Hobbyists and amateurs have reached the highest levels of human achievement, from backyard astronomers and garage chemists.
History
How deep are the roots of the ubiquitous Christmas album? Well, that depends on how deep you want to dig. Carols written in the vernacular date back to the 13th century in England but singing them was banned by an Act of Parliament in 1647. The act was rescinded by the royal restoration of the Stuarts in 1660, when King…
In 1897, Alfred L. Cralle secured a patent for his lever-action scoop. It allowed a single hand to operate the scoop, freeing the other hand to hold the cone. Dozens of companies began manufacturing the improved scoop, including Peerless, Gilchrist, Dover, New Gem, and others. Nearly a century later, in July 1984, Congressman Walter Dee Huddleston’s joint resolution 298…
The Bostwick building, at the corner of Ocean and Bay, is one of downtown Jacksonville, Florida’s most visible historic buildings. It was constructed in 1902, one of the first permitted structures built after the Great Fire. Sporting typical “big bank” architecture, it hosted a succession of failed banks through the boom and bust cycles of the early 20th century. A…
Music fans rejoice! Did you know that there are vinyl records in the Eco Relics architectural salvage warehouse? Even if you don’t have a record player (for shame!), there are plenty of things you can do with our records. If it is unlikely that your old Johnny Mathis platter will ever spin again, consider repurposing it. A little heat will soften up…
Dr. Jonathan Schneider always finds a way to celebrate life. Making “antiqued” signs began as hobby for him, an introduction to woodworking and a way to to spend his free time feeling purposeful and relaxed.