Charitable Giving Program 2007

As you know throughout this blog we like to periodically update you on our community giving program. Our most recent charitable giving program was the WWII weekend in Reading, PA. This event took place from Friday, June 1st to Sunday, June 3rd, 2007. My company, Vintage Tub & Bath, was a sponsor at this event.

The WWII adult tickets were priced at $16.00, children 6-12 were $7.00 and children 5 and under attended the event for free.

What does the WWII Memorial Reenactment have?

You can see more than 1,000 WWII military and civilian re-enactors and dozens of combat and support units, representing many nations.

See up to 200 military vehicles, from motorcycles to Jeeps to tanks - the biggest gathering in the country. This year the tanks and artillery pieces were fired.

You also get to see live air-shows and home front displays.

It was great to be a sponsor at this event and show our support for the veterans. If you just wish to support by attending the event you can look forward to the 18th annual WWII reenactment from June 6-8th in 2008.

How to Install a Pedestal Sink

While Vintage Tub & Bath always recommends having a professional plumber install any fixtures in your home, we wanted to share these step-by-step directions from Easy2DIY for installing a pedestal sink.

The pedestal sink is broken down into two parts - the base or stand, and the sink. The sink mounts to a bracket on the wall and is set on top of the stand.

1. Make sure the wall is strong enough to bolt the sink into. If it's only drywall or plaster you should consider installing a blocking device under the surface of the wall to support the sink.

2. Freely set the basin in the position you want, propping it up with 2x4's so it's steady. Mark the position on the wall for mounting holes for the sink and the stand.

3. Drill holes corresponding to the marks drawn on the wall. Attach fasteners, then the drain and faucet lines to the sink. Next, attach the water supply lines to the faucet.

4. Now put the sink and stand back into position on the wall, but only bolt the sink into place. Support the sink using 2x4's and remove the stand from the sink.

5. Finish by attaching the drain and water supply lines. Then test for leaks

6. Move the stand into its final position and bolt it to the floor. If the pedestal sink doesn't require floor bolts, use adhesive caulk.

7. To finish, caulk the joint between the sink and wall, and smooth and blend.

Some of these steps can be rather complicated and Easy2DIY doesn't offer specific instructions. Once again, Vintage Tub & Bath recommends having a professional plumber install all fixtures.

Good luck!

Make Your Bathroom Look Larger

Here are a few tips to help make a small bathroom look bigger.

1. Always use lighter colors on the floor and walls. Dark colors close off spaces and make them look smaller than they actually are. Instead, stick with whites, grays, and beiges. If you prefer color use light green or blue accent tiles.

2. Use a pedestal or wall mounted sink. They're a great and attractive way to save space. Just remember with these sinks you'll have little or no counter space.

3. Choose simple solid patterns like glass and wood.

4. Hang a large mirror. I know. Why would you want a large mirror in a small bathroom? Well, they reflect space and make a small bathroom seem roomier. Also, you can try a recessed medicine cabinet. This way you get a mirror and extra storage space in one fixture.

5. Storage saving bathroom accessories are a must for eliminating clutter. Wall hanging storage accessories are a great way to save countertop space and conceal a lot of items in a little space.

6. The more light you have in your room the better. More light gives the illusion of additional space. Make sure you put the windows near the ceiling to avoid using up valuable storage space.

7. Pay attention to the little things. You should use a shower curtain instead of a glass sliding door. You can push the shower curtain over when you're not using it so you can see the wall, giving the illusion of more space.

8. Use your corners wisely. You can find bathroom cabinets and fixtures that fit into angle styles.

9. Clear extra floor space. Avoid protruding objects that stick out onto the bathroom floor. This will disrupt the flow of traffic through the bathroom and make the room look smaller.

10. Use crown molding for the illusion of a higher bathroom ceiling. However, make sure your ceiling and crown molding is painted the same color. This will create a more continuous flow through the room, rather than a choppy broken up feel.

Finding Feet for Your Antique Tub

Recently, we received an email from Jackie Thomas, asking us a question about clawfoot tub feet. Below, we've included Jackie's question, as well as our response. 

Question: 

I just can't tell you how pleased I was to find your blog. The miracle of Google. In fear of boring you, I will make this short and sweet. My son dug this tub up from our old horse property. Right now it's sitting on a cart at the sandblaster awaiting my further instructions. Although the picture makes the tub look very rusted it's not in terrible shape and worthy, I hope, of a total rehab. My question is, how do I know what size and type of feet to buy? It's a jungle out there for the tub-ignorant. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. I will heed your learned advice.

Response:

Dear Jackie,

If you can make out the manufacturer's name and any numbers on the bottom of your tub; you can search architectural salvage yards in your area or find salvage yard listings at Salvage Web and Old House Web but this could take a lot of time because claw feet are manufacturer and style specific. 

If you have any of the original feet and are able to send them to us, we can make hand cast reproductions from a silicone bronze, which is stronger than cast iron and won't rust. We will send it to you with a wire-brushed cast bronze finish or for an extra charge, we can plate, prime or paint your feet to your specifications - call us toll-free at 877-868-1369 for more information or to order this service. 

Other great options that fit most tubs are Strom Plumbing Ball & Claw or Lions Paw Tub Legs. Each includes a set of 4 beautifully designed solid brass feet, steel strapping and hardware to form a cradle (29.5" x 15.5") for your tub to rest upon. Either style foot is 9 1/2" tall and tub sits 6" from the floor. Available in a super coated brass or chrome finish that you only need to wipe with a soft cloth to maintain. 

Community Giving Program - Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center

We thought with all the recent blogging about funny news stories and unique toilets we could use this post to give you an update on our Community Giving Program. Last time we blogged about it we donated to the local West Hazleton Fire Department. With that being a huge success our next project was adopting a horse from Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Riding Center.

Monkey Biz

Horses & Horizons is a non-profit organization located in Tamaqua, PA. They are a therapeutic program for children and adults who have a wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. The therapeutic riding center helps with coordination, balance, posture, attention span, concentration, speech, learning, and the forming of interpersonal relationships.

This program is staffed by volunteers and owners, Harvey and Elaine Smith, who cover all operating expenses through fundraising and donations.

Vintage Tub & Bath recently made a donation to the Adopt-A-Horse Program for this center and was named the proud parent of Monkey Biz, a 26-year-old horse who's been involved in the program since he was four years old.

Looking to get involved? There are many volunteer opportunities and ways to give. This week, July 9th-13th, there is a Horses & Horizons Summer Day Camp and volunteers are needed! You can also donate any amount or even sponsor your own horse. And don't forget to check out Horses & Horizons on Facebook!