The Water Closet

Flushing Away the Giants...Hopefully

2012-02-03T15:15:00.004-05:00

Our next door neighbors at Cannistraro utilized the Plumbing Museum space this afternoon for a Super Bowl Rally fit for a true Plumbing Contractor!

Wings and 5-foot subs were on the menu, guests watched previous Patriots' Super Bowl footage, and Giants fans wallowed in sadness as they watched their beloved logo hit the bottom of the bowl!

As proud Watertown, MA residents, The Plumbing Museum proudly endorses New England in Sunday's big game! Go Pats!

Meet "Jolly John" Just in Time for Christmas!

2011-12-20T16:06:00.001-05:00

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?

2011-11-22T16:10:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-09T15:37:00.004-05:00

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The list includes some pop-culture references, some historical references, and even some toilet-lore that is often told right here within the walls of the Plumbing Museum!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

2011-11-03T09:19:00.003-04:00

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...

2011-09-21T15:41:00.003-04:00

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!

2011-09-15T08:25:00.004-04:00

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

2011-08-11T14:30:00.003-04:00

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.

A Toilet Fit for An American Idol Host

2011-06-28T10:51:00.003-04:00

After a nation wide vote,American Idol host Ryan Seacrest's favorite birthday present is...

An Automatic Toilet!

That's right, one of America's most famous media personalities recently received a Toto Neorest 550, valued at $6,000. The toilet has an automatic lid, a heated toilet seat, a water purification system, an auto-flush feature, and even a night light!

If you're interested in seeing this 21st century bathroom technology up close, and you can't seem to get invited to Mr. Seacrest's house, stop by the Plumbing Museum, where a similar model is on display.

Read the full article at the UK's Daily Mail online, found here.

Royal Wedding Toilet?

2011-04-27T10:15:00.003-04:00

In anticipation of the wedding vows of the English Prince and Princess this Friday,the world officially has "Royal Wedding fever." So much so, that novelty companies have begun selling William and Kate Toilet Seat Covers!

What do you think Plumbing Museum fans, would you buy this Royal Wedding "Loo"t?

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Toto in Tokyo

2011-01-07T10:01:00.002-05:00

So last night's new episode of House Hunters International featured an American citizen relocating to a Tokyo apartment. Much attention was drawn to the unique Japanese bathrooms, and in one of the apartments was none other than a Toto remote-control powered Neorest toilet. At roughly $4,000 a piece, no wonder rents in Tokyo are so high...

Museum visitors might recall seeing this toilet on display inside The Plumbing Museum!

Auld Lang Syne

2010-12-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

The Holidays from Another Perspective

2010-12-14T08:07:00.001-05:00

Blog-Only Holiday Offer

2010-12-10T08:13:00.003-05:00

Oh, there's no place like the Plumbing Museum for the holidays!

Need some last minute stocking stuffers? The Museum gift shop has a special holiday offer that is only available for "Water Closet" readers:

Call us and mention this promotion and get a museum mug and the souvenir T-shirt of your choice for just $25!

Gifts from the Plumbing Museum at WGBH.com

2010-11-30T16:35:00.003-05:00

Anyone watch WGBH Channel 2?

Help raise money for publicly funded TV programming by bidding on the Plumbing Museum auction item.

The asking price is rising quickly, so act fast!

Gobble, Gobble

2010-11-24T11:09:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and thanks to an Indiana Art Studio, we are happy to share this one-of-a-kind "Turkey Toilet." The Plumbing Museum certainly doesn't have one of these yet...

Happy Thanksgiving from The Plumbing Museum!

Plumbing Museum Goes Hollywood

2010-10-19T11:29:00.001-04:00

Take a look inside the Plumbing Museum with this all-new movie!

Special thanks to Kristen Caira and Brian Sullivan for their expert video production.

Meet the Beatles' ...Toilet

2010-08-30T16:00:00.004-04:00

In an interesting case of pop culture plumbing, the "loo" of one of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band has been sold to the highest bidder. In a recent auction, held in Liverpool, England, one fan spent over $14,000 for a toilet once owned by John Lennon.

Click here to read the article. (Source: Reuters via Comcast News)

(Photo source: www.Telegraph.co.uk)

Ode to the Commode

2010-08-10T13:10:00.002-04:00

The Plumbing Museum is usually not in the business of advertising on behalf of consumer products, but Clorox has begun airing a new commercial that just has to be shared:

Tell us what you think. It's almost as if this ad was made for our site...

Summer Fun in Massachusetts

2010-07-30T09:38:00.002-04:00

The Massachusetts Department of Travel and Tourism has launched its "Mass99" promotional campaign that features exciting activities under $100.

The Plumbing Museum is proud to offer a Mass99 Deal that includes FOUR Tradesmen memberships for just $99!

Mass99 offers only last through the end of the summer, so sign-up fast! Register for all Summer Deals here and be sure to call us and mention the Mass99 promotion.

A little bit of museum history

2010-07-16T14:04:00.002-04:00

Check out this video from New England Cable News featuring interviews with Russ & BJ Manoog, the original founders of the Plumbing Museum.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/Worcester-plumbing-museum-packs-up/1201058395.html

Hopefully the new museum makes them both just as proud!

