Will It Help?

HeatingHelp

Will It Help?

“Before I answer anyone, anyone at all,” he said. “I always ask myself whether what I’m about to say will help.”

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Erin Holohan Haskell

Thank you to @DanHolohan and @LarryWeingarten for this advice.

DanHolohan

Thanks, Larry!

Larry Weingarten

ThankYOU!

Yours, Larry

EdTheHeaterMan

That was a great story and a good lesson. But you got to admit when someone comes into the supply house and asks for a bucket of steam, you must ask what size bucket he needs and let him use the phone to call his boss. And yes @DanHolohan, I did some research on the blinker fluid. It can be installed with a pump, but not a circulator.

DanHolohan

@EdTheHeaterMan, you always make me smile. 

Jamie Hall

So true. Now if only I could learn to do that all the time...

BradHotNCold

Sounds like that would be a lot more comfortable than biting your tongue after saying something less than helpful.

tomtech

Great story and advice

Grallert

"I didn't invite you here to criticize another mans work." These words have stuck with me and directed my approach to so many scenarios.
Thanks for this good advice story it's always worth repeating.

scott w.

My grandmother (1885-1983) used to repeat to me what her father (1843-1918) used to tell her when she was growing up "A still tongue makes a wise head". Those old folks several generations ago sure great sayings that made you think. We all need think before we speak !!!! The world would be a much better place!!!!

HydroNiCK

I needed this help. Thank you.

Dadude

GREAT read! Thanx! Happy Thanksgiving!

Labenaqui

From our first service call in the mid-1950's my Father's adage was: "Leave it a better place than you found it". We wore the same size shoes. I still have some of his, but I have never been able to fill them properly .....

Larry Weingarten

Hi @Labenaqui , It's a testament that you carry with you his statement from the 50s. I imagine that people who knew him and know you, think you do a great job of filling his shoes.

Yours, Larry

DanHolohan

Beautifully said, @Labenaqui

reggi

Thanks for Sharing ☀️

EBEBRATT-Ed

Good advice above and something I need to be reminded of.

reggi

Well @Larry Weingarten I came across this post a few days ago as after the thread on your generous donation to The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen  of your Water Heater collection for all the reasons you fell in love with them to start with., the reason you traveled to pickup what at times must of been boxes of rusted metal that even made you think if you'd be able to restore it, and all those hours upon hours upon hours patiently sanding, fabricating, welding, reading, researching, painting and on and on..
They had a value beyond a monetary one as in that term they are priceless to you..and like children you wanted to make sure they were care for. . for much longer than anyone of us here today will be around. 
And to a venue where they will be a instrument of teaching for minds and eyes that would of seen such machines other than pictures in long ago forgotten books
Somehow Dan captured you in his story and gives a glimpse of the Man behind that Donation and maybe to some the Father.. not the Collector of those wonderful Washing Machines!

DanHolohan

Beautiful, reggi. Thanks. 

Larry Weingarten

Hi @reggi , There is a lot to respond to in your words, but I'd like to touch on a few of my motivations for being an eccentric water heater collector. Primarily, I like the many ideas old heaters demonstrate. I'm fascinated with some of the creative thinking and elegant simplicity that went into these machines. Then, think about the times these heaters were built and lived in... so very different than now. Imagine how a water heater from 1870 was used! Practically, some of these ideas could be used today to make heaters that lasted longer, were more efficient and cheaper to own over time than what we commonly use now. There used to be over 150 water heater manufacturers, all competing on much more than just price. I watched as examples of old heating technology were scrapped, trashed, turned into garden planters or the like. It felt like we were turning our backs on the old machines and their creators. We were tossing a memory and resource, so I did something different.

I had been hoping to find a good and respectful home for the collection for some years... and then Dan smiled at me! Now, this teaching tool can live on and help others, in its way, for a very long time.

Yours, Larry