After nearly 15 years of blogging about the retro, I have stepped back from posting regularly.
To make time for new endeavors, I can no longer respond to emails asking for personalized assistance. Please note: I do not sell anything. If you are looking for a particular item, the blog is full of many resources, give the Search box a whirl!
If you are writing about advertising, please contact me here.
Lewis says
I am looking for a blue toilet and prices please
pam kueber says
See our story on this in Bathroom Help / Toilets
Nancy Nicas says
Just an FYI regarding the St. Charles Harvest Gold cabinets. They were available in 1960, perhaps earlier. My father was an architect, and the house he designed that we moved into that year had a St. Charles kitchen in Harvest Gold and Summer Tan. It also had two George Nelson cigar pendant lights and a Nu-Tone Food Center. Quintessentially mid-century modern! The contractor across the street, who built two years later, had Starlight Blue. A combination retail/residential/professional building Dad did the same year, and which is now on the National Registry of Historic Places, had St. Charles kitchens through the 100+ apartment units. Many of the residents redid the kitchens before they were on the registry, but some units still retain the original cabinets. I’ve seen both white and the pink there, so that might help fix dates for those as well.
pam kueber says
ooooh, what is the apartment property, Nancy? I’d love to look it up! Many thanks for the information!
Nancy says
A sore point! The residents have voted to change its name, out of total ignorance of its history. Why they didn’t talk to someone in the family first…Fortunately, the new moniker doesn’t seem to be catching on, so look for Twin Towers in Omaha, NE at 3000 Farnam St. The architect is Jim Nicas. The citation from the registry is for “significant contributions to mid-century modern design” and its concept of a self-contained urban community, with green space, residential, parking, business, and retail all together in a single building.
I think Dad actually liked the design part even more than the architecture. One of the things I love most is the walls paneled in sheets of American walnut that he personally selected at the mill, so they were perfectly matched by grain to create a seamless look. Lots of interesting mosaic, stone, and tile work, typical 60s color palate, privacy screens using those ubiquitous decorative concrete blocks that scream the 1960s…
The property went through several neglectful owners and was getting awfully shabby until it went condo and the owners decided to start taking restoration and preservation seriously. It’s starting to come back now. Making it to the historic registry will help insure that it is restored completely and with care. I hope you like it. Not that I’m biased or anything.
Bob says
Hi Pam – We have a utility room with 1960s Miami (Jalousie?) crank out aluminum frame single pane windows arranged three side by side. Each window cranks out individually. The windows are built like a tank, and I’d like to keep them, but they loose so much heat due to the single panes. There is a very nice 3/4″ frame reveal on the inside that I think would allow for some type of double pane application, but I have no clue on how/where to start. Or perhaps some kind of storm window. I know the aluminum frame will continue to radiate the cold, but at least maybe I can reduce it a little with some type of double pane. I even thought that I could cut three pieces of plexi glass and somehow mount it. Any ideas would be fantastic. I can send a photo if that will help. Thanks!! – Bob
pam kueber says
Hi Bob, Alas, I am not an expert on this issue.
Deanne says
I just wanted to say thanks! I have a 1929 English Tudor home, but I’m currently transforming my kitchen into a 50’s retro diner haven. I just happened to stumble across your sight and without you I don’t think I would have found my handsome dishwasher 2000 faucet! Sadly my cabinet was too small for a sink with the glorious metal ring, but I did get my boomerang counter tops with the chrome edge I’ve been dreaming about for 17 years!
Dan Lowell says
I have a 1950s Okeefe and Merritt oven and a deep trough 2-bay cast iron sink that I would love to have restored as an anniversary present for my wife. Can anyone direct me to someone who can help me? I am having a hard time finding anyone that still does good restoration work in AZ.
pam kueber says
Hi Dan, get to know our categories and Search box!
Here is our story on places that fix stoves: https://retrorenovation.com/2011/11/04/13-places-to-buy-restored-vintage-stoves/
Cast iron is gonna be harder for you: https://retrorenovation.com/2011/09/06/real-porcelain-enamel-coating-to-restore-your-drainboard-sink-tub-or-stove/
Good luck! Good husband!
Benjamin J. Stranahan says
Recently, a small piece of pink tile fell from the wall of my bathroom
and shattered. I need a replacement. If I sent you a sample, could you cut me a piece of a specific size? Regards, B.J.S.
pam kueber says
I do not sell anything here. See our stories on where to find tile in Bathroom Help / Tile category, then contact those companies.
Steve says
I am looking for a source for roll good vinyl flooring. We are restoring a 1950’s “canned ham” style travel trailer. there is a black & yellow pattern that came up on your page that would be perfect! Can you help locate a source? Thanks! Please e-mail to
sleclaire@benjaminagency.com
– STEVE
pam kueber says
Steve, to get our reco’s subscribe to this thread.
For flooring, see our research Kitchen Help/Flooring. Dig in!
Sandy says
Hi Pam,
I’m new to your blog, and I want to tell you how much I enjoy it! I admire how you’ve taken your passion and made it into a career and a way of life. Although I tend towards minimalism now, having grown up in a household full of mid-century and sputnik (Oy! The things we threw out or gave away!! Who knew?!), I find your website very comforting. At the end of my day, I scroll through and reminisce. Maybe it sounds odd, but our furniture, knick-knacks and decor were my favourite part of my childhood. Thank you!
pam kueber says
Thank you for the lovely comment, it made my day for sure!
Frank says
Just wanted to say thank you, ladies. Love your website. Know it takes a lot of work and it’s much appreciated.
pam kueber says
Golly, thank you for the nice comment!
leslie Plas says
Have a client interested in the retro wovens here in Austin Texas please email me direct contact information for dealer in Austin or designer on staff. Thank you very much, Leslie Plas
pam kueber says
leslie, please go to that story – contact information is in there