Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
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Timothy Pickelsays
I Recently discovered a large cache of Ruth Richmond gold/ acrylic doorknobs produced Weiser in the 1960’s. I knew they were special as soon as I saw them and had to do some research. I found most of my information on this website. I have come across so much vintage/ antique fixtures and accessories as I am a do it all handyman in southwest Florida. I was wondering if there is a venue and I where I would be able to offer finds such as the acrylic nobs and they will get recognition for all they really are
pam kuebersays
Hi Timothy, lucky you! Ebay is the best place to sell these, I think… I’ll be watching!!!!
marysays
I am needing information on how to take care of black countertops circa 1950’s. They are dull and some pitting and am wanting to polish them up. I remember my mom using Jubilee on her appliances and counter tops but that of course in no more! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
If they are a different material, I don’t have anywhere to point you and are not an expert — please be sure you know what you are working with — Be Safe / Renovate Safe https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
GEsays
You can find Jubilee in the Vermont Country Store catalog
Amie Davissays
Mary,
If this counter top is a “stone like” material, you might have soapstone. If you do have this material, DO NOT rip it out. This is highly desirable and very expensive. Go on youtube and see soapstone maintenance. It is wonderful when polished up and very pretty. Once it is polished up, it should stay looking good for a while
I am looking for rubber table leg caps for a formica kitchen table that has double legs on all for corners. I haven’t been able to find any double rubber caps that are connected
pam kuebersays
Here is a story that might help, I’d recommend trying IFSCO first. Good luck.
Dinahsays
Can you recommend a source for 12v interior decorative lighting? We have a motorhome with hideous basic RV lighting. The system is all 12v, but the only replacement fixtures I can find are the same as I want to replace!…typically from an RV or marine source. I’ve found a few, but they have transformers and adapter jacks for using in 110. I need the 12v STYLISH fixtures as is.
Thanks.
pam kuebersays
Hi Dinah, I don’t know about this kind of lighting, so cannot recommend a source.
Bosworth Builderssays
Looking for Jalousie Aluminum screen door. Can’t seem to find one anywhere.
I am currently renting a house and need to repair some plastic edge molding on faux wood paneling. I am unable to find any of these materials. This is a trim molding around door frames and channel on the exposed edges of this “affordable” product from the past.
pam kuebersays
Hi Steve,
I don’t know the answer to this one…
Stellasays
Anyone interested in a pink 50s Westinghouse FutureMatic stove?
I have some HUGE custom pinch pleat drapes that need a new home. They are green and about 5 years old. I have no idea what to do with them, anyone here possibly interested? If so, I can give a much more detailed description. This is the only place I know where pinch pleats are looked upon with favor.
Lynne
pam kuebersays
ebay or craigslist ’em….
Catherine Conradsays
My mom had an oval, cocoa brown bathroom sink in 1955. Any idea who made that thing?
pam kuebersays
Catherine, there were many manufacturers back in the day. So, it’s hard to say.
Timothy Pickel says
I Recently discovered a large cache of Ruth Richmond gold/ acrylic doorknobs produced Weiser in the 1960’s. I knew they were special as soon as I saw them and had to do some research. I found most of my information on this website. I have come across so much vintage/ antique fixtures and accessories as I am a do it all handyman in southwest Florida. I was wondering if there is a venue and I where I would be able to offer finds such as the acrylic nobs and they will get recognition for all they really are
pam kueber says
Hi Timothy, lucky you! Ebay is the best place to sell these, I think… I’ll be watching!!!!
mary says
I am needing information on how to take care of black countertops circa 1950’s. They are dull and some pitting and am wanting to polish them up. I remember my mom using Jubilee on her appliances and counter tops but that of course in no more! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
pam kueber says
mary, if you have laminate countertops, you might take a look at the cleaning instructions recommended by Formica — http://www.formica.com/en/us/homeowner-knowledge/product-support-guides/formica-laminate-cleaning
If they are a different material, I don’t have anywhere to point you and are not an expert — please be sure you know what you are working with — Be Safe / Renovate Safe https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
GE says
You can find Jubilee in the Vermont Country Store catalog
Amie Davis says
Mary,
If this counter top is a “stone like” material, you might have soapstone. If you do have this material, DO NOT rip it out. This is highly desirable and very expensive. Go on youtube and see soapstone maintenance. It is wonderful when polished up and very pretty. Once it is polished up, it should stay looking good for a while
Paul Richwine says
Pam, check out this late ’60s motel that was in Wisconsin.
http://www.lileks.com/institute/motel/index.html
Bill Mohr says
I am looking for rubber table leg caps for a formica kitchen table that has double legs on all for corners. I haven’t been able to find any double rubber caps that are connected
pam kueber says
Here is a story that might help, I’d recommend trying IFSCO first. Good luck.
Dinah says
Can you recommend a source for 12v interior decorative lighting? We have a motorhome with hideous basic RV lighting. The system is all 12v, but the only replacement fixtures I can find are the same as I want to replace!…typically from an RV or marine source. I’ve found a few, but they have transformers and adapter jacks for using in 110. I need the 12v STYLISH fixtures as is.
Thanks.
pam kueber says
Hi Dinah, I don’t know about this kind of lighting, so cannot recommend a source.
Bosworth Builders says
Looking for Jalousie Aluminum screen door. Can’t seem to find one anywhere.
pam kueber says
Bosworth, here’s a story we did on where to find jalousie windows, I presume some of these companies also may make screen doors; read thru the comments too, as readers may have listed other sources. https://retrorenovation.com/2014/05/12/jalousie-windows-vintage-catalog/
Good luck!
Steve D. says
I am currently renting a house and need to repair some plastic edge molding on faux wood paneling. I am unable to find any of these materials. This is a trim molding around door frames and channel on the exposed edges of this “affordable” product from the past.
pam kueber says
Hi Steve,
I don’t know the answer to this one…
Stella says
Anyone interested in a pink 50s Westinghouse FutureMatic stove?
https://slo.craigslist.org/atq/5555355395.html
Lynne says
I have some HUGE custom pinch pleat drapes that need a new home. They are green and about 5 years old. I have no idea what to do with them, anyone here possibly interested? If so, I can give a much more detailed description. This is the only place I know where pinch pleats are looked upon with favor.
Lynne
pam kueber says
ebay or craigslist ’em….
Catherine Conrad says
My mom had an oval, cocoa brown bathroom sink in 1955. Any idea who made that thing?
pam kueber says
Catherine, there were many manufacturers back in the day. So, it’s hard to say.