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HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

Yesteryear’s Music Boxes Today’s Collectibles

Reducing Home Energy Costs Tried And True & Something New

Preserving Family Memories

Bryan Haeffele

Restore, Repair, Refinish

Special Section to: The Valley Gazette

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The Stratford Star

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The Milford Mirror

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The Amity Observer

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The Trumbull Times

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Fairﬁeld Sun

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The Huntington Herald

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The Easton Courier

• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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• January 28, 2010 •

YESTERYEAR’S

Music boxes ARE TODAY’S COLLECTIBLES by Joanne Greco Rochman There’s something timeless about music boxes. The pleasantly persistent metal prongs that pluck out sweet melodies, memorably and simply, endure generation after generation. “It was my grandmother’s,” or “My husband gave me this on our wedding night, 40 years ago” testify to the longevity of and strong sentimental attachment to these song-filled treasures. Not only are music boxes as desirable today as they were years ago, they are now highly collectible, valuable and come in many shapes and sizes.

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Jackie Perry, editor Bryan Haeffele, designer • Thomas B. Nash, publisher • For advertising information call 203-926-2080

Special Section to: The Valley Gazette • The Stratford Star • The Milford Mirror The Amity Observer • The Trumbull Times • Fairﬁeld Sun The Huntington Herald • The Monroe Courier • The Easton Courier

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

VOL IV, ISSUE 1

1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton CT 06484 203-926-2080

Many online sources refer to the history of music boxes, some saying they were created as an entertainment for Marie Antoinette, others that Antoine Favre, a Swiss watchmaker, invented them. The Encyclopedia Britannica says that it was a “popular household instrument from about 1810 until the early 20th century when the phonograph rendered it obsolete.” Considering that the earliest varieties were small enough to be integrated into watches as well as all sorts of gadgets, it is feasible that they were indeed created by a watchmaker.

At left, A rare vintage music box, the Regina console, was built in the early 1900s. A tabletop Polyphon, a spring-wound music box, came with 24 metal disks. — Fairﬁeld Auction photos

These boxes had combs of steel teeth that were plucked by pins on a brass cylinder. In the 1890s, the cylinders were declared too difficult to work with and were replaced by Gradually, these musical creations evolved large metal disks that revolved, similar to a from tiny devices to much larger instru- phonograph record. These disks eventually ments that were enclosed in wooden boxes.

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• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• January 28, 2010 •

became really large, with some measuring two and a half feet in diameter.

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dating back to 1895, was also a precious memory spinner. Sitting on the Fairfield Auction block awaiting its big day as well as its new owner, the piece measured 12 by 13 by seven inches. A spring-wound music box, it had 24 disks that measured 11 inches in diameter. It also featured decorative Victorian cherubs.

Today, people are still fascinated with music boxes, both old and new. Jack DeStories of Fairfield Auction, who sells antiques and fine art, recently had several rare vintage music boxes at his Newtown facility. One, the Regina Company’s console, was a prime example of a variety built in the early 1900s. This particular piece stood 40 by 17 by 20 inches. It was a beautiful piece of furniture and was quite the cat’s meow in its day. It came with a sizable collection of interchangeable disks that measured 15-and-a-half inches in diameter.

Jack and Rosie were excited about having these two music boxes at their Newtown facility. Considering the high-tech dominance in this new millennium, it’s quite amazing how popular music boxes are to this day. One would be hard-pressed to find a fine jewelry store that doesn’t feature a beautiful hand-carved or hand-painted music box. So the owners of Fairfield Auction knew there would be a great deal of interest in the two vintage boxes, which were auctioned on Jan. 24.

The disks were quite remarkable as the song titles were etched onto the metal disk, ones such as The Blue Danube and If You Love Me Darling, Tell Me With Your Eyes.

CertiRestore specializes in restoring, reﬁnishing and repairing wood furniture.

Preserving memories

Fairfield Auction is at 53 Church Hill Road, Newtown. Auctions begin on Sundays at 11. The De Stories open the auction house for previews on the Friday and Saturday prior to the auction from 11 to 4 each day. On the day of the auction, previews are held from 9 to 11. Telephone and absentee bidding is arranged. In addition, every Tuesday from 10 to 1 is appraisal day. People can bring up to five items for appraisal without obligation.

