Many of the items sold at The ReSource are available at other retail locations, either online or in store, so I wanted to present a comparison of what we have in original form versus what is sold elsewhere. Noticeably we sell original, used, cheaper, environmentally friendlier, local items of all types.

The tin ceiling tiles and chalkboards were the first two items that caught my attention, because I’ve seen them available elsewhere. Ian posted on what can be done with the tin. We have a good amount in the store now, and will be getting two more ceilings in the next month or so. The Pottery Barn sells “Vintage Ceiling Tiles”, currently on sale at $39.99, originally $59.00 for the 23” square replica. Theirs you can use as a decoration, ours you can use practically or functionally. Our price of tin is $2.00 per square foot for the filler panels that you can finish to your liking. This decorative piece (right) is 24” square and costs $25.00.

The PB also has different types of chalkboards you can get starting at $25.00 for 20.5″x14” modular piece, or $149.00 for a 36″x48″ piece, similar to half of the bulletin board I got in the fall for $10.00. Sales for some are still around $69.00. Office Depot has a 36″x48” green chalkboard for $139.00. Current chalkboards available in the store are 4 feet x 11 feet for $40.00. We also have genuine slate in smaller sizes starting at $75.00 a sheet.

This antiquated theater lighting is available for about $40.00 a lamp. We have a good amount of different sizes, some need to be rewired. Compare that to designer pieces for $199.00 and up for half the size.

This lamp shade that we have (left) reminded me of one on the right that I saw recently at IKEA (shhh!) for $29.99 in the US, plus shipping if you buy online, or $49.99 at the closest Canadian location, plus gas for the trip. See how similar the color and pattern are. Buying this one at The ReSource is less expensive and more fun when Kevin sells it to you at $20.00. There is a great variety of lighting options currently available at The ReSource including floor lamps, wall lamps, indoor, and outdoor shades in white, clear, and colored glass.

The new claw foot tubs at Home Depot start at $1640.00. Or you can watch the store crew flex an original five footer into your car/truck/moving vehicle for $200.00 or watch them deliver it to your second floor for $350.00. We have plenty of tubs and claws. Keep in mind, contents are not included with the purchase of a tub

Target has a “Classic Beveled Mirror” in black on sale for $25.00 sized 26”x22”, or you can buy this one, 30″x38″ for $12.00 and finish the frame any color you want. Just a few ways you can save money, support a local enterprise, and save the planet all in one trip to The ReSource. We are open Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm (that’s tomorrow!) with expanded hours coming soon. Hope to see you there.

We had such an incredible gift from Tom Matheny and the Medaille College community. Mr. Matheny and Lisa Black coordinated a used paint drive on our behalf and Tom brought us about 180 cans of used paint on Saturday. Ian and I spent about 4 hours consolidating the “like colors” for redistribution. We certainly needed all that paint because we’d practically run out from all those schools we delivered to previously. So, Sunday night Michael and I spoke to plan Monday to the T. We made sure we had time to deliver mural supplies to Gretchen Weidner down in Dunkirk, do an assessment in Olean, drop off a water heater, work on the financials and filing system with Kristin Rose and bribe Kevin into coming in on his day off for a staff meeting and then we intended to deliver the remaining mural supplies to the last 6 participating schools and finish the day by attending some meetings.

Michael was supposed to meet Gretchen in the Dunkirk Middle School parking lot at 7:30am and come back to Buffalo, but at 8am when I called to ask how things went, Michael told me the worst news–the boxtruck broke down . . . Drrrat! Kevin had to go rescue Michael and by the time they got back there was almost no time left in the school day. We loaded the paint into my car and the plywood onto the F250 and scrambled over to Kara Fahey at WNY Maritime Charter School, where her students assisted Michael in unloading the plywood. Then it was back to Niemiec’s to get a final load of plywood to blitz Riverside and St. Joseph’s in Kenmore and St. Mary’s School for the Deaf and Tapestry Charter School. It was almost 5pm when we finished and there was still a whole list of tasks to complete before the day’s end.

Turns out that we’ll have to get the starter rebuilt and drive it back down to Dunkirk to put it back into the boxtruck (today–ugh).
This weekend will be big for volunteer opportunities–mostly trying to get the ReSOURCE ship-shape so that we can expand hours next week. And, of course, on Monday, I’ll be driving around again to all the schools, but it’s to pick up their best panels for the exhibition on the 8th. If you’re available Monday, let me know–especially if you have a truck that can fit some 4′x8′ painted panels. We are also accepting cookies, chips and soda as light refreshments for the exhibition at Karpeles (for those of you who need a stronger reason to get back on track with that diet resolution). You can bring that stuff by the store this weekend, but make sure you tell somebody it’s for the exhibition or else it’s liable to reappear onto the thighs of the staff and volunteers!

