Understanding Context

It's strange how this blog came up at the exact same time as I'm unpacking boxes from my grandparents home which was sold about 10 years ago after their death. This whole past week, after work I have been out in the garage and yard setting up tables with 3 generations of "stuff" on them and reminicing about times past.

I brought three things so far into the house that I didn't "want" (for lack of a better term) to sell at the garage sale. I thought at first perhaps I would Ebay them (even though I've never Ebayed anything in my life). Doesn't seem right now that I'm reflecting on it. It funny that these items weren't mine BUT I feel a connection towards them. It's hard to explain. I'm not an antique collector at all, far from it, but I can't seem to be able to put a price on these few items.

After reflecting on your blog and these items, I'm coming to the conclusion that perhaps these few things were items that my grandparents used/treasured the most, even though I don't remember them in the house. One is a counter top radio, white plastic, with one lage dial in the middle. Still works. I do believe I will find a place in my new hot rod kitchen for it and use it. It's certainly won't sound as crisp and clear as my stereo in the living room but who cares. My grandmother probley used this radio daily while she was cooking and cleaning from the 50's on. I think she'd be pleased to know that her Granddaughter will be thinking of her and her life every time she turns it on.

One of the other items was a electric wall clock that also looks like it is from the 50's era. It probley also came from their kitchen. I don't have a spot for it in the house for it BUT I do think I will hang it on the wall in the garage and think of my grandfather when I look at it.

The last item is a tea cup and saucer from the Grand Canyon. I don't remember ever seeing it in my Grandparents home nor do I ever remember them taking a trip there. The memories that these brought back to me when I unwrapped them last night were of my two hot rod road trips to the Grand Canyon over the last 7 years. It's strange how these items aren't mine yet they bring back memories for me. Tea cups and saucers don't exactly match my hot rod decor in my home but I do believe I will find a spot in the house somewhere for them. I'm sure when I visit the Grand Canyon after Speed week in Aug I will probley think of the tea cup and saucer and of my Grandparents as well.

It is funny how material items can stir up memories and feelings so easily of days gone by, even when those items weren't yours to being with.

 

Ryan, to me that was your best story ever. And feel very close to what you were saying. It's about finding the story behind a particular part, person, building, tool, etc. I seem to live half my life in the past (old radio, console, furniture, you name it!). When you find an old part and make work again, it can be so rewarding. Take a simple Bakelite clock radio. Re-wire it, clean it up, a little oil and BAM! its working (time is still accurate, pick-up a couple of AM stations). And you can just stare at the design and wonder....

Ken

 

Last month, I got a personal tour of the USS Nimitz the day before it left SanDiego. Let me tell you, that thing was built by artists! The craftsmanship throughout was outstanding! It was started around 1965, took 10 years to build. We're walking thru it, and I just want to meander along, admiring the brasswork, the stainless steel, the neat wiring and conduit all over. I was as impressed as I was when I was in Lincoln Cathedral in England (not far from my gramma's house).

I do see some things built today with the same quality level, I just have to look harder to find it. Mac computers come to mind

 

My house and yard is full of "stuff " that belonged to others years ago, some for real collectables others are items that only I can understand the value of. I have no interest in the future, except for making the next weeks pay so i can invest in things from the past.

 

I just wanted to say ...."well written". I enjoyed the editorial and wished it were longer.

 

Hey Ryan... I found you a new shift knob.



http://cgi.ebay.com/VINT-HOT-COLD-W...-BATHROOM_W0QQitemZ120103405057QQcmdZViewItem

- Joe

 

Nope.

 

Great thread Ryan. I always like old things too. Whether its motorcycles, cars, airplanes or radios. I'm always fascinated with the time and work that went into designing these works of art.

 

I am anticipating Ken Burns' latest documentary. I heard an interview with Burns about it recently. I don't watch much tv, but for this, I will be glued to the television.


Ryan ... thank you for the well-written editorial.


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Timely post Ryan. I saw a medicine cabinet in an Antique store yesterday. I called Carla and asked her to go look at it for our new house. She did and hated it, BUT, she found an older one we we both liked and then a matching beveled edge mirror AND a cool floor cabinet she is going to use as a tall vanity. I looked around the house last night and realized 2/3 of the cabinets in the kitchen and bath are antique! And then there is the salvaged tin ceiling but I digress....................

 

Great post Ryan. My parents are both gone and what I miss is talking to my dad (even in his 90's) about his cars, my cars, his work, my work, etc. I have his old tools including a Snap-on 1/2" ratchet that must be pre-war (still works fine). Where I really screwed up is not writting down the details about how he Hot Rodded his Model T. I remember some but it's not enough. No pictures either. If you "young guys" have heard any old stories write them down NOW!

 

Great thread,

I'm not going cover why the old stuff was better in all ways, it's already been covered. What bothers me about today is that in our quest to make everything cheaper, we have not only outsourced entire industries and skills to other countries (i.e. China, India), but in doing so we've pushed ourselves (and future generations) into low paying, mundane jobs. Carpenters, furniture makes, shoemakers, butchers, engine rebuilders, tailors, engineers, stonemasons, etc, etc. were all once good paying and interesting professions. A hell of a lot more interesting than pushing paper and fighting office politics, or sorting inventory from China. Most of these skills will be gone forever.

