Boston Brick & Stone's online newsletter for September 2017
THE MASONRY MONTHLY
2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com A Restoration in Death Valley Preserving Our Nation’s Historical Fabric SEPTEMBER 2017
I recently returned from a restoration job out at Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley. Yes, we worked on a project in Death Valley in the middle of summer. The project took off when we got a call from Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a company that manages a number of national parks around the country. They also manage several state parks and other resorts. They’re the people who run the hotels, gift shops, and other similar services within the park, with National Park Service oversight.
From there, we packed up and headed out to Death Valley. I loaded up some scaffolding planks on my own flatbed truck and made the journey on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. Even better, I had no air conditioning. When we got to the Death Valley job site, we encountered our first major challenge (or second, if you’re me). Xanterra didn’t want to replace the roof of the inn. We had to design a punctureless scaffolding system that would allow us to work on the chimneys while preserving the existing roof. That took some serious skill, but it was all part of the job.
When Xanterra called us, they told us the chimneys at The Inn at Furnace Creek were not working and they wanted us to give them an assessment. The Inn at Furnace Creek was built in 1927 and has since been incorporated into the National Park Service. The historic inn is often referred to as the jewel of Death Valley. We went to the inn, inspected the chimneys, assessed the situation, and then gave Xanterra a full report — a binder chock-full of our recommendations. We also gave them our bid for the job. From there, we waited as they reviewed the binder and made a final decision.
Then there was the other major challenge: the temperature. Throughout the first two weeks we were out there, it routinely hit 127 degrees. The first week alone was setting up the scaffolding. It took 12 guys, and it was brutal. We had to work in the dead of night to get some hint of relief. We pushed ahead with a deadline of August 31. The general contractor, who we were working under, needed us out so they could begin work on other projects around the inn. Despite the challenges, we worked ahead of schedule and completed our restoration on August 11.
Eventually, we got the call. The job: Xanterra wanted us to fix the main chimney system. They wanted the chimneys working and safe. It was going to be a tough job because of limited access, high temperatures, and very strict safety standards — absolutely everything had to be OSHA compliant — but I knew the Boston Brick & Stone team was up to the task. Just before we got the call for Death Valley job, we had finished up a job at Bryce Canyon National Park. It was another job completed under the watchful eye of the National Park Service. In Bryce Canyon, we worked on chimneys that had been decimated by the elements. We’re talking freezing temperatures 350 days a year, and when you add moisture to the mix, you have stone’s worst enemy. It was a mess, but the restoration went beautifully.
It was an honor and a privilege to work on The Inn at Furnace Creek. Really, it’s an honor to work on any project in a national park. A lot of people consider these parks our nation’s crown jewels, and to have the opportunity to preserve history means so much. Boston Brick & Stone was chosen for the job at Death Valley because, as far as I’m aware, we’re the only company that’s mastered all aspects of chimney restoration. We have the technology and the know-how. Plus, we have the ability to get 15 guys out to a remote area to do some complicated work. That’s the thing. When you’re working in a national park, you’re not simply doing a repair. You are restoring and preserving the historical fabric of the park and of the country. We’re there to ensure the stonework looks like it did
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PUT ‘POSITIVE THINKING’ TO BED Why This Way of Thought Isn’t What It’s Cracked Up to Be
Can the power of positive thinking change your life? Bookstores brim with self-help books written to guide readers toward positive thinking and countless websites claim to do the same. But what is positive thinking?
In reality, the biggest factor at play when it comes to positive or negative thinking may be stress. Stress comes with its fair share of negative consequences. Stress can influence overall health, both mentally and physically. If you are stressed, chances are you are not in a good mood and, by extension, are thinking negative thoughts.
Essentially, it’s shutting out negative thoughts. One website, tinybuddha. com, says, “Negative thoughts drain you of energy and keep you from
being in the present moment. The more you give in to your negative thoughts, the stronger they become.” This sentiment is ironic considering the Buddhist philosophy of detachment (or non-attachment) suggests that one should let negative thoughts and emotions enter the mind, but not dwell on them, so they pass with the moment.
And this presents another problem with positive thinking. Anne Harrington, Franklin L. Ford Professor of the History of Science and director of undergraduate studies at Harvard, and author of “The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine,” says, “It’s just as stressful to keep up a performance of positivity as it is to [keep up] a bad mood. It’s very stressful to be inauthentically upbeat all the time.”
So, what can you do? Let yourself think negative and positive thoughts. Don’t dwell on the negative, and let it run its course. Then, turn your attention to your sources of stress and do what you can to minimize them.
Research into the subject agrees. In the 1960s, researchers studied grief — or the lack of it. When people attempted to suppress grief, it took them longer to recover from what caused the grief in the first place.
OUR SERVICES
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on day one while meeting today’s rigorous safety standards. We have to strike the perfect balance.
