**Archive. Originally posted October 2, 2007.
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.
13 Comments
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?
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.
[…] 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 […]
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
Those are my doors pictured behind Eddie! He and his stripped them as well.
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!
[…] 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 […]
[…] cannot, you can always find second hand material Build It Green or Green Demolitions. Places like Eddie’s and Silver Fox have all the antique details you’ll need to properly restore your old […]
Eddie is the man. I love Eddie. Aside from my getting tons of great stuff from him — light fixtures, tables, mantles, 2 fantastic club chairs (which I had reupholstered and look great!!!), I have spent countless hours telling him the tales of my renovation and laughing and enjoying the wonderful people parade that his store brings. He has also listened to more than one crazy tale of renovation woe and for that I am really grateful (usually ends up by laughing….). He has helped me with my doors and I have bought tons of furniture. He is the best.
Pixi,
just checking on you to see if your alright.You know,the tred mill accident.
go big or go home
Mohawk
You should what happened to my van while I was loading. And that was a nice vendor!
Why are you commenting on an old post? Don’t you know anything about blogs? gawd.
[…] I went to Eddie’s and Vaccaro’s. Small selections. I figured I could find them upstate at Zaborski’s. I […]
[…] doors were purchased for 5 bucks per piece at Eddie Hibbert’s salvage garage. Total came to $20 for the line. They were going to be used as an interior wall initially […]