Vintage building materials have become quite popular, inspiring online catalog stores producing new “old” materials on a large scale. We have a plethora of catalogs coming through with companies specializing in this area. Restoration Hardware is probably the best known. Other companies such as Pottery Barn are providing products in this line as well, though they are not making this niche their sole product. The advantages to these reproductions are that they are made from modern materials reducing concerns about possible lead paint and about improper wiring in older electrical fixtures.
If you truly want vintage architectural items, there are firms that specialize in that as well. Firms such as Doc’s Architectural Salvage & Reclamation Services and Architectural Antiques, both in the Indianapolis area have warehouses full of reclaimed architectural treasures. These are both large scale salvage operations where you can spend hours browsing through thousands of items. On a local level, check out the Habitat for Humanity’s Restores. Locally, there is a Restore in Plymouth in the old Plymouth Lumber building on Walnut Street just southwest of downtown. In South Bend, the Restore is on South Main Street and is set up much like an old department store. You can also find the occasional architectural focal point at local antique shops mixed in with furniture and other historic items.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Thank you to all our veterans that have served our country over the years. Your service is appreciated.
Here is a list from Christian Carlson and the Friday Five that includes some businesses that are doing a little extra to show their support. He suggests bringing your military ID or wearing your uniform to take advantage of these. Some offers may vary by location.
Image © 2011 Frank Glick, used with permission, all rights reserved. www.liketophoto.com
The Culver Chamber of Commerce is having a ribbon cutting for the new It’s You! Art Gallery today at noon. Please consider coming to show support and welcome this new business to the community!
Through my position on the MCEDC (Marshall County Economic Development Corporation) board, I have met Regina Emberton, President and CEO of the Michiana Partnership. Michiana Partnership is a regional organization that includes Marshall County and they are involved with marketing our area.
She shared the forum information below regarding IEDC‘s (Indiana Economic Development Corporation) promotion of their Regional Cities Initiative. It’s not something I can attend, but I thought it was worth sharing here.
I truly believe the old adage that “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats”. We need to work together as a region to grow our economy and our fate is at least peripherally tied to the success of South Bend/Mishawaka.
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A while back I wrote about my grandfather being interviewed by students from the Weidner School of Inquiry regarding his service in World War II. The exhibit at the Marshall County Museum that resulted from this is open. This is a flyer for the Open House a couple of weeks ago. That’s my grandfather as the poster boy for the event! Unfortunately my grandfather was recovering from double pneumonia at the time and didn’t get to attend. Stop by and check it out. My grandfather turned 100 this year. There are not many WWII veterans still around. We need to learn from them and remember them.