Adding to the charm of this particular Victorian musical delight were the whimsical cherubs that decorated the inside of the lid. Each cherub was depicted playing a different musical instrument as they danced around a central figure, most likely the goddess of music or, considering the name of the company, a queenly figure. It was quite a sight to see and flaunted its original finish, serpentine front and 45 disks circa 1910. Jack and his wife Rosie, Fairfield Auction owners, provided some history on this music box. “Although the Regina Company music box was one of the most outstanding, its popularity was essentially short lived,” explained Jack. The company was established in the 1890s and was quite successful. The problem was that Edison invented his phonograph. Regina’s success story with the music box and discs spanned about 25 years, from 1890 to 1915.

The husband-and-wife team have gained national recognition as they have handled more than $50,000,000 worth of antiques and fine art. Last year they got the highest price ever received for an antique in New England with the sale of a Native American Tlingit warrior’s helmet, which sold for $2,185,000. Fairfield Auction’s clientele come from all over the country. For more information, call 203-3641555; Web site, fairfieldauction.com.

There are other antique and unique music boxes. The tabletop Polyphon,

Cover Photo: One of the many elegant antiques found at the auction house.

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WITH CERTIRESTORE by Robin E. Glowa

can find new vitality in the CertiRestore workshop.

“If it’s made of wood, I can fix it,” Ray Loso says smiling. “Even if you think it’s beyond After a 27-year career with UPS, Ray made repair and should be used for firewood, give the decision to start his own business. He and Maureen looked at a lot of franchises it to me and I can bring it back to life!” before settling on CertiRestore three years Ray and his wife Maureen are the owners of ago. While CertiRestore is no longer a CertiRestore in Milford, where they special- franchise, Ray continues to apply the skills ize in restoring, refinishing and repairing all learned during his initial association with things made of wood. No matter what hor- the chain. “I liked the CertiRestore people rid condition a piece may be in, Ray is posi- very much and I love the work!” Ray says. tive he can fix it. Splinters, cracks, rockers “Both Maureen and I received extensive that have long since ceased to rock, furniture that seems destined for the dump

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Preserving continued on page 5

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• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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• January 28, 2010 •

Positive energy from Ener-G Tech by Robin E. Glowa With the current economic climate, rising utility and heating costs and frigid New England temperatures, finding cost-conscious home maintenance and improvement options has become vitally important. For those looking to achieve maximum efficiency in their homes, EnerG Tech may have just the solution. Ener-G Tech In Stratford is a multi-functional company offering kitchen and bath design, countertop replaceenergy-efficient ment, windows and doors, fireboxes, as well as sunspace and patio rooms, with an emphasis on eco-friendly products and high-efficiency results. Owners Greg and Joanne Young operate this family owned business, found- At left, a custom-designed sun porch. Right, a pellet-ﬁred heater is an attractive option, both in design and energy savings. — Wayne Ratzenberger photos ed in 1977. Greg says, “We started out as The Insulation Inspector, utilizeverything we carry is environmentally Ener-G Tech stocks wood stoves and fire- quality products to offer our customers. ing an infrared camera that would detect conscious. Our wood stoves meet strict fed- places or the company can custom design Again, almost every line we carry is envisources of heat loss around doors and eral guidelines for environmental safety, and manufacture to meet a customer’s ronmentally conscious. Fiberglass doors windows. With a computerized heat loss/ and the pollutants are very low. specific requirements. Almost any room are stained with water-based stains rather gain service, we were able to help our in a house can be enhanced by installing than solvent-based, and the kitchen cabinet customers greatly minimize heat loss.” “We live in a Colonial,” Greg says, “and they efficient fireboxes with a furniture-quality companies we work with always use waterProviding alternative heat sources is Ener-G Tech’s forte. Greg says, “With home heating oil being expensive, we offer many options for alternative home heating. Fireplaces are our specialty! We offer gas log sets; wood stoves; wood burning, natural gas and liquid-propane-gas steel fireboxes. Almost

can get cold in the winter. I installed a gas log set in our family room, which gives us a warm, cozy gathering spot and allows me to regulate a cooler temperature in the other rooms we’re not using at that time. By heating a specific space you can help keep costs down.”

mantel cabinet, shelf and hearth. Homes that already have an old masonry fireplace can be revived by updating the old surround with a custom-designed new stain or paint surround.

based stains and paints. Everybody is in tune with using green products.”

“We offer energy-conscious products that will reduce heating bills as well as improving the look and efficiency of the home,” “Our focus started out with energy conser- Joanne says. “Many people have budget vation,” Greg says, “and over time we have constraints, and we are happy that the been able to find more and more excellent federal tax stimulus allows a tax break

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• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

• January 28, 2010 •

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on certain products at the federal level, while the state of Connecticut continues to offer a tax holiday on certain windows and doors. So far there is no end date on the Connecticut tax holiday, so we encourage customers to take advantage of this benefit!”

