand-wrought iron window guards with decorative caps

Samuel Yellin gates form the entryway to our Chelsea location at 124 W. 24th St., NYC

Have you ever wanted to make a statement about your style before your guests enter your home? This large, ornate, impressive, and simply stunning, hand-hammered wrought iron masterpiece makes a statement alright—they say that you have a piece of American history gracing the exterior of your home.

Currently this pair of Yellin gates form the grand entryway to OGT Chelsea at 124 W. 24th Street. Below you see the detail of the decorative handle, a whimsical figure, one of the trademarks of many of Samuel Yellin’s masterpieces.

Whimsical figures are often the trademark of Samuel Yellin’s iron pieces

Details of a pair of entry gates which can be seen at OGT Grand Ave., LA

Contact us today to learn more about these incredible pieces, and how you can own them. Or, visit one of our showrooms to see what else we have tucked away in our growing inventory.

Posted in American Vintage, design inspiration | Tagged architectural salvage, design inspiration, hand hammered iron, industrial art, industrial design, industrial iron, metal furniture, philadelphia, Samuel Yellin, vintage industrial, wrought iron | Leave a comment

Salvaging vintage glass

Posted on February 9, 2015 by sara

Ribbed chicken wire safety glass – just one of the many varieties available

In our environmentally conscious society today, architects, designers and builders are always looking for ways to incorporate sustainable building products in new projects. Besides interior and exterior building elements such as doors, mantels, hardware, building stones, fencing and reclaimed wood, OGT has now become the industry leader of not only these items, but also of a line of vintage safety glass.

Removed from industrial and commercial turn of the century buildings and structures, much of this safety glass is no longer manufactured, making it a highly sought after commodity in today’s design world where industrial chic is still holding its own.

NE PA power plant with 100 ft. long skylight

Here you can see the careful removal of ribbed opaque chicken wire glass from what once was a skylight in a coal power plant in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Reclaimed vintage ribbed chicken wire glass

Meticulously removed and then stored and processed at our Scranton, PA location, this glass can be cut to order and shipped pretty much anywhere worldwide.

Visit our Olde Good Glass web site to see the various projects our customers have already completed using reclaimed vintage glass.

Posted in news | Tagged architectural salvage, salvaged materials, vintage reclaimed glass | Leave a comment

Recent reclamation: Terra cotta dreams!

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Two sided separation wall–stacked terra cotta pieces meant to draw the eye

You know Olde Good Things is the #1 name in architectural salvage, and you know we take our work providing new homes for old items seriously, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to you that we’ve outdone ourselves with our latest acquisition.

This terra cotta wall once stood as the exterior accent wall of a forgotten NYC building. Because only the outward sides of the pieces were exposed to the elements, these pieces can be reused as interior wall décor, or as accent pieces in a garden. Imagine, you can create a peaceful oasis in your own yard using a material known to be used in ancient China.

This wall acted as a separation wall, but did more than that—it caught the eye, and eventually the hearts of OGT salvage professionals. The wall was exposed on both sides, so the amount of wear is even, but it adds a sense of timelessness that only terra cotta can evoke.

Salvagers take their work seriously, but they still smile!

7-1/2 in. x 7-1/2 in. x 5-1/8 in.

Each one of the 600 pieces of were painstakingly removed, carefully transported to our store, and are now ready for you to take and create beautiful designs of your own using pieces of NYC history.

Each piece measures 7-1/2 in. x 7-1/2 in. x 5-1/8 in., and can be used in many different applications—interiors, exteriors, home, and office.

Stop by your nearest Olde Good Things showroom to learn more about these charming historical pieces.

Posted in design inspiration, new products | Tagged architectural salvage, design inspiration, exterior accents, garden design, interior design, new products, NYC, reclaimed stone, reclamation, redesign, remodel, repurposed, salvaged materials, terra cotta, terracotta | Leave a comment

Cherub angel relief now available

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Terracotta frieze reclaimed from Baltimore building

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, and Cupid fresh on our minds, OGT is offering something a little special for our customers.

This salvaged multi-piece poly-chrome terracotta cherub frieze was one of twelve that were carefully removed, pieced back together, and restored to their original, incredible glory.

