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The list includes some pop-culture references, some historical references, and even some toilet-lore that is often told right here within the walls of the Plumbing Museum!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