Preserving continued from page 3

Ener-G Tech is devoted to providing their customers with all the services and products to “make your home everything it can be.” Says Greg, “We are full service. Our qualified installers can install anything from fireplace doors to entire kitchens.”

Ray explains that when you bring your refinishing project to him, “we don’t use any hazardous stripping chemicals to remove finishes and paints. CertiRestore developed their own line of proprietary products that we continue to use. The epoxy that we use to repair furniture is so strong, it never breaks. It is stronger than the wood itself. The epoxy penetrates deep into the wood and creates such a rock-solid bond, I’m able to offer a 50-year warranty on repairs!”

The Ener-G Tech showroom is a wonderful spot to browse for inspiration and to view the wide range of products. Whether you’re looking for storm doors, cellar doors, door hardware, interior passage or exterior entry doors, you will find many beautiful versions on display. Stunning wood stove and fireplace samples, gorgeous sun rooms and porch enclosures, handsome kitchen cabinetry, countertops and millwork will open up creative solutions for household dilemmas. “We’re a hands-on company,” Greg says, “and what’s of primary importance to us is finding the best quality items for our customers. Best quality doesn’t always have to mean most expensive. I’m a homeowner and I know if I want quality and a product that’s going to last, I have to do my research. “We look for the best in green products,” he says. We have a whole younger generation of customers coming in who are concerned about the environment and getting the right products,” says Greg. “We have an incredibly efficient magnetic window made of acrylic and Plexiglas; this is the best energy-efficient window available. Our PVC railings are so easy to maintain; no solvent-based stains are used and they are a great option. They even come with four-by-four post caps that are solar-powered. They give off just enough light to create a nice ambiance, as well as providing environmentally sound safety lighting.” For clients who are searching for unusual or unique items, Ener-G Tech offers fabrication services. These projects accommodate special-sizing requirements or one-of-a-kind design features to create works of art, such as custom-sized or designed fireplace mantels, special-sized bay or bow windows, island cabinetry, special moldings, custom French doors, door and window transoms, laminate countertops, wood stormand-screen windows, modified cabinets, plus prepping new doors to match existing hinge and lock locations. Greg and Joanne are proud to offer in-house manufacturing, with access to top brand names, environmentally conscious products and highly skilled craftsmen to install and service it all. Ener-G Tech Inc. is at 400 Surf Avenue, Stratford; 1-800-3627485, 203-377-9979; Web, ener-g-tech.com. A satellite office is at 104 Day Street, Seymour; same phone numbers; call for hours or appointment.

training from CertiRestore. Even with the education we received, I’m still learning all the time. The projects are unique and different and it’s a lot of fun.”

Customers who are concerned about matching color for their wooden pieces will be thrilled with Ray’s ability to match any hue. “It may not always be easy,” Ray says with a chuckle, “achieving that perfect shade of tomato red, but we have limitless color matches, plus we get to be artistic and creative, and we will create that perfect match.” In the cavernous workshop, Ray, along with his head repairman, Eric Villa, use an array of sanding and scraping tools to removed damaged, pock marked, scuffed, scraped finishes and create lustrous, lovingly restored furniture that looks brand new. Eric demonstrates the removal of old, damaged dowels while Ray explains that “as furniture ages, the glue dries out and the piece falls apart. We replace all the dowels, make any necessary repairs, clean and rebond so that the furniture is completely refurbished. We also do caning, weaving and rushing. It’s a great feeling to take the damaged furniture and transform it.” By using Old World craftsmanship blended with modern, environmentally conscious technology, Ray and Eric create beautifully finished projects. Ray particularly enjoys that “we bring your family pieces back to life — that’s a great thing. A big bulk of our business comes from family members bringing in their mother’s or grandmother’s old furniture. We’re also seeing a lot of middle-aged or older people bringing in furniture pieces to be refinished or repaired that they are going to give their kids as a wedding present. Everyone has a treasure hiding in the attic or the basement,” he continues. “Even if there is a split seat, broken legs or spindles, deep scratches, minor reupholstering issues or dull, dingy, damaged surfaces, we can restore the quality while making the furniture stronger than when it was brand new.” While the majority of the jobs Ray does are brought to him at the workshop, he will also make house calls to perform repair and restoration services on pieces

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Whatever the problem, the owners say it can be ﬁxed.