Look for us on Boston.com!

2010-07-13T09:28:00.002-04:00

Attention museum fans in the New England area:

Have you been to the Your Town section of Boston.com? Watertown, MA has its own website for local news and stories.

Check it out and you might just see a new ad featuring your friendly, neighborhood Plumbing Museum...

A One of a Kind Urinal...

2010-07-09T14:17:00.002-04:00

Recently, a museum staff member was watching the Travel Channel and came across footage of a extremely unique resort in San Luis Obispo, California. The Resort is called The Madonna Inn and features dozens of themed guest rooms and accommodations.

In the so-called "Jungle Room," guests can visit the Men's Room to relieve themselves at a one-of-a-kind Waterfall Urinal.

If only we could get one of these for our museum...

Uncle Sam's Roadside Restroom

2010-07-01T15:13:00.004-04:00

If you happen to be passing through Minnesota on your 4th of July holiday weekend, and you're looking for a roadside pit stop, here is a suggestion:

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Friday Bathroom Humor

2010-06-25T15:20:00.008-04:00

Who are the "Inglorious Plummers?"

The Academy Award nominated film "Inglorious Basterds" has inspired a variety of online spoofs, including this one which we found on YouTube.

You may recognize the main characters as the world's most popular Plumber (aka Super Mario).

This video is slightly PG-13, so consider yourself warned.

Friday Bathroom Humor

2010-05-21T11:05:00.001-04:00

Don't worry...there are working bathrooms at our museum!

Friday Bathroom Humor

2010-05-07T13:42:00.003-04:00

Many museum visitors get a good laugh from the bathroom signs from around the world. A friend of the Plumbing Museum suggested we test our bathroom etiquette by playing "The Urinal Game."

Try the game for yourself, by clicking here:

A Look Back at Antique Water Heaters

2010-04-30T13:53:00.003-04:00

Three separate museum visitors have told us stories about coin-operated water heating systems found in old homes and buildings. We are curious to find out if anyone else has used or seen these units in various New England locations.

What are your experiences? Add a comment and let us know!

To look back at other types of antique water heaters, click here!

Local Press from Our Loyal Visitors

2010-03-30T09:22:00.003-04:00

The Plumbing Museum would like to thank the kids, parents and teachers from Watertown Middle School and Cunniff Elementary School from right here in in our home town.

Earlier this month, representatives from each school toured the museum and published impressive articles in their respective school newspapers.

Check out what the Watertown Middle School wrote here!

World Plumbing Day is Coming...

2010-02-23T16:45:00.003-05:00

March 11, 2010 is World Plumbing Day!

In honor of this celebration, The Plumbing Museum is offering a unique promotion!

Throughout the whole month of March, museum memberships will be $10 OFF.

For $40, you will receive:

-An official membership certificate and ID
-Unlimited Museum Admission
-A complimentary souvenir t-shirt
-A member's-only museum newsletter
-10% off all museum merchandise
-An exclusive invitation to the
"Tradesmen" member's Gala

To take advantage of this enticing offer, call 617-926-2111 and mention the World Plumbing Day Discount! Remember, this offer is available for one month only.

Olympic Aspirations

2010-02-19T13:41:00.003-05:00

In honor of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, we proudly share this one-of-a-kind bathroom that appears in a Japanese coffee shop.

The Plumbing Museum gives it a Gold Medal!

Now On Sale at the Plumbing Museum:

2010-02-19T13:35:00.002-05:00

Three exclusive t-shirts are now available for purchase at the Plumbing Museum gift shop. Each shirt is only $20 and all proceeds benefit the non-profit museum fund.

Be sure to pick up a shirt on your next visit!

Be Our Valentine

2010-02-12T13:15:00.002-05:00

The museum's Plumbing Trade Journals from the 1920s era are truly works of art. Check out the cover to the Valentine's Day issue from 1927!

Going Where it's Cold

2010-01-29T11:58:00.002-05:00

If you're stationed at Patriot Hills Base Camp in Antarctica, these facilities will look familiar.

(Photo from the "Outhouses 2010" calendar - Getty Images)

Friday Bathroom Humor

2010-01-08T14:39:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T14:21:00.002-05:00

All of us at The Plumbing Museum wish you best of luck in 2010!

Be sure to come visit us soon!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2009-12-23T09:40:00.003-05:00

We hope Santa is good to all you plumbers out there!

Merry Christmas from all of us at The Plumbing Museum.

Friday Bathroom Humor

2009-12-18T09:51:00.006-05:00

A look inside some Christmas bathrooms:

HGTV's "Ultimate Christmas Bathroom"

Perfect for a holiday gingerbread man or woman.

After all the presents he brings us, Santa deserves a better place to go...

Looking for that Perfect Christmas Gift?

2009-12-10T08:48:00.003-05:00

Every Christmas it's the same: what do you get for the person who truly has EVERYTHING???

This year, how about the "Three-in-One" Bathroom!?! Demand for this item came about in 1928 and was developed by Arthur K. White of Zarephath, NJ.

To the plumbers in our readership: Have any of you come across these combination fixtures throughout your careers?