I got . . . ssss . . . steam heat! I got . . . ssss . . . steam heat! Like Gladys in the Pajama Game (an old favorite musical) the ReUse has steam heat. Well, actually the ReUse still has no heat and it’s colder than a witch’s . . . 1950’s bullet bra (insider humor, for another blog entry perhaps)? But the ReUse has radiators! Since they are red hot they sell out ($10+ per fin) almost before they come in.

Their large thermal mass radiates a steady, even heat, long after the boiler has shut off. Some people claim these heating systems are more efficient. With modern weather upgrades to old houses and modern, energy efficiency boilers (they are compatible) it’s possible to efficiently keep your old house nice and cozy. In fact the “Old House Journal” suggests that under these conditions smaller radiators may be just as effective as large ones, freeing up space for other old house artifacts. I find it heartening that many of the radiators were made 50-100 years ago, all in the US and many in Buffalo. As well, reusing them keeps them from the landfill or scrap yard and further utilizes the energy already spent to make them.

Technical stuff aside, I really believe something more emotional draws people to radiators. They’re often quite beautiful. I’ve seen them scrolled with vines, oak leaves, flowers, fleur-de-lis, and such. Those Victorians demanded art in the most humdrum items. And then there are the warm memories (pun intended!) associated with them. I remember mittens and boots drying on them, after a day of sledding – back when kids went out to play.

Once again here are a few tips, based on some informal research, for that person interested in obtaining replacement radiators, re-outfitting an old house with radiators, or installing them in a new house.
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Both Bruce Beyer and Michael made it into the March issue of The Buffalo Spree! If you have a subscription you’ve already been enjoying it. Peter Koch sent us the link and told us that the on-line version is the full version (since there’s less worry about print space). So, take a peek and see what you missed.

Peter’s interview with Michael is the first item under “716/Calendar”. Bruce is part of the cover story, so you’ll need to buy Spree to read it. We’ll have a copy in the store this Saturday for your perusal.

Bruce already mentioned conversations about new clients ordering furniture that only consists of materials from Buffalo ReUse–we’re so glad! Maybe we’ll start designing our “Certificate of Authenticity” so you know that reused lumber is from us and not manufactured by some guy wearing his boxers down in his basement distressing wood in his bath tub (with 48 bags of green tea) to make it appear used.

I have never worked in a lumber yard and until we began delivering supplies for the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project, I never had the need to purchase a large quantity of plywood. So, when Michael told me that 2 flats of plywood meant 2 trips to Niemiecs, I was frustrated because I had already mapped out the whole itinerary for 8 deliveries–a second trip had not been factored in. When he told me that 2 flats simply wouldn’t fit in the truck–I couldn’t understand it! I didn’t realize the quantity we’d delivered previously was considered a “partial flat.” It seemed to me that there’d be plenty of room for two of those strapped piles we’d bought previously. The crew at Niemiecs chuckled as I threatened to throw a temper tantrum; they must think Michael works with a real brat!
But then I watched the crew use 2 small forklifts to load 90 panels (a whole flat) into the back of the boxtruck and suddenly I understood–there’s no way more would fit in one trip. Now I see–now I know that a “flat” is . . . a lot.

I don’t want to exhaust you with the ins&outs of coordinating this effort, but I do want to share one little thing that makes it worth it and you’re going to think I’m a sap–or maybe you’ll think Jon Markle is the sap! When Snoop and Jon and I delivered the plywood and paint to Lenore Bethel at The Locust Street Art School, we were greeted with a team of helpers: Bryce, Gary, Tyesheka and Lenore all stepped out in the cold and we walked the panels up the stairs one at a time. Before we left, Jon said to me, “You gotta go see this room full of kids; they’re like 8s or higher on the cute-scale” ?? I was skeptical; I’ve babysat a lotta kids–but there was no doubt–they were incredibly cute in their smocks and smiles. Who can resist a smile like this?

There’s still more deliveries to be made this Monday. Medaille College has been running a paint drive for us all week and they’ll deliver the goods to the ReSource on Saturday. If you’ve been putting off that cold walk downstairs to the basement for those cans of used house paint–now’s the time to put on those fuzzy slippers and haul it up! Please note that 25% of inventory sales on Saturday goes directly toward plywood, buckets of screws and other needs for the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project and exhibition. Hope to see you from 10-4! Note from Kevin: Once again, 25% of our sales are available to purchase materials for the Mural Project. This Saturday we took in just under $700 and now have an addition $175 contribution directly from our loyal customers.

