But then, what also fascinates me about plumbing is how some people just go about fixing it and some people call plumbers.I would be likely to fall into that last category, but since I had a sink with a stuck stopper, another one or two that leaked and a toilet that we still don't have right (fortunately, there are two), Rick said he'd fix it for me.
Sounds cool to me. So, off we go to Jake's Plumbing Supply.
Jake's was started in 1955, according to Kris, Jake's son and now proprietor. That's Kris with Rick -- he's a one-person shop and I'm thinking he does it pretty well.
I'm quite sure some of the stuff there has been there since 1955. And some predates that!
Want a toilet seat? Kris has 'em. 700 of them. He didn't have the 1964-era peachy brown I wanted, but he could order it. (At $55, we're going for a lesser-priced, fake-oak seat.)Looking for a planter? Kris can fix you up! He had several similar models outside the front door. With plants.
A little office taxidermy? This bunny seemed to hold his own with a neon clock.
Why waste money on expensive signs with your hours? Frugality is smart!
And there's always a little local color. That Oldsmobile bit might go well on Ebay.
How about some parts -- some screw or washer that hasn't been made in years? Not a problem! Some of the stuff here is probably worth a small Internet fortune!
A little bit of wisdom? Just look around!
If you're in need of some fishing lures while you're looking for plumbing supplies, Kris might sell you some of his.
And it's nice to know, they follow through on their work!
I was fascinated by this place. I kept thinking "If you were a brave assemblage artist, all you'd need to do is come in here, and you'd have every supply you'd need!"Honestly, there was so much stuff there, it made my art room look downright minimalist! While Rick talked part with Kris, I was just fascinated by everything about it!
And he knew where everything was.The two bathroom sinks are fixed perfectly -- now we can actually use the one in the hall, and the other one doesn't leak.
The kitchen sink still seems to seep a bit. And the toilet? Well, let's just say, I don't think we've seen the last of Kris!
(I'm thinking Kris doesn't get out a lot -- when Rick spotted a picture on his wall of a whole bunch of toilets outside a building, he said "There's this movie -- I think you'd particularly enjoy a scene in it. It's called 'The Help.'" He didn't have a clue. Too bad, because he'd really get a kick out of it!)
23 comments:
So laughing! What a fun place to shop. We had a plumber come to our house yesterday for an estimate on fixing our bathroom in the basement. Another estimate on Monday, then we get to work. Oh and then there is a leaking faucet in our upstairs bathroom, we just turn the water off down below so we solved that one. Ha! Maybe Rick could come and fix it as I don't really have a fix it man around to fix a leaking faucet. There is a special talent for that you know.
Hi Jeanie
first I want to say thank you very much for your Christmas Card that arrived yesterday!!I have read all your last posts and it was very interesting to read "Looking backward and ahead".Together with my online dictionary "linguee" I tried to translate words or phrases I didn`t know. But one expression I couldn`t find: "retirement ducks"..*lol*...
You write about a lot of thoughts I also know very well. The health is our primary concern followed by a good family life and family unity.
And my biggest wish for 2012 is the birth of a healthy child...my grandchild, that will be born in May. I can`t imagine a bigger present for 2012.
When will you come to Paris??
Your plans sound exciting for the new year!
Best wishes
Iris
What a fascinating store. It almost looks like you went back to someplace in the '50s to take these pictures.
Like cars and computers, I like plumbing to work but I have no idea how it does.
Wow,,who ever knew that a Plumbing store could be so interesting. That is a cool place. I am back to trying to blog again this year. I spent the last couple of years helping take care of Stepdad,,and the rest playing a stupid game,,lol. Life is much better now,,for the time being. I know I haven't been around much but I still miss you and I hope to catch up with you and stay in touch alot more.
I Hope You Have a Great New Year!!!
xoxo
Beth
Plumbing is the one thing HB doesn't like to work on. I guess him being an electrician, water and electricity don't mix!
I loved The Help....book and movie.
Wow, I love everything about that store. I hope Kris stays in business a good long time!
What a fun post. That store looks interesting and really old fashioned (I´m sure it isn´t)
Here we buy everything in the Baumarkt (DYI store) Never seen an plumber store inside .
I don´t know if it is different to German.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Stefanie
You have a knack for finding and sharing some of the most fascinating places, Jeanie! Thanks for the fun tour of this plumbing paradise!
Laugh-out-loud funny, Jeanie. And so true. I love places like this:)
Thanks for the entertaining post and tour of the great store. I love places like that! So much to look at.
Have a great weekend.
Ooooh, I love old hardware stores that sell EVERYTHING! Wow, that's a boatload of stuff in there!
What a wondrous journey through unknown territory!
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous new year to come!
Sandra Evertson
Love this charming bit of
Americana and wish there were more
businesses thriving
just like Jakes!
And love that your eyes are so
wide open to the beauty
and humor
in all of it:):):)
-Jennifer
I will have to come back to read this---though I find it difficult because the background is so very dark...Old Eyes, you know?
But I wanted to say:
Jeanie....you touched my heart so deeply with both your comments....Thank you Sooo very much for persevering to get on my blog....And I thank you with all my heart for your very touching words about our dear dear furry friends/loved ones....They are as precious as anything can possibly be, so when we lose them...It Is Incredibly Heartbreaking....And NO, they are never ever forgotten...I just hate how I feel right now...Yes, I know it will get better with time...BUT...BUT....BUT....right now, it is unbearable. And I know you understand, and I thank you for that, my dear.
Ha! What an enchanting way to start the new year! Love your ever-adventurous spirit (and your ever alert-for-beauty eye). Thank you!
I love shops like this. You have found a treasure in the store and in Kris. They are both, sadly, a dying breed. Great story, Jeanie!
What a fun place!
What an interesting place with so many things to look at. I read your past posts and saw that you are planning a trip to Paris – great! I am not sure yet about our travel plans for 2012. I hope you feel better – I am still coughing hard – it seems this cold does not want to leave me. I made a double take just now as I was looking at your blog my cat Cody came behind my computer and he looks just like your Gypsy. Thanks for your nice comments on my blog.
Oh, this was great, Jeanie! You take us to the BEST places! I love old hardware store, old anything stores! I regret when the old hardware store here was going out of business that I didn't purchase some interesting things for what would become my jewelry/accessories business...c'est la vie. :o/ My Mom just lent me the book "The Help," I look forward to reading it. Happy Week, Jeanie ((HUGS))
What a fun post. H fixed my sink in our bathroom last week. His head was under there for a while and soon it was draining properly again. That's all I need to know.
Superb information! I have been seeking for things such as this for a while these days. Regards!
Awesome place. It's like walking into a living museum.
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