We Do Prop Rentals!CONTACT US

Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

Palace of Dreams: Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall

Posted on by

Like all dreams with a storyline of gold, grandeur, and infamy that eventually must fade into memory, Brooklyn’s “Palace of Dreams” Grand Prospect Hall leaves behind just a sprinkling of treasures and over a century of glamor, play, and sentimentality for Brooklynites and other patrons.

Drawing of the Grand Prospect Hall

Following the death of its owner Michael Halkias, the Victorian-era entertainment venue sold after a long history of opulence and entertainment.

The building was originally envisioned in 1892 as a “temple of music and amusement” by German immigrant and real estate entrepreneur John Kolle.

Architect Ulrich J. Huberty, known for Prospect Park’s Boathouse, Tennis House, and Litchfield Villa, set to work creating Kolle’s vision. Prospect Hall featured ornate marble and granite, stained glass, opulent crystal chandeliers, a ballroom, and an opera house. The building also housed the first French birdcage elevator in Brooklyn.

In 1900, Prospect Hall was heavily damaged by fire. At the time, the venue included a saloon, bowling alley, and amusement resort. Kohl rebuilt the hall. Prospect Hall was a playground for the elite in this age, who enjoyed high-class vaudeville, masquerade balls, and motion pictures. Prospect Hall was also home to the Crescent Motion Picture Company.

The theater became one of the first production spaces, and Crescent Films produced and distributed short film reels, called nickelodeons. Crescent later morphed into the New York Motion Picture Company, a precursor to Universal Pictures.

The host eventually gave over operations to a son.  Kolle and his wife Bertha raised eight children at the site.

Al Capone visited the Prohibition-era speakeasy at Prospect Hall, allegedly the site of a fight that earned him the nickname “Scarface”. Capone also claimed a balcony box in the ballroom, being disposed toward opera. Other visitors included Mae West, Bob Hope, Sonja Henie, Ginger Rogers, and Fred Astaire.

The White Eagle Society, a Polish immigration association, bought Prospect Hall in 1940. The third and final owners, Michael Halkias and wife Alice, purchased the venue in 1981 and set about restorations. They called it “Grand Prospect Hall”.

Over the years, the hall was a production set for films such as “Prizzi’s Honor,” “The Cotton Club,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”, photo shoots for Vogue and Macy’s, television shows, and music videos.

Later, an outdoor German Biergarten was added. The site hosted the Big Brooklyn Challah Bake, as well as the annual City of Gods Halloween party, an infamous Burning Man-style rave, and the Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, a Balkan festival that drew thousands.

The pandemic shut down this grand vision of an owner who sought to provide a lavish entertainment venue that embraced the blended American immigrant heritage. Property taxes were the final death knell. The family held an auction that was visited by prominent fans of the building’s legacy, as well as unknown persons who secretly spirited objects away, like the old nickelodeon reels, to private collections.

Olde Good Things brought precious treasures from the iconic palace of dreams to the inventory, to be shared with those who love the history and spirit of these entrepreneurial immigrants who had such big dreams.

Click here to view the treasures available from the Grand Prospect Hall.

An Abbreviated History of Stained Glass Windows

Posted on by

Stained glass dates back to at least the Roman Empire when craftsmen peddled wares including stained glass. The history of stained glass takes on legendary elements as the mixture of craftsmanship, science, art, and religion all blend into a divine tale of trial and error. It is metallic oxides that influence the creation of many hues during the manufacturing of stained glass.

Gothic stained glass – stock photo

The Lycurgus Cup, one of the most mysterious and famous relics of stained glass, seems to have formed by accident during its making. The cup is composed of dichroic glass, which changes color depending on the light. Lit from inside, the cup glows red, while outside light reveals an opaque green-colored hue. There are no other existing examples of such pieces from the Roman period. Scientists say it is the development of nanoparticles in the glass that is responsible for the drastic color change, and that a lack of control of the coloring process caused its development. Today it is housed in the British Museum.

