Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Other Telephone Information => Off Topic => Members Pictures, Homes, Offices & Workshops => Topic started by: mienaichizu on February 08, 2009, 09:17:16 AM

Title: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 08, 2009, 09:17:16 AM
Here's mine with 3 of my vintage phones

Again, my cat loves to hang around on my desk
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 08, 2009, 07:18:12 PM
You are good with a camera!  I really like the first picture, very atmospheric and intriguing.  Love that cats eyes, nice bright gold color.  Is the cat in the In file or Out file?  I'll try to take a picture of my desk when I get a moment.

In a side note on desks I really enjoyed as well the pictures Hobiesport put on of FDR and Trumans desks.  After Obama's second or third day in office they released a picture of him in Oval Office at the desk, but it was pretty bare, I'm guessing not moved into yet.  He was on a corded phone with a K series handset I noted, some sort of late model office phone setup, I did not recognize it. 
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 08, 2009, 07:33:25 PM
Okay looks like I got around to it sooner than later.   :D

Here is my desk, the missus is off to the left and the front yard is out the window. 

Some of the misc debri:

A Burke Chair, which was the type used on the original Star Trek, birthday present from the missus.

Old 60's clock radio, RCA Victor.

Lava Lamp, blue/green.

Fossil fish from the Jurassic era, a fossil sharks tooth from Bakersfield CA I picked up as a kid, a "splat bullet" from the American Civil War- .58 cal and from the Battle of Fredericksburg, and two fragments of the flight deck of the USS Hornet.

Snap brim fedora from the 60's that I wear once in while, made of beaver felt.

Pictures of the missus, her high school grad pic, and the youngest boy. 

The cat is out in the backyard so was unavailable for her picture.   :D
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 08, 2009, 07:56:49 PM
thanks Mc Heath

the cat is on the out file telling her, get out of my desk

I like you desk, very clean and neat, especially the chair

I have two more desk in my library, will post up some more pictures later
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 08, 2009, 07:57:31 PM
Here's my desk set up for ♥ ♥ ♥ Valentines day ♥ ♥ ♥.

D/P
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: BDM on February 08, 2009, 08:20:22 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on February 08, 2009, 07:57:31 PM
Here's my desk set up for ♥ ♥ ♥ Valentines day ♥ ♥ ♥.

D/P

WHAT! :o No radios!!!!!!!!! ??? :-\
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 08, 2009, 08:22:38 PM
Right behind the phones is a mint condition Philco vanity case.
D/P
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: BDM on February 08, 2009, 08:27:02 PM
No no no, not good enough! Turn in your antique radio collectors card please ;D BTW, I like that devil statue in the back. The head he's holding reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode with William Shatner.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Steve on February 08, 2009, 08:34:07 PM
mienaichizu, what is that old art deco phone on your desk? the one without a dial?
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Ellen on February 08, 2009, 08:36:50 PM
God-daughter's Christmas drawing, wall-hook made from a Christmas tree, junk-to-car basket, genealogy piles, spinning tops collection, knitting bags, rarely-used yoga mat, paper-guillotine, apple-bag full of Roomba parts, Park & Pollard's "Lay or Bust" 1921 almanac, my brother's lamp ca. 1970, 2 tiers of pigeonholes made by my Dad, let's not talk about the green cabinet and why the lawn chair is in my sewing room, why am I showing you this instead of dealing with it???
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 08, 2009, 08:39:17 PM
Quote from: BDM on February 08, 2009, 08:27:02 PM
No no no, not good enough! Turn in your antique radio collectors card please ;D BTW, I like that devil statue in the back. The head he's holding reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode with William Shatner.

That is an original from one of those fortune teller machine from the 50's.
About 5 years ago I sold that head on ebay, and only got a $5.00 bid. I hated to part with it for that amount. I relunctantly wrapped it up and sent it off. I had owned that head since I was a kid.
I was going through some boxes of old stuff I had not looked trough in years, and low and behold there was the head. I will never know how it got in that box. I only had one of those heads.

D/P
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 08, 2009, 08:44:25 PM
Here's a couple more presidential desks (with telephones) for you, Heath:
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 08, 2009, 09:16:59 PM
Quote from: Steve on February 08, 2009, 08:34:07 PM
mienaichizu, what is that old art deco phone on your desk? the one without a dial?

I also don't know Steve, hehe, actually, I'm also asking the forum members about it
here's a link to its previous thread

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=303.0
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 09, 2009, 12:24:12 AM
Ellen:  Love the lamp, and the green cabinet, but you have to have some old phones!  And a cat!

D/P: Who'd a known you were a Valentines Softy?  I like how you rotate your desk phones for the seasons, and that payphone, does that work?

