His prices are insane!
Stripping Paint
Eddie Hibbert is famous in Brooklyn. At least amongst those of us struggling to restore our 100 year old homes. Located on Greene and Grande in Clinton Hill, Eddie doesn’t have a website. He doesn’t answer his phone. He opens at noon and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. And yet…he can’t handle all the business he gets.
An ex firefighter and member of the Vulcan Society, Eddie found his way into the salvage business some 30 years ago while living in Harlem. A guy who was salvaging brownstone details told him that the artisans who built these fine homes wouldn’t be around forever and the value was bound to go up. Eddie listened. He studied up on antiques and volunteered to help “mentors”. He started out by selling to the antique shops on Atlantic Avenue. His 2 original stores were on Myrtle Avenue.
Apart from the usual Brownstoner crowd, Eddie’s customers range from Williamsburg artists to folks looking for unique headboards such as doors or mantles. He gives work to guys who need it, but has to be careful about whom he takes with him into people’s homes. A long time customer who was there the day I was interviewing Eddie chimed in “He’s too kind hearted for his own good!” Eddie just says “I’m a simple guy.”
What you’ll find: Everything. Dig for it or ask. Doors, Mantles, Fireplace Inserts, Shutters, Newell Posts, Fretwork, Stained Glass…..if it came out of a brownstone, it’s here.
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I live in northern Westchester. If I had only 1 day to spend on a salvage hunt, do you think I’d do better with Eddie or in Albany? Or elsewhere?
Comment by Anonymous — October 2, 2007 @ 8:53 am
My feeling is that you should start in Brooklyn simply because it’s closer. It also depends on what type of house you have and what you’re looking for. The NYC places tend to be more rowhouse materials. Don’t forget that Eddie is closed on Sundays and Mondays. If you’re in the boros, you should also check out Vaccaro’s on 15th St bet. 2nd and 3rd Aves in Park Slope and http://www.bignyc.org/ in Queens.
Comment by RH — October 2, 2007 @ 9:07 am
[…] the house and the craftspeople who created stuff like this no longer exist. It’s funny….Eddie said the exact same thing. Someone told him that over 30 years ago. Sad, but […]
Pingback by reclaimedhome.com » Sterling Place: Vintage Finds — October 22, 2007 @ 6:49 am
Eddie has very rare and one-of-a-kind items. I’m sure that he has the best prices overall. Stop by and you won’t leave empty handed. He is not only a great businessman, he is a very humble man. I’m so very proud of you, big brother!
Love,
Your Sister, Kim
Comment by Kim Hibbert — February 25, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Those are my doors pictured behind Eddie! He and his stripped them as well.
Comment by North Sleeper — February 25, 2008 @ 10:20 am
I’ve traveled far and wide looking for salvage. You’re right, Kim. He does have the best prices. But don’t tell him that!
North Sleeper, for real? I took that picture in late September/early Oct last year. They’re nice!
Comment by RH — February 25, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
[…] finally nabbed a couple of VERY WORN Carhardt coats from Eddie. We looked like we were homeless and probably scared people off, but we were warm. Eddie was there […]
Pingback by Reclaimed Home: Green Low Impact Housing Renovation of New York, Brooklyn, New Jersey — April 7, 2008 @ 8:56 am