Click here to see The Lycurgus Cup, 4th century CE

Stained glass windows were adopted into the atmosphere of medieval monasteries in the 7th century. Soon they could be found in cathedrals across Europe. The original designs were small, simple, and Romanesque. But by the 12th century, Gothic architecture replaced the predominant style with soaring spires and towering stained glass windows that bathed the interior in light. The near-Parisian Abbey of Saint-Denis personifies this gliding style; Abbot Suger rebuilt the abbey following the mystical principles of light.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris – stock photo

Stained glass adorned Islamic mosques and palaces across the Middle East by the 8th century reflecting the rich ornate styles of Islamic architecture. The Book of the Hidden Pearl, written by Persian chemist Jābir ibn Ḥayyān, is a colored glass recipe book written about the craft.

The Renaissance and Reformation eras saw a shift in both technique and subject in stained glass windows, a transformation that helps to date pieces salvaged from bygone days. The mosaic style bound by thick lead casings vanished. Also, artists painted enamel directly on the glass before it was fired. Stained glass windows became more common in secular buildings and the homes of nobles, and featured more humanlike and earthy scenes than the previous divine and biblical renderings.

The fall in popularity of stained glass up to the 19th century was mostly due to Protestant Reformation and Counter-reformation, movements allergic to elaborate decoration. Glass workshops centered in the Lorraine region of Europe vanished after many palaces and castles were razed to the ground during the war.

Stained glass windows came back into popularity in America during the Gothic Revival when church congregations called for a return of the leaded art form. The revival occurred in designs for churches across Europe, as well, and stained glass windows were often incorporated into designs to replace glass destroyed during World War II. A sort of new renaissance was born.

Gothic stained glass – stock photo

Stained glass artists also reimagined technique and design in less cosmopolitan parts of the world. In Australia and New Zealand, those wealthy enough began importing stained glass from England. A feature of stained glass made by natives was the native plants and wildlife used in the design, but the 1930s Depression brought destitution to the native studios.

In South Africa, artist Paul Blomkamp used resin bonding and thin glass due to the impracticality of obtaining the lead. Italian Swiss craftsman Claudio Pellandi set up a studio in Mexico for leaded glass, etching, beveling, and silvering mirrors. Famous artist Marc Chagall designed stained glass for the chapel of the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem.

By the 1960s, small craftsmen could make stained glass due to the invention of a small furnace for craftspeople. Hot glass became a course in colleges and universities. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie Style” philosophy of architecture incorporated stained glass windows featuring geometric designs and abstract shots of color juxtaposed into clear glass.

Modern stained glass – stock photo

Ever an art form, whether imbibed with symbolism or not, stained glass retains its beauty and collectibility throughout the centuries, even as new forms and techniques of expression transform this medium of expression.

Olde Good Things houses a number of fine stained glass windows reclaimed from historic places such as the Waldorf Astoria NYC, as well as altered antiques composed of the glass from the famous Robert Sowers window at JFK Airport.

 

Works Cited

“History of Stained Glass.” The Stained Glass Association of America, https://stainedglass.org/resources/history-of-stained-glass/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

LaChiusa, Chuck. “Reformation Stained Glass Windows.” Buffalo Architecture and History, https://buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/stained/renais.html. Accessed 27 July 2022.

Richman, Kelly. “Stained Glass History, from Ancient Art to Contemporary Installations.” My Modern Met, 28 April 2019, https://mymodernmet.com/stained-glass-history/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Showcase: Antique Chandeliers and Religious Stained Glass

Posted on by

Here you see photos of a London Pub, The Old Queens Head, designed with many decorative sustainable items from architectural antique sources all over the world.  Riz Shaikh, owner and seasoned head designer of the Colombo Group with an eye for detail, envisioned a speakeasy design with warm sepia tones.  He sourced decorative ceramic tiles, wooden paneling and wainscoting, fireplace mantels, elegant chandeliers, and church stained glass windows.

