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An old house revisited - Dan H.

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DanHolohan
DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,526
in THE MAIN WALL
you may remember the house that's featured in the first chapter, the house with the 1857 steam system.

I got an email a few weeks ago from the guy who bought that house. He wants to know if the steam system can be restored. The house has been unoccupied for 10 years. I'm going to stop by tomorrow on my way to Massachusetts and take a look.

This is probably the oldest steam heating system in America and the guy wants to save it. I never thought I'd ever have the opportunity to go back. Pretty cool, eh?
Retired and loving it.

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown Member
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    You have my interest

    completely.

    Noel
  • George Carey
    George Carey Member Posts: 13
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    Old house

    Dan,

    What is your estimated time of arrival in Wakefield tomorrow? Perhaps you may be a bit "thirsty"?

    George
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,526
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    I'll be there

    probably by five. You'll find me at the bar in the hotel, on the stool with the seatbelt. C'mon by!
    Retired and loving it.
  • George Carey
    George Carey Member Posts: 13
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    Keep a lookout for a Husky with his tailed "curled up" & myself after we set up our display!

    George
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,526
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    I've seen

    that tail before. Very easy to spot!
    Retired and loving it.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,286
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    Good grief

    Go for it -- these things do last forever, short of a bomb...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,526
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    This house

    has Stephen Gold's mattress radiators, patented in 1854. The house was built in 1857. It also has a steam radiant-floor-heat system in one of the rooms. It was all working the last time I was there, which was in 1989. The pipe is original; it has seams. I never thought I'd get the chance to go back. Should be a fine day. I'll take some snap-shots.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Jim Walls_2
    Jim Walls_2 Member Posts: 71
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    Old House

    Does anyone know the best way to remove drool & slobber from a keyboard ! Have a great day Dan.
  • kevin_5
    kevin_5 Member Posts: 308
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    Twilight Zone

    I wouldn't be surprised if you hear the voice of Rod Serling(Sp?) as soon as you get into that house again Dan... OH excuse me; I mean, "Mr. Holamun."
    Awesome! Kevin
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    Wow

    I know what you mean about getting a chance to go back. I've had several chances over the years and always take them. Some of these date back to well before I became known as "Steamhead", and I always tell the owners that my knowledge and technique have improved since I was last there (thank you, Wallheads!). So I get the chance to bring these jobs up to my current standards, and continue to build a relationship with the owners.

    I think you wrote about this subject once, Dan- the article was called "The Dopey Kid who used to Wear your Clothes".

    I hope you can make arrangements with the current owner for periodic tours!

    To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Robert O'Connor
    Robert O'Connor Member Posts: 97
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    Well, Dan ?

    Well Mr. Holohan we are eagerly awaiting your report. What did you find? Any pics?

    Thanks as always,

    Robert O'Connor
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,526
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    The owner decided

    to let Ed Bratton restore the old system. The house was ripped apart when I got there. They were jacking up parts of it and installing new beams. There were holes everwhere. I took some photos but I need to get them developed. I'll scan them and post soon.

    The place was quite a mess!
    Retired and loving it.
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