I don’t usually post Throwback Thursday photos, but I couldn’t resist…

A few weeks ago I received an email from Peter Bernard, who recently took the position of Facilities and Operations Manager at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vermont.  His email said, “Look what I found in the basement of the mansion.”

Hildene Closer a

So cool!  If you’re not familiar with this closer or why it’s so exciting to me, you can read about it here:  The Rector Wanted it Quiet.  There is an additional 3-post series about L.C. Norton that begins here.

Then, a few days ago I received this photo from Jeff Rinderle and Jerry Hoffman of Rinderle Door – an OLD Von Duprin Model A device – still working, and paired with an electric strike for access control!

Von Duprin Model A Panic

And in a surreal 6 Degrees of Separation moment I met a woman last week with the last name Vonnegut.  Someone said her name sounded familiar and she mentioned the author – Kurt Vonnegut, who was her husband’s grandfather.  Of course I immediately asked her if she was aware of the family’s involvement in the development of the first panic device, and she said yes!  In case you’re not familiar with the story, here’s an article from Carl Prinzler – How it All Began.

Have you worked on a historic renovation project lately?  If you have, Doors & Hardware is looking for help with an upcoming issue on decorative and restoration hardware.  Drop me a line if you have some photos or a project to share.

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