 

He chose Olde Good Things for multiple huge 4 ft wide chandeliers and decorative slag stained glass to create the warm ambiance seen in these photos.  These multi-arm slag glass and bronze chandeliers once graced the banquet room of the famous Toy Center at 200 Fifth Avenue, which now houses the famous Italian market Eataly.  The ceiling and partition walls, as well as the decorative amber-toned stained glass which decorates the back bar, were reclaimed from a Presbyterian Church, The Church on the Edge, in Northern New Jersey.  The dark tone wood paneling adds warmth to his design. As seasoned designers know, the original patina is the key to its authenticity.

Our architecturologists are constantly seeking great finds like these chandeliers to make amazing statements in our customers’ creations. Only a fraction of these astounding treasures can be seen online, so feel free to call or visit our New York City and Los Angeles stores. You can also peruse our six-story department store warehouse in Scranton Pennsylvania, often referred to as a ‘candy store’ or ‘treasure trove’ for those with an eye for building with original antique architectural pieces in wood, marble, glass, and bronze.

 

If you wish to be featured as the next Customer Showcase, click here.

Decor that Shimmers: Decorating with Vintage Reclaimed Glass

Posted on by

Those who look into the soul of any vintage item will see beyond its form and function and into the life it should have going forward. Vintage glass allows the viewer to look through into other worlds and imagine things that used to be on the other side of the pane. Next time you need something to decorate the interior or exterior space of your house, turn to Olde Good Things for your classic touches of style and history. A hint of the past is always a great way to move into the future. The past represents a groundedness that is not found in modern mass-produced-in-China items that overflow the shelves of décor stores. Impersonal, cold, and often too cheap to be worth passing along to the next generation, these items succumb to the decay of time.

We have the largest selection of vintage chicken wire glass, including corrugated, pebbled, hammered, ribbed, wormy, and clear. We also have many types of obsolete textured glass, antique pattern glass, and wavy window glass. We have developed a unique process of creating the most authentic looking antique distressed mirror on the market. We have a full service shop ready to process your order of vintage glass and mirror.

We have five types of glass available to purchase:

1.  Chicken wire glass

2.  Corrugated glass

3.  Antiqued silvered mirror

4. Exclusive glass and windows

5. Large sheets of stained glass

 

Featured Reclaimed Glass

Rare Large Sheet of Clear Chicken Wire Glass – Limited quantity, pieces this large are rare. Each sheet is 28 square feet. Measuring 81.75 in. H x 49 in. W x 0.25 in. D.

View our customer showcases on our vintage glass website, www.oldegoodglass.com. Request a free sample here.

Bright Lights & Vibrant Colors of Antique Stained Glass

Posted on by

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.

 

 

An Iconic Stained Glass Window from JFK International Airport

Posted on by

The architecturologists at Olde Good Things were able to carefully preserve a true landmark of history when they captured the famous stained glass window panels from JFK International Airport’s Terminal 8. The terminal, fondly known as “The Cathedral”, was demolished in 2008 to be replaced by a modern steel-and-glass structure next door. A discussion ensued over the preservation of the original stained glass window unveiled in 1960. The New York Times article can be viewed here.

The 317-foot by 23-foot translucent mosaic panel facade was designed by Robert Sowers, who is considered by some to be the most iconic stained glass artist of the Modern Age. The piece was composed of over 30,000 flash glass tiles in vibrant red, sapphire, and white. Sowers was one of the first artists to prominently feature stained glass in commercial architecture.

After searching for prospective new owners for the piece, American Airlines contracted with Olde Good Things to dismantle the panels and make them available for public resale. Other panels are housed in the Madison Museum of Fine Art, the C.R. Smith Museum in Dallas, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York.

Terminal 8’s artistically and historically significant stained glass window panels can now be found among the other treasures of architectural salvage at Olde Good Things.

 

The OGT architecturologists carefully remove the glass from this iconic mosaic window.

The beginning of the extraction… and the ending…

 

Startling ruby red, blazing citrine orange, and deep cobalt are among the hues that grace the stained glass window. The light shining through from behind is extraordinary!

 

Our customers have used this exclusive reclaimed glass for a number of different applications, including privacy windows, far end and coffee table surfaces, outdoor entrance gates, or combined in order to create partition walls and room dividers.

The bold colors of many of the panels make them ideal for contemporary environments, which include homes, offices and commercial spaces. Regardless of where you choose to put them, they’ll definitely create a statement.