CHIMNEY
•Chimney inspection •Chimney restoration and repair •Chimney construction •Chimney sweeping
Time and time again, we’ve come through for the national parks and companies like Xanterra. They’ve told us how much they appreciate us and the work we do, just as we appreciate them for giving us the opportunity to be a small part of history. Dave Laverdiere
FIREPLACE •Fireplace inspection, restoration, or repair of an existing structure •Installation or reconstruction of new structures HARDSCAPE •Backyard patios
•Outdoor kitchens and barbecues •Outdoor steps, walkways, and paths •Retaining walls •Outdoor fireplaces •Driveways
TESTIMONIAL Here’s what a happy client had to say about one of our services. “Great company! Professional, always on time, and kept us informed at all times on everything concerning the project. Friendly, yet wholly professional crew and supervisor.” -Eric D.
HISTORICAL RESTORATION Our restoration work includes: •Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. •Repair and restoration of the chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. •Historical chimney restoration for the lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park. •Faithful restoration of the chimneys on the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills. BRICK RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION
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DEDICATED TO HISTORY The Choice for Historical Restoration
Sometimes, a restoration requires an exceptionally delicate touch. It’s that kind of touch and attention to detail that is necessary to restore historical homes and buildings. It’s also the touch of our high-end masonry experts that has allowed us to become the top choice for historical restoration. The greater Los Angeles area is home to many historical homes, businesses, and other structures that are a part of the fabric of the community. Today, our work can be seen both locally and around the southwest United States.
Here are a few of our restoration projects:
• Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
We are dedicated and determined to help preserve Pasadena and Los Angeles’ many historical buildings. In recognition of that mission, the California Legislature Assembly awarded Boston Brick & Stone, Inc. with a certificate for our outstanding rehabilitation service of a historical residence at 1299 Hillcrest Avenue in Pasadena. We were also awarded the 2014 Historic Preservation Award for our work on the residence. Our experienced masons ensure longevity, function, and safety for each structure we work on. We’re here to protect our architectural history so it can remain a part of our rich LA legacy for generations to come.
• Repair and restoration of the chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Historic chimney restoration on Bryce Canyon Lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park
• Faithful restorations of the chimneys on the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills
MEME CORNER
ONE-PAN HARVEST PASTA
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups) • 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (2 cups) • 2 tomatoes or 4 Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 cup) • 1/3 cup chopped red onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (19-ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
• 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth • 1 cup dried whole grain elbow macaroni • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • Kosher salt • Ground black pepper (optional) • Snipped fresh basil • Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. In a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Cook, uncovered, 7–10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Add beans, broth, pasta, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 7–10 minutes more or until vegetables and pasta are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper; top with basil and Parmesan cheese and serve.
Recipe courtesy of midwestliving.com
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SERVING THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com
INSIDE
page 1
Preserving History in Death Valley
page 2
Put Positive Thinking to Bed
page 2
Testimonial
page 3
A Dedication to History
page 3
One-Pan Harvest Pasta
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The Museum of What?
THE MUSEUM OF WHAT? The World’s Strangest Museums
Museums are a staple of vacations no matter where you travel. Everyone has heard of the Louvre and the Smithsonian, but you might be surprised to learn about some of the stranger museums around the world. For nearly every passion, there is a building somewhere dedicated to it. Take a look at some of the weirdest. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets • Delhi, India A functioning toilet is something everyone takes for granted until they don’t have access to one. In India’s capital, you can explore the fascinating history of commodes. From primitive examples you would never use today to gold-plated bathroom thrones from palaces across the world, the variety of toilets on display is staggering. Divided into three sections — ancient, medieval, and modern — you’ll be shocked at how much you can learn about history and culture through an examination of the ways a society flushes (or doesn’t). The Museum of Bad Art •Dedham, Massachusetts There are plenty of museums dedicated to exceptional artwork from history, but only one dedicated to less-than-successful artistic endeavors. The Museum of Bad Art, or MOBA, promotes itself as the home of “art too bad to be ignored.” A trip to MOBA will leave you smiling, laughing, and feeling a little better about the fact that you’re not Picasso.
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum •Osaka, Japan It’s not just college students and video gamers who love ramen. Since the invention of the instant noodles by Momofuku Ando in 1958, ramen has evolved into a beloved dietary staple from Japan to Jamaica. The museum named after its creator offers you the chance to look at some of the strangest versions from around the world. As an added bonus, you can even design your own packaging. Bring along some chopsticks, as there are plenty of samples to slurp up. The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum • Rush County, Kansas Plenty of museums are hands-off, but that’s usually to protect the precious objects held within. At the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum, not touching the exhibits is just sound advice. The development of barbed wire was instrumental in settling the American West, and this museum pays tribute to the ingenuity of those farmers who wanted to make sure their cattle stayed on their property and thieves stayed out.
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