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Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

Salvaging the Walter Keane Staten Island Ferry

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When the architecturologists at Olde Good Things worked to salvage the former Staten Island Ferry the Walter Keane, they came ashore with a variety of marine architectural salvage treasures.

Exterior photos of the Walter Keane, formerly the Cornelius G. Kolff in its glory days as a steam-powered Staten Island ferry.

 

History of Staten Island Ferry

The beginnings of a Staten Island ferry system dates back to 1810, when Cornelius Vanderbilt began transporting passengers between Staten Island and the Battery in lower Manhattan on twin-mast sailboats. The ferry system grew over the years, changing hands from different investors and railway companies, gaining new boats and technologies as times changed, and finally coming under the control of New York City itself in the early 20th century to become the ferry system we know today. The modern ferry fleet has grown to include several classes of ships of varying sizes, but the ferry still travels between Staten Island and lower Manhattan. In 2005, a newly modernized terminal was dedicated at the Manhattan end of the ferry, with connections inside for the New York City Subway System as well as buses and taxi stands. Service is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, running roughly every 30 minutes and having transported 23.9 million passengers in 2016 alone.

The history of the ship the Walter Keane goes even deeper than its use as a ferry. After 36 years of loyal service shipping passengers back and forth between Staten Island and Manhattan, the last two steam ferries, the Cornelius G. Kolff and its twin the Private Joseph F. Merrell , were docked in the East River as part of Rikers Island in 1987 to deal with prison overcrowding. The Kolff was later renamed after Walter B. Keane, a veteran correctional officer. The two ferries, along with several decommissioned British troop carriers, were repurposed as floating housing for the prison’s inmates. They were later used to as offices, inmate programs, and services.

Nautical Artifacts Salvaged

Our architectural salvage staff were able to recover a variety of pieces including salvaged anchors and weights, industrial chain, nautical bells, and marine equipment. The interior revealed beautiful architectural benches, tables, chairs, showers, industrial sinks, and nautical light fixtures.

 

Salvaged Boat Chain Custom Tables

The nautical anchor chains that we have salvaged from the Walter Keane and other maritime locations become custom tables in our Altered Antiques line. Our master craftsmen weld these chains together to make sturdy industrial table legs of varying sizes and shapes, from coffee tables to end tables in both round and rectangular designs. These chains can also be made into table lamps, providing an industrial or nautical motif to any project.

For more information about our nautical anchor chain tables, or to see what other treasures await in our Altered Antiques line, visit any of our Olde Good Things brick-and-mortar stores or stop over to our webstore to shop Nautical Antiques or Nautical Lighting.

Bright Lights & Vibrant Colors of Antique Stained Glass

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History of Antique Stained Glass

Stained glass windows are both stunning architectural features and awe-inspiring works of art. Traditionally made by adding metallic salts to molten glass to create colors and then blown or pressed into panels or shapes, these brilliantly colored windows can feature biblical scenes, animals and plants, landscape scenes, historical figures or abstract shapes depending on its intended use.

Bright Lights & Vibrant Colors of Antique Stained Glass

 

Throughout its thousand-year history, the term “stained glass” has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches, mosques and other significant buildings (such as government buildings) while a similar style, referred to as leadlight, was used primarily in homes and businesses. The major difference between stained glass and leadlight is largely in the manufacturing process and the more simplistic designs featured in leadlight. Stained glass windows, such as those commonly found in churches, usually include design elements that have been painted onto the glass and fired in a kiln before assembly. The extra time and cost involved in painting and firing the glass usually prevented its use in home or business architecture. Unlike stained glass windows which are traditionally pictorial or of elaborate design, traditional leadlight windows are generally non-pictorial, containing geometric designs and plant motifs.

Stained glass, as an art form, reached its height in the Middle Ages when it became a major pictorial form used to illustrate the stories of the Bible to a largely illiterate population, where it also became known as the Poor Man’s Bible. The use of stained glass continued through the years, gaining and losing popularity as styles changed. It regained popularity again in the late 1800’s, during the Victorian period, as there was a renewed interest in Gothic style architecture. The Arts and Crafts Movement also helped revive interest in stained glass, mostly through its ideas of traditional craftsmanship and the use of medieval, romantic, or folk styles of decoration. Artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany (of Tiffany & Co.) developed new styles and techniques of stained glass making, elevating the art form to new heights. Today, both leadlight and stained glass are used in commercial and residential properties, helping to create intricately lit rooms with vibrant colors.

