It’s not a hootie ring. Or a huddee ring. It’s a hudee ring. I still don’t know why it’s called that exactly – presumably there was a Mr. Hudee involved. But now, we at least have a paper trail via these 1958 and 1959 ads. At this point the ubiquitous metal ring for porcelain kitchen and bathroom sinks was sold by the Walter E. Selck and Company of Chicago. And according to the second blue ad, there were 1062 different kitchen and bathrooms sinks to take a metal ring!
In my research, I see there are numerous other manufacturers. But by 1958 some 5 million Hudee rings seem to have demonstrated their superiority in the market. Alas. It does not seem their days of ubiquity would last much longer. Although: You can still get metal rimmed sinks today from Kohler and Crane.
Related posts:
Can I save my hootie ring? 
Do drop-in, 50s cast iron sinks need clips? 
Vintage style kitchen drainboard sinks 
18 sizes of metal rims for kitchen and bathroom sinks — hudee ring supplier found! 
COMMENTS WILL RE-OPEN on MONDAY, DECEMBER 2. For the first time in, like, 13 years, I am taking a real vacation from the blog, to spend un-distracted time with family. As part of this, Commenting on the blog is paused. Meanwhile, please enjoy reading all the many stories in our archives -- and come back Monday, Dec. 2 when I will launch our annual giveaway of a vintage ornament wreath made by Georgia Peachez -- and when comments will reopen so you can enter to win! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
Janet Switzer says
I just bought a Kohler sink with the metal rim. According to my plumber, the wholesale house says these rings are being discontinued. So if you plan to get one, do it soon!
Hopefully some insightful plumbers who remove sinks with Hudee rings will think to save them and put them up for sale on eBay.
pam kueber says
I’ve emailed my PR contact at Kohler to get the official report on what/if anything is going on with this sinks. Oh my, I hope they are not being discontinued!
Rufus Valentine says
Great! Yet another reason why I’m glad I’ve left my kitchen unremodeled for 20 years.
Rufus Valentine says
Actually, let me clarify: The house was built in 1928 and had some remodeling done around 1950, including cement asbestos siding, a large picture window installed in the front, and additional kitchen cabinets built in. The counter and white porcelain sink probably came later around 1960 based on the gold-flecked Formica pattern.
Anyway, I just love it as it is. And I’m so thrilled to find this site and others who feel the same way about their homes.
Thanks, Pam!
pam kueber says
yup, rufus, sometimes procrastination can deliver the best results…
Beverly Fann says
Is there any way to clean up the hootie ring around my kitchen sink? It has several dull areas that I have not been able to get rid of. These dull spots make it loook like it is always dirty.
Thanks.
pam kueber says
Beverly, I believe these are stainless steel…. so I imagine a stainless steel cleaner? If you want to get a new one, Vance Industries has 18 sizes in stock or can make you one to order. Oh, and it’s “hudee”, dear! 🙂
Mary Elizabeth says
I am coming late to this thread, but if you are still there and wanting to clean your Hudee ring, Beverly, try a vintage cleaning product, Cameo Aluminum and Stainless Steel Cleaner. If your local grocery or hardware doesn’t have it, you can look it up on line and purchase it from a number of vendors.
Gina says
Is it possible to re-seal a hudee ring where the seal has broken? I can see mold growing under the one in our bath. We just moved in in June.
pam kueber says
I do not know — ask Vance Industries what they recommend.
Amanda Sparks says
I’m looking at the kohler tahoe sink with the hudee ring. Does anyone know if the ring is matte or polished?
James Sherry says
I have a 1958 green bathroom sink with hudee ring that is sadly rotted out at the drain connection. Where can I find a replacement. The rest of the counter is excellent and I am looking for an actual replacement. I can supply a photo.
Pam Kueber says
We have a story on this (use the Search box, it works really well!) https://retrorenovation.com/2011/08/10/where-to-get-a-metal-sink-frame-in-any-size-sink-clips-too/