that are too large to move. “We also refinish kitchen cabinets,” he adds. Ray keeps an eye out for forlorn, forgotten pieces. He displays a wonderful chair he morphed back to magnificence that cost him $1. The rich finish, intricate carving and sturdy seat would make it a spectacular showpiece at the head of a dining table. The shop contains many examples of Ray’s alchemy. A gorgeous, heavily carved Asian chair sits in his office, burnished and brightly gleaming, awaiting its owner, who last saw it as a badly damaged eyesore. The front room of CertiRestore houses a charming showroom, which is filled with repaired and refinished furniture for sale. A handsome banker’s chair, a comfortable office chair, an assortment of rocking chairs ranging in size, an elegant dining table and several smart-looking side and end tables, plus a sleek bookcase and a set of wooden TV tray tables all await a new home. Maureen is a collector of lovely things and has arranged a delightful display of accessories and housewares that are offered for sale in the showroom as well, including china teacups, pewter cordial glasses, crystal candlesticks, winsome salt and pepper shakers, fireplace tools, antique cookbooks and many other vintage valuables. Eric also contributes to the marketplace with his wonderful custom, handcrafted bird houses. CertiRestore is a multifunctional wood restoration and repair haven. Whether it be furniture repair or refinishing, family heirlooms or found objects, Ray, Maureen and Eric will use their expertise to rescue pieces from the past that will be a beautiful part of your future. CertiRestore is at 20 Quirk Road, Milford; 203-8775544,1-877-CERTI-13; Web, certirestore.com.

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• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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BRIEFS ■

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FLOWER SHOW

• January 28, 2010 •

Reducing home energy costs

TRIED AND TRUE SOMETHING NEW

The 29th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, will be held Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 1820 at Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. For information, 860-844-8461; Ct.flowershow.com.

BASEBALL MEMORABILIA

The Fairfield Museum and History Center is planning an exhibit for this summer focusing on local baseball history. The museum is asking local residents to loan items for a seven-month period that relate to baseball teams in the Bridgeport/Fairfield area prior to 1950, such as uniforms, gloves, balls, bats, programs, tickets, photographs, posters and pennants. Items from early Little League, company/factory teams, ethnic-heritage teams and semi-professional or professional teams are welcome. Selection will be finalized by mid-March. Call curator Adrienne Saint-Pierre at 203-259-1598, X107; Web site, fairfieldhs.org.

by Janis Gibson

“The first step for homeowners looking to conserve energy is to call Connecticut Light and Power and request an energy audit,” said John Rountree, AIA, architect and principal of Westport Solar Consultants (www.westportsolar.com). “For $75, one of its authorized contractors will come to your home, look for and seal drafts and leaks around your windows and doors, install compact fluorescent lights and look for other problems. Then the auditor will make recommendations for things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home, as well as tell you about any credits or assistance plans that may be available.” (For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 877-WISE-USE [877-947-3873] or visit the Web site cl-p.com and click on Save Energy & Money, then Home Services and Rebates, then Home Energy Solutions. The CL&P site provides an abundance of information on energy conservation.)

BIRD COUNT

The 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count will take place on Feb. 12-15. Participants can easily report what they see by going online at birdcount.org and get an instantaneous snapshot of their record. Participation is free, open to bird watchers of all ages and skill levels, and no registration is required. Last year, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists creating the continent’s largest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.

FARMERS MARKET

On Saturday, Jan. 23, (and every Saturday thereafter) Norwalk Indoor Farmers Market and Artspace will take place at 61-65 Wall Street, Norwalk, from 10-2 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to see and enjoy the working artisans of Fairfield county and vendors from around the state. If you are an artist and would like to join the market, contact Duvian Montoya at 505-4004467; duvianm@prodigy.net. The space is free to artists and open to all mediums.

For those looking to lower energy costs by generating their own electricity using photovoltaic solar panels, “right now there is a 30 percent federal tax credit (which was extended last year) that is good for another seven years on the installation of solar panels,” John said. “That credit is taken on the out-of-pocket costs after any other rebates or credits are taken. In Connecticut, the rebate for residential solar systems is $1.75 per watt, or about 23 percent of the installed cost of the system.” Solar systems are rated in watts, he explained, and most systems cost between $7.50 and $8 per watt.

ANTIQUES SHOW

The 43rd annual Darien Antiques Show will be held March 5, 6 & 7. Preview Party on Friday, March 5, 7 to 9:30. $50 at the door. The First Congregational Church of Darien sponsors the show to support local charities. Thirty high-quality dealers. Show hours: Saturday, March 6, 10-5 and Sunday, 11-5. Admission: $10, $8 for seniors. The church is at the corner of Brookside Road and the Post Road just south of exit 13 from I-95. Show’s Web site, darienantiqueshow.org. For information, call the church at 203-655-0491.