Salvaging Antique Stained Glass

Olde Good Things has always enjoyed salvaging stained glass whenever the opportunity arises. These stained glass pieces have come from churches, businesses and homes and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Fanlights, windows, doors with stained glass and more are available in the vast stained glass area at the warehouse at Olde Good Things. We also inquired an extensive stock of large single pieces of replacement antique stained glass, in every color you can think of. (please view this video for more information). These pieces are perfect for any stained glass repair craftsmen or artist, wholesale pricing is available.  Please inquire for more details. Our stained glass pieces sell incredibly quick, so be sure to stop by our Scranton, Pennsylvania location or view the Antique Stained Glass currently online.

 

 

Architectural Salvage in the Heart of Tribeca

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While New York City is a place of constant growth and change, it is also a city filled with numerous architectural wonders from the past. Sadly, as many New Yorkers are saying goodbye to some of the city’s fantastic buildings and older architecture, not much is done to save the more interesting aspects from a landfill. That’s why whenever older buildings are being renovated or demolished, the team of architecturologists from Olde Good Things work tirelessly to uncover and preserve these architectural artifacts.

Olde Good Things recently spent time salvaging pieces from several late 19th century buildings in the West Broadway city block in the Tribeca neighborhood, just a short walk from Ground Zero. The area, scheduled to be developed for condominiums and retail space, held multiple unique architectural details.

One of the many reclaimed pieces brought back from this Tribeca neighborhood were an abundance of original ornate ceiling tin. Tin ceilings were popular in businesses and homes until around the beginning of the 20th century and feature intricate stamped designs. These tin ceiling tiles will either be sold individually, or the OGT craftsmen will turn them into beautiful frames and ornate mirrors in a multitude of colors – perfect for any commercial or residential restoration projects.

Another interesting architectural feature recovered from this property were several original wrought iron balconies and fire escapes. Developed in the latter part of the 19th century for New York’s tenement apartments, wrought iron balconies and fire escapes soon found uses in other commercial, residential and industrial buildings. These reclaimed wrought iron balconies and fire escapes would add an unexpected element of classic city chic to any renovation.

Also recovered from our recent trip are several interior and exterior wooden doors. These doors, some of which include the original glass windows or hand-lettered company names, can be incorporated in modern homes to create a unique design style. These doors are also especially popular for use as exterior doors in older buildings.

While preservationists and those who love the “old” New York lament the demolition of these older properties, Olde Good Things is thrilled to be able to help save what we can so others may be able to repurpose or reuse these pieces of architectural history.

Whether you’re interested in one of these great architectural artifacts from this Tribeca neighborhood, or you’re looking for other unique antique features, you’re always welcome at any of our Olde Good Things stores or at our webstore. We’re sure the perfect piece of history awaits you.

 

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Closer Look at the Salvaged Iron Yard in Scranton, Pa

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For years, Scranton, Pennsylvania served as a major industrial hub, not only for our country but also the rest of the world. Industries such as coal mining, iron forging and railway transportation all played a role in shaping Scranton and the surrounding areas. Scranton’s industrial boom is sadly behind us now, but it’s only fitting that Olde Good Things houses an enormous and awe-inspiring collection of iron and metalwork right in the heart of Scranton.

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Click to Take the Video Tour

 

Stepping foot into the iron yard at Olde Good Things can be a visually overwhelming experience. The yard is packed end to end with all kinds of metal pieces, from wrought iron railing and fencing to decorative pieces and even cast iron tubs.

Some of the more interesting pieces housed in the iron yard are the cast-iron ship anchor chains. These anchor chains are repurposed by Olde Good Things for our Altered Antiques Chain Tables product line and are made into items such as coffee tables or lamps, which add a great rustic nautical element to any home or project.

The vast array of wrought iron gates, railing and fencing are also repurposed for a variety of interesting and creative uses. Many OGT customers have re-used fencing and gates in conventional ways for exterior dividing lines, entry gates and garden trellises.  But they can also be used for many interior design details such as room partitions, wall décor, head boards and more.  With the amount of assorted styles and shapes in the iron yard, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Many of the pieces in the iron yard can be used as they are, ready to help bring in a certain charm to any décor. Metal wall art panels or ornate sculpted metal pieces could be used as a striking centerpiece to tie a room together. Large pulley wheels or ships wheels can bring an industrial flair to any project. Even collectible pieces like an authentic metal Coca Cola cooler, original metal street signs or branded oil drums have the right amount of vintage flair to liven up any room.

