Meet "Jolly John" Just in Time for Christmas!

Christmas is less than a week away...have you gotten your favorite plumber all his gifts? If not, maybe a trip to the Hallmark store is in order. On sale for Christmas 2011 is the motion-activated "Jolly John Snowman."



Santa Claus take note: That's what the Plumbing Museum wants for Christmas!

Turkeys in the Tub?

It is no surprise that the bathroom is the Plumbing Museum's area of expertise. At this time of year, in anticipation of Thanksgiving, many turn to the bathroom (believe it or not) as they prepare their Thanksgiving turkey.

For those of you who buy and cook a frozen turkey, do not believe what you hear! While we find bathtubs interesting here at our museum, Turkeys do not.

According to the Butterball Thanksgiving Hotline, the best place to thaw-out a frozen turkey is NOT in the bathtub, but in your refrigerator.

In fact, the proper instructions (as suggested by Butterball experts) are as follows:

How to thaw: The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator on a tray to prevent any uncooked juices from dripping onto others foods. Plan on about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird. You can speed the thawing by placing the wrapped turkey breast side down in a sink of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. You can thaw a smaller turkey in the microwave oven, but then you should cook the turkey immediately because some areas do start to cook during the defrost process.

However you thaw your turkey this year, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Toilet Top 10

How did we miss this article...

Last year TIME Magazine put out a Top Ten List that even David Letterman would be proud of: The Top Ten Most Famous Toilets of All Time!

The list includes some pop-culture references, some historical references, and even some toilet-lore that is often told right here within the walls of the Plumbing Museum! So what "famous toilets" are part of the museum tours being given here in Watertown? You'll have to come in for a tour and find out!

For now however, check out the Toilet Top Ten!

Wanted: Antique Ice Saws

As many of you know, the building that houses the Plumbing Museum is a 150+ year old former ice house. Upon entering the museum, visitors learn about the history of the building and gain a clearer understanding of the ice trade of the late 1800's and early 1900's.

We are looking to add to our ice house display with antique artifacts from the ice trade business. If you, our readers, have access to an antique ice saw or ice box that is in good condition, please let us know. To respond, either comment on this blog or email us at info@theplumbingmuseum.org.

Thanks!

The Long and Winding Roll...

Everyone recognizes the famous image of Paul, John, George and Ringo walking across the crosswalk on the cover of the popular Beatles album Abbey Road. What most people don't realize is that Fab Four were quite picky about their bathroom tissue!

According to the British publication The Sun, a man recently purchased an opened roll of toilet paper that was rejected by The Beatles at the Abbey Road Studios in England. Just the fact that it was a part of Beatles folklore prompted the man to spend 85 pounds (approximately $135.00 in today's U.S. dollars) on this one roll.

Read the full article...

Honoring Our Tradesmen!

According to Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine, Friday September 16th is the industry's first-ever National Tradesman Day! In years to come, this new day of industry recognition will be held on the third Friday in September, and will honor skilled laborers from any trade or specialty.

And for all you plumbers out there, what better way to celebrate National Tradesman Day than to become a member of the Plumbing Museum's official group...aptly named "The Tradesmen!"

Membership is just $50 and details can be found on the museum's website.

Cheers to you, Tradesmen!

Toilet R&D

Forget building computer systems...let's build a better toilet!

That is the sentiment of one recently-retired American billionaire! CBS News reports that Microsoft founder Bill Gates has encouraged his philanthropic foundation to invest in the research for a more affordable toilet solution for citizens of third world countries. As any plumber can tell you, there is a great deal of infrastructure and planning involved in instituting waste systems. In many impoverished communities a lack of sanitation is causing diseases that could be prevented, and proper plumbing can help save lives!

Read more here!






Source: Freeman, David. (July 19, 2011). CBS News Health.