Motivation For Opening One’s Home to House Tours


Some Park Slope friends and I were discussing the upcoming Park Slope Civic Council house tour last night and I was left wondering about the issue of motivation.
From the civic council’s website:
“In the early years, the Civic Council used the House Tour as a way to convince people to move here rather than the suburbs, thus playing a major role in saving Park Slope from the ravages that destroyed many other New York City neighborhoods.

In more recent years, the House Tour, generally held the first Sunday after Mothers’ Day, has become the major fund raiser for the Civic Council, with proceeds plowed back into the community in our Grants Program. Read about the $10,000 we awarded last year to 18 neighborhood schools and organizations.”
My friends stated that they are not interested in opening their home to hordes of “snarky voyeurs,” especially after their neighbor did so and “was appalled at the rude comments of some visitors as well as the damage done to her custom-made Angela Adams rugs.”
It seems that the early motivation to participate in these open houses(proving that one CAN rescue an old home in a run-down neighborhood) no longer applies. Of course, I completely understand the desire to participate as a way to aid fundraising, but do you think the owner’s of these houses are only thinking of raising money for a good cause or is the primary motivation to show off?
My elderly neighbors here in Brooklyn Heights told me that in the 50′s and 60′s the house tours were hardly glamorous but very practical and informative. Today, showing off “a rare painting of Marilyn Monroe” hardly seems comparable. What do you think?

Categories: Etiquette
By bheightsejp | 04/20/2011 11:05 AM | Comment

Toy Shop Suggestions


I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for unique and interesting toy shops in Brooklyn. I am especially interested in handmade wooden toys and miniature items to give to my niece who received a brownstone-style doll house for Christmas.

Many thanks!

By bheightsejp | 01/01/2010 3:39 PM | Comment

Form is lovely, but what about function?


Since moving into my brownstone, I have removed this insert in my bedroom fireplace any time I wanted to make a fire. It is tedious removing this cast iron insert. I would just have it removed, but it looks far better than the brick fire box. Any suggestions on an easier way to manage this?

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By bheightsejp | 10/15/2008 8:49 PM | Comment

Brownstone Pride


We have been insulted. Our posts have been ridiculed. But we are here, queer and proud to be a part of Brownstone Brooklyn. At the suggestion of other gay and lesbian posters and other gay men and women I have met in Brooklyn, I am starting a new thread to put out the idea of a gay and lesbian meet and greet in a park or other public place to bring together gay Brownstoners in an informal and fun atmosphere. Many of us have been defending each other from bigoted posts on this site. Let’s celebrate our place in our neighborhoods. Any suggestions?

Categories: Leisure
By bheightsejp | 10/07/2007 10:37 PM | Comment

Pom Juice Stain on Granite


When my granite counter tops were installed a few months ago, I was told a solvent-based sealer called an “impregnator” was applied once or twice to protect the surface from stains. At first, it did seem to delay how long something could set in and I made sure any spills would be wiped up as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, some pomegranate juice was spilled on one of the counters and not wiped up immediately, causing a dark area. Is there anything I can do to diminish the impact of stain besides covering it over with a fruit bowl? Should I have the counters re-sealed?

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By bheightsejp | 09/26/2007 10:24 PM | Comment

Bathroom Fixture Chrome


I have one bathroom I would like to keep “period” as it is the only one in the house that has not been udated over the years to Salmon, Gold, and Avocado tubs, sinks, and toilets which I had to change. The marble is in good shape but the metal fixtures need some help. Has anyone had experience with having metal fixtures re-chromed? Any suggestions on places that do this and if so, did you think it was worth the cost?

By bheightsejp | 09/24/2007 7:22 PM | Comment

Salvage Sale


Last weekend’s architectural salvage sale was a tremendous event. When I was restoring my house, I traveled a great deal to find bits and pieces to bring back the original look. I certainly hope we have more local sales of this genre of antiques.

By bheightsejp | 09/12/2007 9:01 AM | Comment

Easement Deductions


I saw the article in New York about the National Architecture Trust and easement deductions for federal tax deductions. There is a post on Brownstoner from 2005 about this organization. I have received information from them about donating 1% of my house value and my facade so that it is not changed. A 15% deduction is attractive but I think that where my house is already landmarked I would be outside of my rights for that deduction. There definitely seems to be more negative than positive feedback about this group. Is anyone else more familiar with wise courses of actions?

By bheightsejp | 08/27/2007 4:34 PM | Comment

Street Smell in Heights


Has anyone noticed a sweet, unpleasant smell on Henry Street or Montague Street this week. I have thankfully ruled out my house which has enough problems and determined that something is in the air. I met the man of my dreams here on Brownstoner and he is coming over Friday so if I can at least have a valid excuse for the smell it would help.

By bheightsejp | 08/23/2007 10:16 AM | Comment

Alarm systems


I am not comfortable with the alarm system that came with my house. I would prefer to have an entry door camera but do not think it would pass historic zoning regulations. Any suggestions for effective systems?

By bheightsejp | 08/21/2007 4:21 PM | Comment