by pam kueber on July 6, 2009
So what do I buy at estate sales? Things like Sexton cast metal hoot owls from1969 in a perfect shade of avocado green to match my office ($10). And, a Hoover Constellation vacuum cleaner, circa 1955, purchased from this wonderful time capsule house. I am not (yet) and historian on vintage appliances, but this purchase gave me the opportunity to read up on the Hoover Constellation – a very historic vacuum cleaner, initially for its atomic space age shape and then, because the design was tweaked so that the vacuum cleaner actually floated on air, buoyed from the bottom by its own exhaust. Mine is one of the earliest models – the booklet still with it indicates it was purchased in 1955. The vacuum hose attaches from the top. Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on March 11, 2009
Remember the fabulous 1955 bungalow time capsule in St. Louis? Well, a few weeks ago I was able to arrange a special tour for some St. Louis readers and other mid century enthusiasts in town. Readers Shelly (left) and Lisa, pictured above, were able to attend and see the pristine living room, dining room, bedrooms, Republic kitchen and yes – pink bathroom – in person. Lisa reported: “The house is indeed perfectly preserved…It’s quite a place. It was quite an afternoon. And everyone was glad the new buyer is planning on keeping it as is.”
Many thanks to Shelly – whose brother took this great photo. Thanks, too, to Christopher Thiemet, the real estate agent who saw the potential in the house and knew it should be preserved. And thanks, finally, to the brothers who grew up in the house and allowed this very special visit.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also covered the story. One of the reporter’s points, as she reflected on why the interior was saved-for-sale rather than remodeled – and then successfully sold immediately:
Perhaps in reaction to the current consumption culture, there is a growing desire for the workmanship and sustainability of the past. Retro is the new green living.
Update Aug. 2009: Complete story no longer available on the newspaper website.
by pam kueber on January 20, 2009
A vintage Magic Chef range used only 28 times since 1955… a pristine pink bathroom… and more “frozen in time” features in this amazing time capsule house in St. Louis…The owners only ever lived downstairs! Thanks to Meredith and her connections for spotting it and sending it right in. Real estate agent Christopher Thiemet reports that the original listing agent interviewed had advised the sellers to gut-and-renovate-ala-2009 before selling the house. He saw the gem this was and advised otherwise. Thank heavens they listened. Christopher sold the house faster than the speed of light and before it was officially listed – to a buyer who bought the whole thing kit, kaboodle, furniture – and clothes hanging in the closets. Hurray.
Read on for the story – and be sure to see even more photos at Christopher’s excellent website here.
I am also reminded of this post – another family whose virtually unused kitchen was put in a museum. Heck yeah there is more…