Reclaimed from the facade of a demolished building in Baltimore, Maryland, this cherub frieze was salvaged early on by Olde Good Things. Purchased years ago, this piece is now back on the market, looking for a new place to call home, a new place to brighten and beautify.

Here it is pictured on display at one of many outdoor markets that Olde Good Things attends.

As seen on original building

The architecturologists at work with careful removal

This piece would be a perfect ground mosaic in a garden, or a wall mosaic in a home or restaurant.

This one was built into an entryway foyer

If you’d like to learn more about the history of this piece, or if you’d like to see what else Olde Good Things has in it’s expanding inventory, contact us.

Posted in customer showcase, new products | Tagged antique art, architectural salvage, Baltimore, cherub, customer showcase, design inspiration, frieze, new products, OGT, OGT store, Olde Good Things, polychrome, reclaimed, reclaimed stone, salvaged materials, terra cotta, terracotta frieze | 2 Comments

Salvaging angels: Guardian Architecturologists

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Opposing angels kneel gracefully above the entryway of this 100 year old church

Many of the old churches in NEPA have withstood the test of time, the elements, and urban sprawl.

Most of the remaining churches are home to some of the most beautiful religious iconography in the country, including twin Guardian Angels; serene, ethereal, and posed for prayer while gracing the ledge of this church like the pearls in a crown.

These two white marble angels were once an eye catching call to worship, and now they are gracing the inventory of our Scranton warehouse. The angels were carefully dismantled, lowered from their lofty perches, and are now made available for a new home.

If you’d like to learn more about these exquisitely carved statuary marble statues, and how they can become yours, contact us. Or, if you’d like to take a look at these angels yourself, please visit our Scranton warehouse. Our online inventory is a great place to search through our collection of other items salvaged from churches, warehouses, factories, barns, and restaurants.

Dimensions are approximately 40 in. deep x 25 in. wide x 67 in. high each.

See the online listing here.

Hand-carved 100 year old kneeling angel gently lowered from above the high entryway

The architecturologist is glad for his latest retrieval

Ready to get transported to our Scranton warehouse

These pictures depict the detail on the condition of the statues. Other than these damages, the angels are absolutely beautiful unique pieces.

One of the angels has part of the wing missing

Also her hands and face are weather worn

The detail on the faces of both are faded from weather

Posted in new products | Tagged architectural salvage, design inspiration, nepa church, new products, reclaimed stone, salvaged materials, stone, stone angels | 6 Comments

Design showcase: Before & after

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Danica Sorber

Olde Good Things has long been a friend and advocate of designers with a vintage and industrial taste. From industrial lighting to repurposing old chicken wire glass for use in homes and restaurants, Olde Good Things has witnessed designers taking the old thing we’ve salvaged and creating new, beautiful pieces of art.

Here are a few examples we’d like to share.

Salvaged industrial saw table stand.

Here, we have an antique saw table stand that we salvaged from a crumbling factory. It’s rusted, dinged, banged up, and ready for the scrap heap, right? Wrong. As you can see, the designer has worked wonders with sanding, polishing, and giving a new life to these old paid of legs. This piece is the center of the heart of the home, and is the perfect place to prepare meals, eat, and tell guests all about your amazing kitchen island.

From industrial rust to kitchen centerpiece

This door, these wrought iron and wood railings, and these sections of wrought iron staircase railings have seen better days, but they will see much brighter days in the future thanks to the efforts of Stephanie Chrane of CGM Unlimited in Texas.

Before:

Once rusting and alone in our Olde Good Things salvage yard, they are now works of art creating eye-catching beauty from the front door to the second floor.

After:

Transformed into an amazing entryway

Great focal point to this foyer

These railings from the interior of a turn of the century Pennsylvania hotel add a touch of old world beauty to an otherwise quite modern style living space.

To learn more about the salvaged pieces in the Olde Good Things growing inventory, call or click today.

Posted in customer showcase, design inspiration | Tagged antique doors, architectural salvage, before and after, customer showcase, design inspiration, machinery, metal furniture, repurposed, salvaged materials, tables, vintage industrial, wrought iron | Leave a comment