Olde Good Things spends countless hours scouring through industrial, hotel and residential locations to salvage only the most interesting metal pieces to add to our collection. Whether you’re an interior designer looking for the perfect piece for a client or a homeowner in the midst of a redecoration, we’re sure the piece you’re looking for is waiting for here at the iron yard in Olde Good Things in Scranton.

50% OFF Rouge Royale Marble Mantels Sale

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In an effort to break up some of the monotony of white mantels, we’re offering our customers a chance to bring in a classic and chic accent into their homes and workplaces with a 50% off all Rouge Red Marble Mantels. Our sale has already been announced and we are receiving an extraordinary number of phone orders – hurry while this sale and supplies last!

Video Tour of Salvaged Stone Yard

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Click the picture above to view the video.

With garden season well under way, Olde Good Things has an offering of a variety of building stones to decorate any outdoor or even indoor space. Over 30 styles of decorative salvage stones will be shown in this video. Each slide is numbered to pin point the exact one you show interest in.  We have way more than this available but this gives you a good idea of unique terra cotta, limestone and marble pieces.  Take a look and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Call 888.233.9678 to inquire or shop our online selection here <View online now!

 

Featured Stone Frieze

Terra Cotta Figural Frieze Mural Historic Grand Central Station

Facebook Live of the Salvaged Iron Yard

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Click the picture above to watch the video

 

Antique iron gates & fencing are one of the most popular architectural materials that we endeavor to salvage. From iron balconies to iron doors, from decorative iron items to iron gates & fencing, people love the look and strength of olde good iron! If you are looking for an iron piece to add significance to your design or build, we have many styles from which to choose, including both classic looks and detailed designs. Our decorative iron options vary from practical choices like iron grates and window guards to items aimed at beautiful interior décor such as decorative iron wall hangings. Iron is bold, durable, and beautiful and can become a showpiece no matter where you use it.

Shop our online department here

Relentlessly Pursuing Historic Architecture in The City That Never Sleeps

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As New York City ushers in a new era of progress, distinguished by the revitalization of some of the city’s most famous landmark neighborhoods, Olde Good Things is on standby to make sure that the most stunning architectural elements, the irreplaceable historical details of bygone days, are preserved and made available to our customers.

Our recent reclamation from the 42nd and Vanderbilt Warren and Wetmore Building is just one example of why the architecturologists at OGT are part of a rare breed. OGT is a leader in the architectural salvage industry. We have been rescuing and reclaiming NYC skyscrapers since the 90s, each time putting in the effort to preserve and cherish the custom details that distinguish the historical treasures in The Big Apple. We have watched other salvage experts fall by the wayside due to the immense effort it requires to safely rescue these pieces of history. If New York City is the “city that never sleeps”, you could say that about the architecturologists at Olde Good Things.

Click the picture to view all the salvage slideshow

In order to pave the way for the city’s new fourth tallest skyscraper, known as “One Vanderbilt”, the former Warren and Wetmore building was demolished, but not before we extracted some of its most significant embellishments. The building faced the west side entrance of Grand Central Terminal for a century, and our salvage artifacts are almost as close as you can get to having a piece of the historic station!
In fact, the Beaux arts architecture of the building’s facade was meant to reflect the architecture of Grand Central Terminal, which was also designed by Warren and Wetmore. The terminal itself was the largest architectural and commerce deal in New York City at the turn of the century, spanning over 20 city blocks.

Our rescue at 42nd and Vanderbilt brings home the historical elements of a building designed and built to directly complement the train station concourse circa 1910. One of our most prominent salvage items is the cast iron figural frieze with double Bacchus faces from the building facade. We were also able to preserve a captivating terra cotta frieze featuring children rejoicing amongst a bountiful harvest of fruit, as well as a treasure trove of structural fluted columns.

I hope you will join us as we tirelessly explore and pursue the architectural wonders of our famous city, and maybe bring a piece of it home with you.

Decorating in Style with Vintage Mosaic & Subway Tiles

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When most people think of tiles, they conjure up images of those horrendously tacky squares of cheap porcelain that crowd the floor of many older homes. Fortunately, when we talk about tiles we are talking about the classic, beautifully made, and carefully salvaged vintage and antique tile that we’ve had the privilege of adding to our growing inventory.