Of course, the ultimate positioning is an area where light can shine through, to maximize the amount of color that passes through the windows. A number of our clients have incorporated American Airlines’ stained glass indoors and outdoors.

The JFK Terminal 8 glass can be purchased from OGT as a stunning glass wall panel, as smaller panels in a beautiful custom frame, or as souvenir panels measuring 8 in. x 6.5 in., 8 in. x 8 in., 10 in. x 10 in., or 12 in. x 12 in.. The panels pictured below are samples of the glass and may or may not be still available. Please inquire and if they are not available we will try and find you something in a similar color scheme.  Each panel has some form of damage. We can repair the damages in our warehouse glass shop.  Call 888 233 9678 for more details.

 

This picture depicts the entire window and which stained glass panels are still available for resale.  All the panels marked with an “x” have already been sold.

Learn more about this salvage project, visit here.
Learn more about other types of salvaged glass available, visit here.

Creating an Outdoor Oasis Using Salvaged Items

Posted on by

Having an outdoor living space can be a wonderful, relaxing addition to your home. Continuing the decorating style you already use indoors into your outdoor space can also help to increase your home’s value. It can be difficult to know how exactly to do this, however, particularly if you’ve used salvaged items to create a unique look for your home. As the top salvage company in the country, we have the opportunity to create many interesting decorative pieces and spaces using salvaged items in ways many people don’t even think of. Read below for how you can create a beautiful look for your outdoor space using items from one of our many locations.

 

Every garden should have a gate or a door, but not necessarily as an entry point.  Above is just a small selection of iron entry ways available at Olde Good Things.  An antique French door that no longer contains the glass (like the one from our online selection shown above) can make a beautiful trellis for climbing flowers or decorative vines. Refinishing or painting the door in a bright, bold color can also make it a lovely accent piece when placed against a fence or a garden wall. For a more traditional look, two solid doors can be connected with other wood pieces at the top to make a beautiful arbor. Consider placing a bench or reading chair beneath it to create a peaceful nook for reading, relaxing, or late afternoon naps.

An old bicycle can be used to decorate an outdoor space

An old bicycle, like the one shown here can make an excellent conversation piece. Turn the handlebar basket into a planter, and
consider weaving climbing flowers or vines through the wheel spokes and around the frame. The color of the bike can be incorporated into your garden’s theme, or it could be used as an eye-catching piece to liven up a more drab area of your outdoor space.

Tables missing their tops, or chairs that are missing their seats also make excellent planters, and can be very interesting pieces. These types of items also work quite well in smaller spaces, or on patios that don’t have any real planting space.

An open top table can be used as a garden element

An open top table can be used as a garden element

Stone pieces are a traditional choice for decorating an outdoor space, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be boring or ordinary. Consider moving beyond traditional stone planters and statues, and search for something more unique. Using a piece with an interesting design can really bring your personality to your garden. Salvaged stone pieces from mantels, decorative walls, columns, and other elements can really make your garden a unique and interesting place to relax or have friends over.

 

Here a salvaged garden stone makes a centerpiece in this garden

Here a salvaged garden stone makes a centerpiece in this garden


For larger gardens, consider breaking up the space with an interesting element like a piece of stained glass, or an antique chandelier draped in glass beads. No only will elements like these look interesting, the light shining through and reflecting off of them will create beautiful patterns and colors that will really help your garden stand out. Use a bit of a strong, antique chain to hang these elements securely from a tree, arbor, or trellis. If you prefer the look of wood to glass, an antique window frame with the pane of glass removed can make an excellent hanging planter and define the space in a similar way.

A salvaged window makes a great garden element

A salvaged window makes a great garden element

Using salvaged or antique items in your garden can be a wonderful way to set your garden oasis, and your home apart from the others in your neighborhood. Using pieces that are unique and different is a great way to create a space that shows off your style and personality, while giving you a wonderful place to relax and get away from it all.

With the help of Olde Good Things, you can easily transform your backyard into a hideaway just for your enjoyment, or a mindblowing entertainment space that you and your family and friends can enjoy.

St. Patrick’s Day: Do the GREEN Thing!

Posted on by

Kilbennan_St._Benin's_Church_Window_St._Patrick_Detail_2010_09_16Historically speaking, St. Patrick’s Day is a day when Catholics, Anglicans, and Irish-Americans celebrate the man and the myth, Saint Patrick. Celebrated on March 17th, the day is meant to commemorate the life and the ministry of the Patron Saint of Ireland.

Modernly and commercially speaking, St. Patrick’s Day is a day when Americans celebrate their love for the Irish, and the color green. Cities throughout the country hold parades and costume and craft stores offer customers quirky t-shirts, anything featuring shamrocks, and lots and lots of leprechaun images.

Scranton, a city known for its Irish immigrant and Irish-American communities, isn’t just home to one of the most popular and well-attended St. Patrick’s Day parades, it is also home to Olde Good Things headquarters and main warehouse.

In order to get into the spirit with our fellow Scrantonians we are showcasing a few of the green items in our inventory.

Is your home in need of a bit of antique flare and a splash of color? Why don’t you  give this early 20th century carved wood frame love seat with plush lime green upholstery a try?

Early 20th century green love seat with a carved wood frame

Here’s a gallery of other green seating if this isn’t your style…

 

We also have a great number of green tiles in our inventory. These tiles are perfect for remodeling projects in kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms.

Green French Empire style marble mantel with bronze sphinx details

 

If the seating or tiles aren’t your thing, you might consider this green French marble Empire style mantel. This mantel is medium-sized with bronze sphinxes flanking each side and a bronze center motif. This mantel is one of a kind and in excellent condition. This is one of several additions from Danny Alessandro & Edwin Jackson mantel company.

If you’d rather have an industrial perk with a green flare, take a look at these offerings:

 

The final item in our Olde Good Things “do the green thing” post is this set of hunter green shutter doors featuring heart cut-outs to add accent and simplistic beauty. These doors measure 52.25 in. H x 18.875 in. W x 1.375 in, and are in good condition.

Hunter green heart cut out doorsOlde Good Things is glad to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with you by offering you a 15% discount on green items on our web site on March 17th.  Just call or email and mention you saw this offering on the blog post.  If you’d like to see more of the green items in our inventory—from industrial lamps to furniture to mantel clocks—visit our warehouse or one of our locations. If you’d like to learn more about any of the items featured in this post, please contact us.

From all of us at Olde Good Things, we wish you a happy, healthy, and “green” St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

Vintage Artistic Glass Turned Statement Piece

Posted on by

JFK American Airlines terminal window glass

JFK American Airlines terminal window glass

Every now and then we have a chance to work with something that is not just old and beautiful, but that also has significant historic ties to the community. The Robert Sowers Window, which is a famous abstract mosaic originally belonging to the American Airlines Terminal 8 – was designed by Robert Sowers and debuted at the Idlewild Airport (now known as the John F Kennedy airport) in New York in 1960.

More commonly known as the “Cathedral,” this beautiful piece has been a beacon of beauty and light to the community for decades. When the time came for it to retire, not only were we called upon to do the dismantling of this beautiful piece, but we also were also able to salvage some of it for our customers, as seen above. We have many glass panels still available; see some of the inventory here. Read more about the Sowers window here.

We love the strong, heavy antique horse paired with the elegant, delicate doors and windows in the picture above – what do you think of it?

La Ronda Salvaged

Posted on by

La Ronda

La Ronda Mansion

La Ronda of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the last commissioned Addison Mizner work north of the Mason-Dixon line, was recently sold.  With much controversy, the monumental home, considered  Mizner’s  northeast masterpiece, was slated for demolition to make way for the new owner’s estate.   Olde Good Things was asked to salvage many of the historical architectural elements and preserve them for future use by Mizner fans all over.  Now available are several pieces from this unique mansion, such as an arched stained glass windows and doors with medieval figural detail, and a hand painted pecky cypress ceiling, one of Mizner’s well-known handprints on American architecture.  Feel free to contact us for more information.

Olde Good Things