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Met up with Jamie Hall

Mike Cascio
Mike Cascio Member Posts: 143
To all you wallies, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jamie Hall and touring the property that he tends to. If you have a couple of hours of time and are in the North East you have to visit.

Jamie is a wealth of knowledge, we discussed many subjects in addition to his 1930 Hoffman equipped two pipe system. It always amazes me when you meet someone over one interest and the individual shares at least three of four other interests. The home is truly unique and beautifully curated. In every sense, it is like stepping back in time. I ended up tying together this trip while rescuing a 1953 toilet for my vintage basement bathroom rebuild. Bottom line, you should make a trip to Connecticut.
ChrisJforesthillsjd

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,161
    It was a real pleasure, @Mike Cascio -- thank you for taking the time to come by! And the rest of you -- come on up!
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Dave in QCA
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584

    To all you wallies, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jamie Hall and touring the property that he tends to. If you have a couple of hours of time and are in the North East you have to visit.



    Jamie is a wealth of knowledge, we discussed many subjects in addition to his 1930 Hoffman equipped two pipe system. It always amazes me when you meet someone over one interest and the individual shares at least three of four other interests. The home is truly unique and beautifully curated. In every sense, it is like stepping back in time. I ended up tying together this trip while rescuing a 1953 toilet for my vintage basement bathroom rebuild. Bottom line, you should make a trip to Connecticut.

    I've got a 1960s toilet I'm restoring.............
    But most think I'm nuts.

    I
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Solid_Fuel_Man
  • Mike Cascio
    Mike Cascio Member Posts: 143
    Chris,

    What brand toilet is it? I have an extra crane from the 1960’s that I will no longer need.
  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,785

    It was a real pleasure, @Mike Cascio -- thank you for taking the time to come by! And the rest of you -- come on up!

    Jamie, I would love to get come out someday. It's a long way from the Midwest, but I'm sure it would be worth the trip.
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 177
    It is. Jamie, is the old coal furnace still in the corner? Is there still coal in the bin?

    Noel
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584

    Chris,



    What brand toilet is it? I have an extra crane from the 1960’s that I will no longer need.

    American Standard 2003 Vent-Away. ;)
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    ChrisJ said:

    Chris,



    What brand toilet is it? I have an extra crane from the 1960’s that I will no longer need.

    American Standard 2003 Vent-Away. ;)
    Cue @Jamie Hall with "What are you nuts!?!?" :p
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,161
    Noel said:

    It is. Jamie, is the old coal furnace still in the corner? Is there still coal in the bin?

    Noel

    Yes it is, @Noel ! Good to hear from you!
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Mike Cascio
    Mike Cascio Member Posts: 143
    The vent away is quite a unique toilet. I had to acquire a Standard Cadet to replace the one I broke while renovating. Luckily I found one on EBAY for cheap. Don’t ask how I broke it. It’s quite embarrassing.
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 1,880

    The vent away is quite a unique toilet. I had to acquire a Standard Cadet to replace the one I broke while renovating. Luckily I found one on EBAY for cheap. Don’t ask how I broke it. It’s quite embarrassing.

    @Mike Casio. That toilet is worth the trouble to go fetch as you did and rebuild. One of the few, before American Standard left the reservation.
    As to how you broke it? Maybe you just s**t to hard?🙂
    ChrisJforesthillsjd
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    Intplm. said:

    The vent away is quite a unique toilet. I had to acquire a Standard Cadet to replace the one I broke while renovating. Luckily I found one on EBAY for cheap. Don’t ask how I broke it. It’s quite embarrassing.

    @Mike Casio. That toilet is worth the trouble to go fetch as you did and rebuild. One of the few, before American Standard left the reservation.
    As to how you broke it? Maybe you just s**t to hard?🙂
    I'm restoring it, not Mike.
    But yeah...…….I'm curious too.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Intplm.
  • Speaking of American Standard, I saved these old flush valves from toilets that got replaced and I still have the large diameter leather washers, just in case someone still has one.
    I love the way they work and how they're made.


