by pam kueber on June 26, 2009
STEVEN KURUTZ OF THE NEW YORK TIMES has written a terrific story about time capsule houses — not empty ones, but ones people still live in today, original furniture and all. The basic question of his story was: Why do people choose to live in homes that they never change for 20…30…40…50 years? He interviewed couples living in four such homes, and it is fascinating, interesting and funny, even, to read their stories. In his research, Steven came across this site and all our interest in time capsules, so he contacted me and ultimately interviewed me for the story.
What do you think? If they fit the bill, why did your grandparents, aunt and uncle, parents, or neighbors stay in their house and never change it? Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on June 26, 2009
The New York Times story also spotlighted the efforts of so many blog readers — who are awesome “reporters” on the scene bringing time capsules (and all the retro-love) to the surface. Here’s that part of the story:
Identifying exactly when a home became stuck is easier. “Pink-tile bathrooms, Dishmaster faucets, colors like aquamarine and sunbeam yellow — all very 1950s,” said Pam Kueber, who runs retrorenovation.com, a Web site devoted to midcentury design. Shag carpet and avocado appliances indicate the ’70s. Lava rock and ultrasuede? As ’80s as a Rubik’s Cube.
Ms. Kueber posts midcentury time capsules on her site, with photos provided by readers, often taken from real estate listings.
Take a bow, Retro Renovation Time Capsule Hunters, Retro Recon Detectives and STPB Ambassadors. You are the best. Thank you so much. And keep ‘em coming: retrorenovation @ gmail dot com.