There is also the Solar Connecticut lease program (details at ctsolarlease.com) that enables homeowners to lease solar systems from the state for 15 years, which John calls “a good deal,” and a new rebate for solar water heating (thermal) systems, which pays about a third of the cost of installation and is eligible for the tax credit as well. He added, “It is inexpensive now and has a quick payback

Energy savings make a challenging installation worth the effort.

— five or six years — regardless of whether you use oil, gas or electricity to heat your water.” Interested in geothermal technology — heating and cooling a home or building using the constant temperature of the Earth? John notes that adding solar panels to the structure could theoretically create enough electricity to run a geothermal system. There is also a new state rebate for geothermal systems. The idea of building netzero energy homes, as is being done in Vermont and other parts of New England, is the next goal of Rountree Architects (rountreearchitects.com), he said. For more information on geothermal and other systems for homes and businesses, check out the Web site

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• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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for Connecticut Clean Energy Fund at ctcleanenergy.com. John’s interest in energy conservation and solar power began in college. “I attended Syracuse University School of Architecture in the late 70s, early 80s — this was shortly after the Arab oil embargo and solar power had become big — and a couple of my professors were into it, and inspired me. When I started working for architectural firms in New York City during the Reagan years, however, the tax credits were eliminated and many people lost interest in solar, but the interest was still there for me. “When I started my own business in 1991, I started looking into solar power again, attending conferences and designing passive solar houses and solar additions.” John likes to combine his solar consulting work with his architectural practice, creating energy-efficient renovations and new construction. Energy retrofits on existing homes involve adding items such as insulation, new windows and doors, as well as solar panels. As more homeowners, businesses and municipalities began seeking information about going solar, John partnered with Mark Pizzi to form Westport Solar Consultants in 2005. The company advises homeowners, businesses, schools and municipalities on incorporating solar photovoltaics to generate clean electricity and save on energy costs. John’s home at 130 Compo Road in Westport is also his business office and serves as a laboratory and showcase for his work. He also makes it available for tours for those interested in solar use. Last October, his home was part of the National Solar Home Tour presented locally by the nonprofit Solar Connecticut Inc. This free event, generally held the first Saturday in October, provides the public with an opportunity to see working solar-electric and solar-thermal (hot water) systems, and other green and renewable technologies. The 2010 tour will be Oct. 2. For information on Solar Connecticut

A federal tax credit is available to help owners install photovoltaic panels.

or the next solar home tour, see.solarconnecticut.org. When John and his wife Cheryl bought their 1910 farmhouse 13 years ago, the south-facing roof was an influencing factor. “I knew we were going to integrate solar into the roof at some point.” When they were ready to expand and renovate their home about three years ago, it was the ideal time to incorporate a solar electric and a thermal system that would be visually compatible. In researching sources, he found Schuco Solar, a German company that had developed a product called the Synergy Roof. It

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sent some of its crew from Germany to help with the installation and trained the local installer, Alteris Renewables.

He also recessed the panels to allow them to be flush with the surrounding roof. The panels are raised just enough to allow air to circulate under the panels and be heated as it rises to the top. It is then brought into a system of ducts, dampers and fans, designed by John, to augment the home’s heating system. The synergy roof consists of seventeen PV panels for a total of 5.4 kW, with a three-panel hot water system.

It was a challenging installation, John said, but well worth it. The system is expected to provide about 60 percent of the family’s energy. On most sunny days, when the system is generating more energy than the house is using, the excess goes back into the CL&P grid, and the family gets a credit on its next bill. A four-minute video about the system and its installation can be seen at laskyfirm.com/wsc.

This was the first Schuco Synergy Roof project in the United States. The company

John Rountree can be contacted at john@westportsolar.com or 203-227-1766.

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was unique in that it combined solar electric and thermal sytems into one, which is installed on the roof and is waterproof.

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• January/February HOME • Hersam Acorn Newspapers •

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HOME I OF THE I MONTH ■

• January 28, 2010 •

Family Retreat LOCATION: In Shelton, this immaculate home has a setting to match. PROPERTY: Spacious lawns and mature trees surround the house in refreshing greenery and a spacious deck is just the place to enjoy it during warm weather. HOUSE: Built in 2002, this Cape-style home has an open floor plan accented by such fine details as the Italian marble floor in the foyer, hardwood floors and pocket doors between the dining room and living room. The living room opens into the kitchen, and there are two attics, a finished basement and two full and two half-baths. Upstairs there are three bedrooms. GARAGE Two-car, underground. PRICE: $469,000. REALTY: William Raveis. Agent: Janice Mattioli, 203-258-8319.

Photography: Wayne Ratzenberger.

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