    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • Mike Cascio
    Mike Cascio Member Posts: 143
    What era toilets had those valves? I have a 1926 devoro, 1929 ejecto and 1953 cadet. I thought all of these used the douglas style flush valve with ball and rods.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,804
    Boys boys boys.
    @Mike Cascio took the time to discuss his experience meeting @Jamie Hall and the beautiful facilities he manages. And you bums turn it into toilet talk.
    Shame. To get into Jamie's league, you could at least be discussing the Toto Super Blaster Supreme.
    Alan (California Radiant) ForbesforesthillsjdIntplm.Canucker
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    > @HVACNUT said:
    > Boys boys boys.
    > @Mike Cascio took the time to discuss his experience meeting @Jamie Hall and the beautiful facilities he manages. And you bums turn it into toilet talk.
    > Shame. To get into Jamie's league, you could at least be discussing the Toto Super Blaster Supreme.

    What's wrong with toilet talk?

    We all know Jamie has nothing against vintage toilet talk.

    @Jamie Hall ?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Intplm.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796

    Speaking of American Standard, I saved these old flush valves from toilets that got replaced and I still have the large diameter leather washers, just in case someone still has one.
    I love the way they work and how they're made.


    Those were actually designed by someone named Curtin and were sold under that name also. A-S must have licensed the design. I have at least one with a threaded shank that can fit the usual tank.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Curtin-Coldwater as I recollect.

    Mike Cascio: I don't remember the toilet style or vintage. Perhaps an old low-boy, but I could (easily) be wrong.
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    The ones in the pic were from low-boys.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,785
    Complete curtain flush valves as well as repair parts are still available.
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    Never got into plumbing. Pipefitter, Gasfitter & Electrician was enough for me. Just can't get thrilled with toilets and sinks.

    Have a good buddy who is a plumber, does a little heating but he is like you guys with the plumbing.....just loves it. To each his own....Love the way the thread got hijacked. It's all good
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796

    Complete curtain flush valves as well as repair parts are still available.

    Where from?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,785
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
  • EBEBRATT-Ed: How can you not get excited about a 100 year old Forster threaded, brass closet flange or American Standard angle stops? When you replace an old boiler that has a beautiful, old gauge, do you just throw it away? I just can't do it.

    My basement is a testament to my abilities as a plumbing hoarder.

    I've got a wine cellar that has a couple of empty walls where I plan to hang some architectural wire and mount all this. Whether it will come about is a function of my longevity.












    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
    Dave in QCA
  • Mike Cascio
    Mike Cascio Member Posts: 143
    Alan, now I know where to go for vintage parts! That is a nice collection. The closet flange is really cool.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,161
    I like @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes 's collection of odd plumbing bits -- I thought I had a pretty good collection, but he's way out of my league! The trick with those things is to figure out just what they are, to begin with, and then find replacements for the bits that wear out (like giant economy size faucet washers -- never mind resurfacing the seats on those puppies). The ones I really dislike are the mid 50s ones, which have unique bits -- from companies long since gone. Right.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

    Love old stuff and I used to save all kinds of stuff but my pack -rat days are over. I don't know plumbing just never did it for me LOL
  • I've heard that Steamhead is a collector. He even has a museum going.
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 1,880
    @Jamie Hall I have been meaning to make a visit to your place when i'm in that area of Ct this summer. Hope to see you. I like the way you explain things.

    @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes That flush valve pictured above was probably the best one ever designed. Was not the easiest to replace until I found A right angle pair of needle nose pliers to hold the nuts in the tight space in the tank. With those pliers it became a very nice repair.

    @Dave in QCA Thanks for that info as to where to purchase.

    @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes Thanks for sharing those pics. Looks like you have a nice little museum too.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796

    I've heard that Steamhead is a collector. He even has a museum going.

    @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes , not a museum per se, but we do have a fair-sized collection of old heating stuff. Just off the top of my head, I can think of a Differential Loop, a couple Webster return traps, and some really unusual traps like an outboard-type Broomell.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting