Old Windows

Camp windows have had an interesting history. My recollection may need to be corrected. The double-hung windows in the bedrooms originally came from a house that was to be demolished. The source house in Gloversville either had fire damage or some other structural catastrophe almost sixty years ago. How long they had existed in the original hose is unknown, but certainly some decades.

Recycling these windows was certainly integral with Kurt & Lois’s life philosophy. With the construction of camp in the 1950’s, the idea of re-using seven identical windows has many benefits. A key one for a couple living on a minister’s salary would be the obvious bonus of low-cost / no-cost but functional windows.

Kitchen sink windows, the large lake side kitchen window, and the south LR window were all recycled from Bamberger’s.

Bamberger’s was a New Jersey department store, later incorporated into Macy’s in the 1980’s. Kurt’s Uncle Herman, the cabinetmaker, had connections to the maintenance staff of Bamberger’s who covered the Morristown, Plainfield and the Newark (flagship) stores. Camp’s very large, plain fixed windows used to be huge display windows from Bamberger’s. These windows were custom-made and cut from their commerical discards.

Window Maintenence

Annually, it seems paint is missing, chipped, peeling or cracked around the frames. Periodically, external maintenance using a heat gun to replace putty and finesse glazing points is required. Beth resolved to keep appearances satisfactory with annual scraping and painting.

Functioning of bedroom windows has evolved to a minimal level, and at best the windows are difficult to open and close. At one time, it may have been quaint to prop windows open with a piece of kindling. Screening became a permanent mesh stapled on the exterior sashes of the upstairs windows to keep insects out. But those screens were laden with spider webs, and everything was difficult to clean from year to year.

New Windows

New double-hung windows were purchased from and installed by Window World of the Capital District on November 16th, on a cold and foggy Tuesday. Contract details have been underway for a few months.
Removal of the old windows occurred from the outside. Units came out whole. The contractor crew of Jay, Charles and Shaun kept the entire area neat, with no shard remnants. Lead paint abatement was a surcharge in the contract.

With installation of the new windows, they clad the external window framing in white, wood-grained aluminum. This became specifically a very custom aspect of the installation.

Uncle Herman’s craftsman attitude was evident in the disassembly of the kitchen window. The glass was thick; the frames were tight and screwed-in to the framing. The heavy glass almost seemed like a structural member.

These replacement Series 2000 windows feature welded sashes to create strength & rigidity. The windows tilt-in for easy maintenance. The extruded vinyl lift rails add durability. The external window framing is clad in wood-grained aluminum.
Overall, the units never need scraping or painting.

In the kitchen is a 2 Lite Slider, which is also low maintenance, functional and energy-efficient. However, it is the most visible evidence of a change in design, but that was a decision of economics.

After all, it is camp.

Entry Repairs

Ed Greenslit provided electrical skill and insight to make a safe illumination for the new lakeside staircase.