Tin ceilings originated in the mid 19th century so the middle class could have decorative ceilings, mimicking the fancy plaster ceilings popular among European high society. I’ve not heard this said but I imagine they also had a more prosaic function as an inexpensive and permanent way to hide crumbling plaster ceilings. I’ve thought this is why they’re so often found in old stores with high, inaccessible ceilings. The metal also serves as a fire stop between floors.

Their popularity peaked around 1900 and they were virtually nonexistent by about 1920. Today, tin ceilings are back in fashion again. However real ones are hard to find and can be quite expensive. There are some modern versions, but they’re usually made of thinner steel (and (gasp) plastic!), have shallower, simpler designs, and are often made overseas. It’s a personal opinion, but modern tin ceilings lack credibility, the same way a plastic Victorian fireplace mantel does.

Buffalo ReUse has recently reclaimed two authentic tin ceilings. The first set has six by six inch repeating flower pattern on 1½ by 3 foot panels (a rare size). There are 20 panels (160 sq ft). These panels are in good condition with minimal rust and few holes, and importantly, the lapping edges are intact. They do have many coats of paint obscuring the detail.

The second set has an intricate two by two foot pattern set in single two by two foot tiles. The pattern is a deeply recessed (~1/2-1 inch) octagon with a floral design in the middle. The octagon is edged with a Greek Key motif and embellished on the corners with fleur-de-lis–like designs. There are 20 panels (80 sq ft). Their condition is variable. Some are rusted through. There is some denting and bending and of course many coats of paint.

I’m not just a spokesman – I’m a customer. I have rescued an old tin ceiling and installed it in my kitchen, and here are a few ideas/advice on how tin ceilings can be fixed and reused.
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Two weekends ago the last digit of my zip code got turned upside down as I moved from the skirts of suburbia to the middle of uptown. I’m really excited about my new place, because I’ve wanted to live in the city since my move back to Buffalo three years ago. My friends are close, the parks are down the street, and I’m looking forward to riding the train to work.

My new space is twice the size of my last, and since I have very little furniture, my quest to outfit my digs begins where? You guessed it, The ReSource, Buffalo’s retail and educational one-stop for salvaged materials, volunteer opportunities, Saturday shenanigans, programming, events, all things Buffalo ReUse and more.

Since I get all geeked out about the items for sale and they are one of a kind, I actually started acquiring pieces a few months ago in my volunteer appearances.

Item #1: this letter plate. It’s in immaculate condition and there are others like it currently for sale for around $20, salvaged from some of the hundreds of doors we have available. I figure I’ll put it on the wall above a desk, you know, near the letters. This original type of item can really individualize your décor.

This next item in today’s chronicle is something I’ll also use in the office. It’s a combination bulletin and chalkboard 36” x 48” with a metal tray at the bottom for holding chalk, photos, or pins. Who knows yet, I have to hang it up as soon as I finish painting. This amazing piece cost $10 and is from a local school that was remodeling. Given these items can run upwards of $90-150 retail, and you’re reusing a very functional item, it’s an amazing find that makes you feel good to own. See how well my little magnetic containers go on the chalkboard side, and my pictures and cards go on the bulletin side. Fantastic!

Take note, if you see an item at The ReSource that you really like, buy it right away, they don’t last. You know the deal, the store is open Saturday’s 10:00am-4:00pm, 298 Northampton Street between Jefferson and Main. There’s flooring, appliances, stained glass windows, shelving, storage boxes, doors, furniture, lumber, lighting and much more.

Stay tuned for more chronicles, there’s more furniture I need to get, maybe even make. I’ve been eyeing up the doors. It’s a desk, it’s a headboard, it’s a table, it’s a room divider…ohh the possibilities…

Sales of used building materials at our ReSOURCE are a big part of our earned income. This past Saturday, we allocated 25% of all sales directly to the Neighborhood Peace Mural Project, to buy sheet goods and screws (we have lots of paint from generous donors–but we’ll still accept your used house paint because we need it for next weeks deliveries too).

Our sales of $700 means we have $175 to buy materials for the Project. Thanks to everyone who came by and took something home with them!

We’ll be doing the same this coming Saturday – please stop by between 10 and 4 and see what we have in the store.

If you’d like to make a cash donation, please visit our donation page.

—Kevin Hayes

As I’ve driven around town lately I have noticed many of the fallen trees from the icey windstorms we had a couple weeks ago. I did see one that had already been chopped up into 12″ chunks, presumably for firewood. I know that is a pretty practical use, but I hope that those fallen trees won’t all end up in ashes. Here are some photos (from other sites) of park and deck benches which were rough hewn out of tree trunks. Maybe there’s a way to connect these fallen trees and home owners with a guy wielding a diagram of a bench . . . a chainsaw!  We’ll definitely need some seating in some of the micro-parks and gardens we hope to create in the Spring–do you know anyone that has a fallen tree in their yard?