Vintage Off White Subway Tile – Photo Credit: Bloglovin’

With so many exquisite pieces entering our showroom we are eager to share with our customers a few creative decorating ideas that incorporate vintage and antique tiles.

Decorating your living room

Decorating with tile requires that you have either a friend in construction or a skill at creative repurposing. If you want to make a show stopping conversation piece, why not take on old coffee table and decorate the top of the table by making a mosaic of broken salvaged tiles. All you need is sandpaper, tiling cement, your choice of color or plain grout, and a selection of hand-picked vintage tile from Olde Good Things. If you don’t have an old coffee table, consider using a side table, or repurposing an old trunk. Get creative and enjoy the process.

If you’d rather leave your furniture as is, why not reface your old fireplace? Using vintage or antique tiles to add color or drama to your fireplace is a great way to make something old sooty into something “olde good”.

 

Wining & dining on vintage tiles

The sheer number of remodeling shows on TV can be staggering, but many of them provide our customers with great repurposing ideas. If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen and you want to add flair that cannot be bought at Home Depot you should piece together a backsplash made entirely of salvaged vintage tiles.

Check out this photo of a backsplash that literally catches the eye and makes the heart smile! Bright, colorful, and fun!

 

Why reusing vintage tiles is “green”

If you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time and make you feel great about your materials choices, you have to call Lowes, cancel that order for bathroom tiles, and tile your bathroom using salvaged subway tiles. When you reuse old tiles you are adding an “eco-friendly” stamp to your project which can actually increase the value of your property.

Here is a selection of tile that would be perfect for a bathroom remodel.

Olde Good Things is doing its part to make the world a beautiful place, one tile at a time. It’s up to you to check out what we have in stock and let your imagination run wild.

Do you have any creative ideas for reusing vintage and antique tile? Let us know and feel free to share your photos on our Facebook page.

Made From Scratch and Olde Good Things

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The rich beauty of reclaimed wood, the timeless appeal of historical metalwork, and the vivid diversity of reclaimed glass are not things that can be easily replicated. Anyone who is building and desires the timeless look of these architectural elements knows how cost inhibitive it is to reproduce them.  Why not simply incorporate these same beautiful items from yesteryear rather than try and reproduce them?  And, yes, it is possible to design from scratch using reclaimed items!

Customer Showcase Tudor Style Home

One of our customers restored her stunning Tudor home with reclaimed materials carefully curated from Olde Good Things, designing the house from the ground up over a period of three years. Many of the items were purchased from OGT’s web store and Ebay after adoption from the Constable Estate in Westchester and a townhouse on East 10th Street, in Greenwich Village, NYC.

Current trends in home decor lean towards the modern rustic and industrial, often with a stunning combination of the two elements. Shabby chic is another popular look that hearkens back to the days of custom craftsmanship. Still, building with architectural relics is not a part of the mainstream, despite the fact that using reclaimed materials for building and restoration projects is advantageous in so many ways.

Architects and designers are turning to reclaimed materials more and more to meet the demand for sustainable architecture. Reclaimed wood and other architectural salvage pieces are an integral part of green building techniques. Re-purposed materials lessen the need for new materials to be harvested or mined and transported, and elements rescued from historic buildings scheduled for demolition keeps these treasures out of the waste cycle, where they would eventually be relegated to a landfill.

Reclaimed tiles make a lovely vintage backsplash and a one-of-a-kind focal point for the fireplace.  Originally from an Buenos Aires hacienda, they found new life in this Tudor Home.  Also from a similar home in Argentina, an entire tile wall was re-used as wainscotting to decorate a parlor room. The stained glass windows from OGT add splendor to the magnificent arches which originally decorated a Gothic style room from the lavish Constable Estate in NY State. A classic parquet floor, detailed door surrounds, gothic woodwork, and reclaimed tile result in a home like no other. Even the bannisters and exterior staircase were construed of antique iron.  The stairs and landing were designed from old heat registers.

Although using reclaimed materials can present certain logistical obstacles in a throwaway culture, many visionaries realize the inherent value in preserving and re-purposing. Reclaimed materials give a distinctive edge to any home or business with a custom style that can’t be found in new items.

We hope this example of design savvy using antique architectural items is inspirational to many who are undertaking a sustainable design project.  We have many customers who when they see these details in the rough can visualize a re-use for them.  Yet there are many who need inspiration.  We think this project serves that very purpose.

View the Tile Fireplace Surround current inventory

View the Paneled Rooms & Wainscoting current inventory

 

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