Friday Bathroom Humor

2009-12-04T15:59:00.005-05:00

"A Plumbing We Will Go!"

In 1940, The Three Stooges released a short film entitled "A Plumbing We Will Go" that featured a classic scene in which Larry, Moe and Curly end up in a plumber's van that makes a house call. Curly gets tangled in piping and of course hilarity ensues!

According to the Internet Movie Database(IMDB), this episode was said to be Curly's favorite.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

BLACK FRIDAY - A Plumber's favorite day of the year.

2009-11-27T07:10:00.007-05:00

As many people associate the day after Thanksgiving with the busiest shopping day of the year, otherwise known as "Black Friday," your plumber sees it as his/her favorite work day of the year. According to Roto-Rooter, the nation's largest plumbing and drain service, house calls increase by 50% on "Black Friday" over any other Friday during the year. Throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, there is an increase of 21% above any other Thursday-Sunday period of the year.

Watch out when you're stuffing that garbage disposal, it's not a turkey. The extravagant holiday feast can be the cause of the many sink and sewer clogs. The increase in grease, cooking oils, food scraps, and not to mention the additional number of holiday guests putting strain on your home's plumbing system, keeps your plumber busy all weekend.

Tips for a plumber-free holiday:

Don't pour fats or cooking oils down the drain.

Avoid putting poultry skins, potato or carrot peels, stuffing, rice or fibrous vegetables like celery or rhubarb in your garbage disposal.

Run your garbage disposal when you put food debris into it; don't wait until it's full to turn it on.

Run cold water for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal to flush waste to the main sewer.

Don't use your garbage disposal at all; put a trash can right next to the kitchen sink.

Museum Membership Now Available!

2009-11-24T15:38:00.002-05:00

The Plumbing Museum is proud to now offer an official membership group to visitors and followers all across the U.S. As a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, the museum relies on its friends and visitors for support.

The "Tradesmen" gives museum fans the opportunity to support a great cause and receives exclusive member benefits. Membership includes:

-Official certificate and membership card
-Unlimited admission to museum exhibits
-Souvenir museum t-shirt
-10% off all museum gift shop merchandise
-Member's-only email newsletter
-An exclusive invitation to the annual "Tradesmen" gala

Annual membership fees are only $50 and all proceeds benefit museum programs.

Call 617-926-2111 to become a member today!

And remember..."The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation."

The Plumbing Industry in Boston

2009-11-18T08:40:00.002-05:00

The PHCC of Greater Boston put together a video that examines different generations of Plumbers in the Boston area. The video features retired plumber Hank Fandel, J. C. Cannistraro, LLC founder John Cannistraro, Sr., Local 12 Business Manager Kevin Cotter, and recent apprentice program graduate Gregg Petersen.

If you look carefully, you may recognize a familiar setting in the background of the some of the scenes...

Plans for 2010

2009-11-06T14:22:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the Plumbing Museum held its first bi-annual Board of Directors Meeting.
The event began with a brief tour of the museum and continued with a casual luncheon for those in attendance. The group declared the museum's official non-profit, 501(c)(3) designation and discussed future plans for museum activities for 2010.

In the year to come, museum staff will begin implementing a new museum store featuring a variety of novelty plumbing and industry-related merchandise. By January 1st, a museum membership program will be offered to visitors as well. The museum hopes to begin seeking grant funding for educational programs and events in the months to come.

Caption: A gathering of the board of directors of the American Sanitary Plumbing Museum. (Left to right) Michael Kohler, Jr., Hugh Kelleher, John Cannistraro, Jr., and Russell Manoog.

Friday Bathroom Humor

2009-11-06T14:10:00.002-05:00

Introducing the Veteran's Day Open House!

2009-11-02T15:23:00.002-05:00

With Veteran's Day just around the corner, the Plumbing Museum would like to thank our local veterans any way that we can. On November 11th, 2009, Veteran's Day, the museum will host its first-ever Veteran Open House.

We invite local men and women who have served in the armed forces, and their families, to come by the museum and take a unique look back at history, invention and industry. Admission charges will be waived for this special event and the museum will hold special hours:

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

To RSVP for this event call 617-926-2111.

Have you ever seen a woman's urinal?

2009-10-29T11:55:00.002-04:00

With more than 700 visitors this year, no one has been familiar with the "Standard" woman's urinal. Kohler also sold a similar version up through the 1970s.

Have you ever seen or used one of these unique items?

Friday Bathroom Humor

2009-10-23T09:56:00.011-04:00

This week we add a new, weekly section to The Water Closet, titled "Friday Bathroom Humor." Check back each week for amusing photos, jokes and commentary.

What will you be for Halloween?

The Plumbing Museum suggests these classic costumes!

Welcome!

2009-10-22T10:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks for visiting "The Water Closet," the official blog of The American Sanitary Plumbing Museum. This is your online portal into the past, present, and future of all things plumbing.

Check back regularly to find:

News and alerts pertaining to museum exhibits
Tales from the toilet (a weekly anecdote/bathroom humor)
Visitor photos and experiences
Interesting facts and articles from the plumbing world

"The plumber protects the health of the nation."