When I can afford it, I get stuff hand made whenever possible. (furniture, suits, shoes, etc.). As the old Greek guy near me who makes (yes actually makes) shoes and boots said, "There are not many of us left. They are already in the graveyard".

America was once the standard of the world. It's sad to see where we have ended up.

 

The Greatest Generation, the greatest stuff...lest we forget..my Dads generation..I am the Vietnam generation, still a little confused. My Dad, a B-17 and B-24 pilot. A crop duster and hot rodder after the war. Tells me of a 37 Ford convertible that he put a Lincoln V/12 in, painted it maroon with dark blue fenders and rolled it in Tennessee on his honeymoon. Was the guy shadowed by an angel or what!? when my pea brain (and my nephew) get this schmancy Sony camera goin I'm goin to bore you all to tears with everything from Austins to Zephyrs, Piper Cubs to B-25s, Sally and Chuy our chop dog...

 

I was trying to make the point if these cars built today would even survive 60 or 70 years based on how there made. Do you think your car will still be on the road in 2043 its a lot easier to make replacement panels and parts out of metal then mold them out of plastic my wife has a honda civic but i dont think it will be around 70 years from now. It just isnt built to last

 

This JJ post and the one on finish both speak to the same core principal. Study what you love and do it until it's right.

- Joe

 

Of course it seems silly now, but back in the 50s rods were "used cars" just like our junkers today. I could see people restoring Fox body Mustangs, Camaros, and imports too just to relive the glory days like a lot of older people are doing now. Although a lot of my first cars were crap, I'd love to have a cherry 80s Toyota pickup in 40 years or so (for example) 'cuz I have a lot of good memories with it.

 

I would suggest that anyone interested in what life was like growing up poor in the pre WWII era and living and flying by the seat of your pants go to the library and check out Chuck Yeagers autobiography. My wife picked it up for me and I literally could not put it down until I finished it. You wont be sorry.

 

One of the best threads EVER. Thanks, Ryan!

It's encouraging to see that some of you young guys (and gal)
"get it". America became great as a result of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Hopefully our children and grandchildren will continue the tradition.

To those of you that do "get it", thank you.

God Bless America!

 

Great post Ryan.

I am in the exact same frame of mind.

My addiction is old paper.

I love my little mags, not just for the information, but for the thoughts of who may have held it 50 years ago. Was it ever stashed inside a history book in a schoolhouse?

My favorites are my old Motors manuals. The weight, the drawings, the ......smell! You know what I mean. That musty odor that only old paper has. Looking at the tears, creases, and fingerprints makes me wonder what all has passed in front of these pages.

Thanks for the post. It meant more than even I knew.

- RBR

 

I couldn't agree more Ryan.

 

Great post, Ryan. I couldn't agree with the sentiment more. I too suffer from the same affliction. I can't pick up an old object without turning it over in my hands and wondering about the history of the piece. I restore old furniture. It started out of necessity, since that was all I could afford. Somewhere along the line, it became more than that. Every so often (if I'm lucky) while working on a piece, I'll get a spark of connection with the past. I think that spark is what we are all looking for. We crave that connection with the past. Older things just somehow seem to have more soul to them than new things.

I like new things...especially when they get old.

 

Great retrospective; I'm sure all of this has crossed our minds from time and again. The late 40's and 50's were a time like no other. I only hope the next generation can not only appreciate what others have done so that they can live free, but can also appreciate the great cars, music, and devices of that era. Just as our grandfathers grew up with the "brass" cars; our fathers the Model A's and T's; we were of the late 50's and 60's muscle car era. Our kids? Who knows what they will gravitate towards.

Patrick /Houston

 

Ryan wrote: "I can remember being at my grandmother’s house as a kid and being fascinated by the old ceramic faucet handles labeled with “hot” and “cold” respectively. They were so much more tactile than the fancy modern handles we had at home."

I've always loved these faucet handles too. They remind me of Mickey Mouse's hands.

 

I recently read something (don't remember where) to the effect that the guys returning from WWII were well-trained in the construction, maintenance and operation of a variety of mechanical stuff and vehicles, and that this technical competence was the direct cause of America's postwar excellence and vitality in design, engineering, and manufacturing.

In another place, I read that the most useful and technically competent of American GI's were farm kids: guys who knew how to weld, and how to fix a tractor or a windmill, who easily adapted to the mechanics of aircraft and tanks, both in operating and maintaining them.

The conclusion I took from these was: farm guys = American excellence. It's a great shame that both are dying out.

 

After reading Ryan's blog I think we need to watch "THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIFE"

 

That's pretty accurate. My Dad spent part of WW2 as an instructor in heavy vehicles, tanks, self-propelled guns, prime movers, that sort of stuff. He said alot of the farm boys were naturals, especially the guys from the west. He said one of the biggest problems was that a lot of them could barely read. That's why all the tech manuals were written at a 6th grade reading level. They were real good at improvising as well.

 

I wish I had pics, but at the mill I work for there are some areas that have remained largely untouched for years. There are fire hose reels hanging in one of the stairways that are just beautiful. They have hearts cast into the round side frames. Very ornate. Can you imagine that being an option when buying fire protection equipment today? Why is everything so "industrial" now? Is that really progress.
CHAZ

Those reels are now empty, and I am trying my damnedest to get one to use for air hose in the garage!