The crazy thing about history is that it covers everything. If it happened prior to “now,” then it’s history. So the whole spectrum of activities that humans engage in, from the greatest to the lowliest, can be talked about from a historic point of view. And by extension, the various tools used in these activities can become intriguing artifacts of an era.
Take the green bathroom sink and toilet for example….
1951 Crane Advertisement from Plentiful Pages on Etsy.
In 1954, a house was being built in Fort Collins that was unlike anything the town had seen before. The building was long and low, utterly unlike the array of houses found in the rest of the city. (“The rest of the city” would be approximately equivalent to what we call “Old Town” today.) And in it was installed one of the hippest, coolest, most modern bathrooms available at the time.
Crane Diana Lavatory 1950 Ad. Plumbing Fixtures. Stock Number: 08408. Vitreous China. Choice of White or Eight Crane Colors.
Crane fixtures were top-of-the-line. The builder spared no expense for this house in a brand new subdivision on the other side of Colorado A&M from the rest of Fort Collins. A truly modern house, on a winding, modern street, could only feature sleek, modern bathroom furniture.
1948 Crane Advertisement
This historic, classic 1950s sink and toilet set, in full-on sherbert green, is now looking for a new home. So when I said “Take the green bathroom sink and toilet for example…,” I meant that quite literally. The owner of this lovely set has asked me to spread the word that these items are available for free to the first taker.
Crane fixtures installed in a house in the Sheely Neighborhood in the 1950s.
Here’s the information the current owner sent my way.
FOR FREE ! 1953 Case model 1000 toilet in Sea Foam Green with matching Crane “Diana” Console (wall mount) sink with chrome legs. Drexel handles (“Pac-Man”). Mid-Century modern doesn’t get any better than this ! “Case brand toilets – no longer manufactured – are some of the finest toilets ever made. Those that still have them, don’t want to give them up!” Quote from Plumbing Supply.com. This is the mother of all toilets, watch the tidal wave flussssh!!! I also have a matching cast iron tub (no picture). Check out; Bathroom Machineries and Plumbing Supply.com on line.
If you are interested and would like to get in contact with the owner, email me at meg@northerncoloradohistory.com and I’ll connect you.