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.
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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.
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!
Great! Yet another reason why I’m glad I’ve left my kitchen unremodeled for 20 years.
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!
yup, rufus, sometimes procrastination can deliver the best results…
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.
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! 🙂
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.
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.
I do not know — ask Vance Industries what they recommend.
I’m looking at the kohler tahoe sink with the hudee ring. Does anyone know if the ring is matte or polished?
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.
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/