I had an epic 16-hour experience on Saturday, round-tripping it to/from World of Tile. Once there, I spent 10+ hours (including a short offsite lunch/bathroom break) trying to cover every last nook and cranny. But no, there was still more I did not get to. About 30 trips loading tile into my car 15 (?) pounds at a time + everything else — I am so tired I can barely move. So yes, this continues to be the World of Tile blog, more photos of my treasures and/or “other normal stories” to come as soon as I get full night’s non-adreline rush sleep. Meanwhile, I have nothin’ else but WOT on the brain, in the bones, in the soul, for ya this morning. Formal updates on status still be posted regularly here (tip: Subscribe to comments on all these stories if you are following the sad saga.) Who else went this weekend? What did you get?
Can you spot what’s missing in this photo?
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Alas, someone else now owns The World. Super post but kind of sad. Thanks for your time spent and dedication, Pam. May I suggest a couple of Aleves and a Molson.
Didn’t waste any time hoisting down the globe. Do you know what’s to become of it? More to the point, Pam are you planning a tile job in the near future? I wish I had your sheer strength, energy and determination. That’s wots and wots of tile.
This has been an interesting but sad story.
I wish the sign could have been preserved whole.
This is so sad. RIP World of Tile. I’m curious to know what their new location and inventory will be like.
Ah! Retro-Irony! About 2 years ago I misplaced the sample of pink tile I wanted WOT to match so I could get going on a long-delayed project…found it in the garage THIS WEEKEND…too late! Hoping the new New Jersey location materializes. Thanks Pam, for keeping us updated!
Take it easy on that arm Pam!!!
That’s what I keep telling her!
I think this place should have put on the National Register of Historic Places as a national treasure.
Oh no, the WORLD Is gone!
Pam, did you get the WOT globe????
no, that was not me…
Might be a little overkill on the front lawn. I’m thinking it would look better in an expansive, futuristic 60’s living room or bar.
Sad about WOT, but at least you got there & got some awesomeness before the end.
Me and the Mrs. (DB) flew in to Baltimore From Michigan Thursday to visit some friends and watch the MSU/ Maryland game on Saturday. We couldn’t be that close and not go . So we rented a car and got to NJ at 2am and were at WOT around 8. It was a very emotional day. exciting to be there and hunt for tile to match our greenish Richmond fixtures in our ’58 ranch. But also very sad to see what we knew to be a labour of love in such a state. There were some wonderful people, Jerry helped us find some great floor tile, and there was a very nice gentleman who said he has an antique business and had been there the past five days who brought coffee (much appreciated) and doughnuts. And some jerks like a contractor bossing around a crew of workers telling them not to take any of the pink (stuff) and to leave it for “the people” like me (not said in a nice way). In the end we found enough (barring breakage) floor tile, some bullnose that is very very close in color, some NOS chrome pieces and a box of spot on green accessories (soap dish etc)! The things I’m bummed about are that we did not get to see WOT in its glory, not getting to meet Chippy and that I found two large packages of WOT maps in a back room and forgot to snag one. Big thanks to Pam for keeping us updated. I hope that Chippy and Co are able to continue on after this set back. It really was a special place and that came through to us even seeing it only in its final days.
I think I have those maps you are talking about! Placemats or some such!
Awesome! I even thought “should I snag these and send them to Pam?” I’m so glad you got them! Are you willing to part with one to be proudly displayed in the B bathroom?
I have a variety of ephemera treasures. When I get organized, I think I will put them on the blog to sell for a modest price, for those who wanna grabba. Stay tuned! It’s going to take me… a while… to organize… especially since I also need to get back to the blog!
The Bossy contractor was probably a house “Flipper” if he was buying tile in bulk.
Mr. Bossy’s assistants were loading into a NJ contractor-branded Mercedes van – so, if you’re local, there is a renovation company with a lot of this good stuff. (sorry, can’t recall the name on the van)
I’ve posted a few pictures of our haul, but we’re still awaiting a couple boxes we shipped.
Thanks to all who reported, commented, and especially Pam!