Hobiesport:  Where do you get these pics?  So, it seems that Ike was the last president to use a single line phone, based on the Prez Desks you have had pics of.  Kennedy was certainly into Scrimshaws eh?
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 09, 2009, 12:55:21 AM
Heath;  I get my pics from the Google Life Photo Archives:
http://images.google.com/hosted/life
and Corbis:
http://pro.corbis.com/
I just use whatever search words I am interested in, such as "president desk" or "president telephone" or "marilyn monroe lingerie telephone". ;)

Here are a couple more shots of FDRs' desk.  Notice the small herd of donkey figurines.  And one pic for all the radio buffs here.  And lastly, JFK Jr. lording it over Dads' desk.  "Just don't push that big red button, little John-John!" ;)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 09, 2009, 09:30:04 AM
and here's a view of my study with my vintage stuffs and others
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 09, 2009, 01:53:16 PM
Quote from: McHeath on February 09, 2009, 12:24:12 AM

D/P: Who'd a known you were a Valentines Softy?  I like how you rotate your desk phones for the seasons, and that payphone, does that work?

Hobiesport:  Where do you get these pics?  So, it seems that Ike was the last president to use a single line phone, based on the Prez Desks you have had pics of. 

I think we are all softies at heart.
Yes the payphone does work, I'm currently looking for a booth to put it in. Hobiesport shows one photo with Kennedy's desk with what appears to be a single line 500, I wonderf if it was Ike's old phone ?

Ellen;
Just out of eyeshot in my photo, you would see all the stuffd I moved to the chair so I could take the photo. Easier than explaining.

Hobiesport;
I would like to know how many actually copied your Marilyn Monroe line and pasted it for the photo of her lingerie photo ?

D/P

I did !
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 09, 2009, 02:23:32 PM
By george you're right, D/P.  Those two Ike phones do seem to have remained on Kennedy's desk, but were soon replaced by a complex push button phone.  As for Marilyn Monroe, well, she still just gets my phone lines all in a tangle.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 09, 2009, 04:22:40 PM
How confusing must that have been for Kennedy on his first day on the job, a blank desk with two identical black 500s.

"Now Mr. President, the phone on the left launches the ICBMs.  The phone on the right is hotlined to Won Cho's take out."

"Okay, so the phone on my left launches the missiles..."

"No Mr. President, the phone on my left, your right, launches the missiles..."

"And the phone on my right orders the take out..."

"No Mr. President, the phone on my right, your left, orders the take out."

"Okay, but what if I move them around?  There's no numbers on either so how will I know the difference?"

"Well sir you can't move them around, there are no numbers so that no one else knows what they do."

"But what if they've been moved around already?  What if Ike dropped one when he moved out?"

"Uh..."
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 09, 2009, 04:59:02 PM
Heath: ;D !
Maybe that explains The Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crissis. ???  Who knew? ::)
I guess it just goes to show how important desks and telephones can be, for peace in our time.  Thus this very important thread.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 09, 2009, 05:22:55 PM
Fortunately America brought out a more powerful secret weapon:
(Though desks and phones were not involved this time.)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 09, 2009, 05:46:32 PM
And here, nearly five decades later, President Obama is still dealing with parts of Cuba.  Yes, but notice what a nice clean desk he has, and a really fancy phone. So there may indeed be hope.

BTW, Ya know what I'd do if I wuz Prezerdint? 
Turn the darn desk around for a view outside.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Ellen on February 09, 2009, 06:54:14 PM
Here we have Monster-Kitty being bribed with catnip to stay in one place long enough to have his portrait done.  And the AE40 you-all helped me with is behind him.  I have a 1969-ish black WE desk model upstairs - not as exciting.  And the "phone junk" box - this is the extent of my phone addiction.  So far.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 09, 2009, 06:58:09 PM
The signs of a good desk:
A cat.  A computer.  An old dial phone.
Heaven! :D
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: bingster on February 09, 2009, 07:36:53 PM
I remember when all my phone stuff fit in one box.  Those were the days. ;D
Title: Re: What does your desk look like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 06:47:06 PM
I finally cleaned my desk off enough to take a picture.  A converted bedroom, this is my office.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 11, 2009, 07:04:05 PM
Quote from: mienaichizu on February 09, 2009, 09:30:04 AM
and here's a view of my study with my vintage stuffs and others

Is that ship the Titanic ?

D/P
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Ellen on February 11, 2009, 07:28:21 PM
Dennis, did you get the cat to take the picture?

Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 08:14:11 PM
No, the cat didn't take the picture, I did.  The cat was busy working on a phone.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: bingster on February 11, 2009, 09:50:11 PM
I spy with my little eye an ivory E1/D1 on the right that I'm gonna need to see a closer picture of. 8)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 10:08:32 PM
Bingster, that is a 1937 D1 with a seamless E1 with a bullet transmitter.  The dial is a 4J.  The cords are original as is the ivory leather base cover.  The handset cord is worn where it joins the phone.  I think it could be pulled inside the handset.  The celluloid dial plate is bubbly but it is what it is.  I don't plan on messing with it.  I think I posted a photo of the celluloid a while back.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Steve on February 11, 2009, 10:18:34 PM
 That is a great shot Dennis. lots of eye candy. looks like you have all the 500 color sets, and tu-tone sets as well.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 11, 2009, 10:29:16 PM
Nice office Dennis, way too many 500s though.  In order to help you pare down you can send me a few of the castoffs.   ;)

It's enjoyable to see all your spaces, sorta puts a face on the whole online forum thing.  Now I can picture some of ya'll sitting at your desks, etc.


Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 11, 2009, 10:45:08 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on February 11, 2009, 07:04:05 PM
Quote from: mienaichizu on February 09, 2009, 09:30:04 AM
and here's a view of my study with my vintage stuffs and others

Is that ship the Titanic ?

D/P

yes D/P, that is a 1:600 scale model of the Titanic, ocean liners is one of my likes too. Im planning to get other models like SS Normandie or the Queen Mary
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 10:45:35 PM
Thank you Steve.  I don't have them all yet.  Actually I only have two two-tone sets.  But I enjoy having those on my shelf.  
Title: Re: What does your desk look like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 11, 2009, 10:46:22 PM
Quote from: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 06:47:06 PM
I finally cleaned my desk off enough to take a picture.  A converted bedroom, this is my office.

Nice office dennis, you sure have lot's of 500s there
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 10:52:41 PM
Thank you for the compliments on the office.  I might have a couple more 500's squirreled away for a rainy day.  Some day I'd like to display my 554 models that I've been trying to get to match the 500's.  I have to build an addition.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 12, 2009, 12:23:15 AM
Quoteyes D/P, that is a 1:600 scale model of the Titanic, ocean liners is one of my likes too. Im planning to get other models like SS Normandie or the Queen Mary

Thought that looked like the Titanic in your office.  The Queen Mary is worth a tour if you're ever in Long Beach California, I've been on it a couple of times over the years.  There are several nice wooden phone booth on the ship, but I don't recall anything about what the phones were.


Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on February 12, 2009, 04:46:38 AM
Quote from: McHeath on February 12, 2009, 12:23:15 AM
Quoteyes D/P, that is a 1:600 scale model of the Titanic, ocean liners is one of my likes too. Im planning to get other models like SS Normandie or the Queen Mary

Thought that looked like the Titanic in your office.  The Queen Mary is worth a tour if you're ever in Long Beach California, I've been on it a couple of times over the years.  There are several nice wooden phone booth on the ship, but I don't recall anything about what the phones were.




oh yeah, the Queen Mary, one of my favorite ships, I really wanted to go there but im in the Philipppines
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: bingster on February 12, 2009, 04:23:04 PM
Thanks for the closeups, Dennis.  I really like the look of an ivory 202, and I'm working on a long-term project to make one for myself.  I don't want to paint any good parts, so I've been collecting trashed 202 parts that won't look good unless they're repainted.  For example, really rough, dull handset parts that will never look good again as-is.  I have everything I need except for a rough transmitter cap, a chrome fingerwheel,  and a piece of ivory suede for the bottom cover.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on February 19, 2009, 03:08:18 AM
Speaking of desks, here is a picture of Tina Fey on the phone at her desk at NBC.
She has my vote.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on February 19, 2009, 10:17:26 PM
Strange, she looks kinda familiar....
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Steve on April 25, 2009, 01:46:04 PM

It's not usually this clean but I thought I'd take a pic when it's cleared off.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on April 25, 2009, 04:49:48 PM
Very nice workspace.  Like that desk and chair, how old are they?
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Steve on April 25, 2009, 04:52:47 PM

I'm not sure of an exact date, but I would have to say very early 20th century. (pre WWI)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Bill Cahill on April 25, 2009, 08:32:45 PM
Don't even ask! :o
My desk looks like Hiroshima after the bomb! :o
Bill Cahill
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on April 25, 2009, 09:40:15 PM
Quote
Don't even ask! My desk looks like Hiroshima after the bomb!  -Bill Cahill

Bill, my desk is so bad that I think a bomb might actually improve it.  Not just the clutter on it, but the desk itself, which I built 25 years ago, has seen so much wear and tear that it's time to custom build a nice simple big new one into the front of my trailer.  Only then will I post a pic. :)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: AET on April 26, 2009, 11:31:50 PM
Desk?  My computer sits on our basement bar.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Firefyter-Emt on May 25, 2009, 10:19:14 AM
Huh.. I thought I had posted in this thread already!

