Getting Down and Dirty

On Friday, I set out with my girlfriend Kelley on an adventure.  The salvage yard.  Pitsch Salvage yard.  This field trip is not for the faint of heart.  If you like shiny new objects, and brightly lit, fancy showroom boutiques, you will not like the salvage yard.  This place has the most random things strewn on the shelves, piled on the floor, hung on walls, dangling from the ceiling, actually - everywhere.  The things at the salvage yard are things left behind.  Left for dead.  Some things you would expect to find:  doors, windows, sinks, toilets, cabinets, etc.  But some things were exciting and surprising.  You have to dig, shift, move, lift items just to take a peek and you might have to duck, squeeze, and straddle just to see them.  It's not an easy place to maneuver or shop - merchandising isn't their strong suit.

I had been to Pitsch years ago with my dad and we found some doors that I used as decoration in my old house.  I knew what I was in for.  I had my list: architectural elements, corbels, columns, ceiling tiles, door knobs, etc. I had my camera.  I had cash.  I had shoes and jeans on (I had mentioned to Kelley not to wear flip flops or open toed shoes and to wear pants - this is a necessity.  Broken glass and sharp metal objects lurk around every corner here).  I was ready, I thought... 

I was not prepared for the unpleasantries of junking.  We learned some lessons on this trip.  It's kind of dangerous, kind of scary, and kind of gross.  

Lesson #1 Wear OLD CLOTHES.  We definitely looked way too cute to be junking. 

Lesson #2 Bring GLOVES.  Our hands were so filthy upon leaving.  We unknowingly had touched our faces/foreheads and it looked like we had been to Ash Wednesday mass.   Gloves would have helped.

Lesson #3 Bring a FLASHLIGHT.  The lighting is poor (read: horror film blinking light bulbs, and dark, creepy corners) and a flashlight would have really helped to illuminate nooks, crannies and bins with who know what inside. 

Lesson #4 Leave the list in the car.  With such disorganization and randomness, an open mind would have been better than an agenda.  It was so hard to focus with stuff strewn everywhere.  I think having a list made it harder because I could not just let my eyes wander - I was looking for particular items and not seeing the possibilities.

We did the once over - indoors and out.  "It's a whole city block," the lady said when we entered.   We tried to wrap our heads around the mess.  We tried to figure out their "system."  But, in all, our visit was a bust this time around.   Mainly because most of their current stock is commercial salvage - from schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and office buildings - so we didn't find the treasures we were seeking on this visit.  The people working there were not particularly helpful or friendly.  Nothing was priced and they drive a hard bargain when they know they've got something good.  So, I left defeated, discouraged, and really dirty.

But, I will be going back.  Lessons learned and REALLY ready, I'm going to give it another go.  After speaking with the dude behind the counter, he (condescendingly) informed us that they have 18 residential demolition projects coming in the next few weeks.  Architecturally interesting items from old homes...this is what I am after and I am willing to put up with the unpleasantries of junking to find it.  I am also looking forward to going back better prepared to dig and get a little dirtier.  Next time I go, I am not going to shower before hand, and I'm not going to act so girlie.  I'm gonna get in there like a tough bitch and find the good stuff and fight with the guy to get a good deal.  Better prepared, I can play this game.

So, after hand sanitizer, a shower, and stepping away from it I've had a chance to reflect on things.  I've been thinking about some of the good things I saw. I now have ideas of what I could do with them decoratively.    I think at the time, while I was standing in the mess, I was a little stunned and the creativity was scared out of me.  Funny thing, though, we saw at least 2 other groups of girlfriends doing the same thing.  We had a few laughs in the toilet aisle and in the room that reminded Kelley of a scene from the movie "Seven."  If you go, don't go alone - you won't have anyone to laugh with you at the ridiculousness of the treasure hunters game.

Here are some highlights:

A gorgeous, huge, half round window. 

It's hard to tell just how great this piece is - it is a huge, oak wardrobe - I think it was at least 8 feet tall.  .  Had hooks inside.  Great condition.  Beautiful.

A fantastic little metal desk.  Would look great with a coat of red automotive paint!

Great looking, solid wood drawers.  Add casters and slide under a table or bed for a really cool look.

Tons and tons of scrap granite.  If you ever need a small piece, this is the place to get it.

I was really impressed with this - it's an entire industrial kitchen work surface made of stainless steel.  It would be amazing in a garage, or a craft room, or in a basement or loft space.  It was in great condition despite the weeds growing up all around it.  It was so cool.

This is old theater or lecture hall seating.  Not very comfy, but could be really interesting in a mud room.

Tin ceiling tiles galore.  Would make great architectural wall art.

I just LOVED these french doors. 

White wicker open shelving - great shape.  There was a matching headboard.

Vintage locker baskets.  Great for toys or tools.

Metal floor grates.  There are some really interesting and pretty ones out there - these were just basic, but could be very unique in a kitchen as a pot rack.  Hang from chain and add 'S' hooks to hang your copper pots!

So many doors - connect three together for a room divider screen!