Ok, so here is my office, the desk still needs to be restored and the office has plans  for a small addition to bump the left wall out maybe six feet, and then new hardwood floors... but for now.   ;D

(http://www.yankeetoys.org/lee/428091.jpg)

But where to hide a printer in such a small office?  ;)
(http://www.yankeetoys.org/lee/428094.jpg)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on May 25, 2009, 10:40:00 AM
vevery clever, nice!
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Firefyter-Emt on May 25, 2009, 11:17:18 AM
Thanks!  The wall has a storage "room" on the other side so my computer is on a shelf in that room right to the side of the printer "box".  I have all the USB support at my desk with ports on my screen, all I need is an external DVD that can be placed in the box with the printer and I never need to go out there. (The only access to that room is from outside, however, I never use CD's much)

The laptop and home computer (work laptop) are connected with a KVM switch. This allows me to use my mouse & keyboard with both of them and the printer is on the home network so anything can print to it.

All of the wires feed thru the bottom of the box and run down a wire chase to exit behind my desk. This way all of the wires are hidden and looking at the desk, no wires can be seen from the desk.

Next up is getting the picture frame motorized.  I have two cable driven car window motors that will be used, not sure which one yet, one is just exactly the length I need without any play room, the other one has not been torn apart yet.  I need to decide what to use for switches now and I can start to motorize the frame instead of the counter weight I am using now.  There is this cool "up/down" keychain remote made for auto windows that can be bought for $50.00. While cool, I doubt it will be used.  :-\
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on May 25, 2009, 12:30:45 PM
Neat room.  The hidden storage is very Bond, James Bond, circa 1966.  How old is that desk?
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Ellen on May 25, 2009, 12:54:33 PM
Ramil, Steve, Fyrfyter and I all have very similar desks.  I have refinished mine since my previous pic, but only on the top.  Here we have the Randall cow, the handwoven chair seat, the AE40 and the robophone for *those* calls.  The green box on the floor protects wires and fragile junctions.  D/P, can you see what is playing on the iTunes?  The desk belonged to my father-in-law, the Episcopalian priest, and the little table on the right was my Grandma's.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on May 25, 2009, 12:56:29 PM
Heath, your comment reminded me of a story.  Sorry, I have to share it.  I posted it off-topic here:

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1088.new#new
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on May 25, 2009, 01:21:30 PM
Nice set up Ellen.  Like the cow.  I once had a chair similar to yours, it had a leather strip bottom, a fellow claimed it was "Shaker" made but I doubted that.  Do you know any history of yours? 
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on May 25, 2009, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: Ellen
Ramil, Steve, Fyrfyter and I all have very similar desks.

Whenever I see these great classic desks I think of old detective film noir movies with Humphrey Bogart, Robert Mitchum and the like.  To complete the picture they seem to involve venetian blinds with the shadows and light falling at a diagonal pattern, a single overhead light bulb with flat cone-shaped shade, a hatrack with a fedora, and a neon hotel sign blinking outside. Besides a classic telephone on the desk, other desk accessories seem to involve a cash box locked in one drawer with a revolver and a half bottle of bourbon.

Oh, and of course they involve a narrator: "The minute she walked through the door I could see that both of her legs reached all the way to the floor..."
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Firefyter-Emt on May 25, 2009, 03:06:11 PM
LOL... I just had to snap this photo of my desk drawer!

(http://www.yankeetoys.org/lee/525091.jpg)

You know, I might just add a fake revolver and a bottle of bourbon just for kicks!  ;D


My desk is from the 1940 from what I can find and that cash drawer is "kind of" original. It was installed by the owner when the desk was in the office of an insurance agent.  The bottom side of the desk also has the names of some children, his I presume after he brought the desk home. I found three names and decided that I would just have to add my own for kicks.  :D

Ellen, I believe your desk dates back to the 1900 to 1920 range, but does not have the original handles.  That raised panel design to the drawers were more common then.  Could you post a photo of your desk now that is has been refinished? I plan to refinish mine this summer.

I love these desks and "almost" bought a small one with a typewriter flip up built into the top.  It would not fit now, but maybe after the office was enlarged....
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Ellen on May 25, 2009, 04:15:28 PM
No real info on the chair - except that I stripped the paint in 1976, I think.  Maybe because it was red?  The tapes with which the seat is woven are "Shaker" tapes.  The diamonds are not their standard weave pattern, though.  Mostly it's just a beat-up old chair.  And her legs go right down to the floor.

The top of the desk was doing that crunchy-white thing every time I scratched it with something, or Andy did the crossword, or someone left a wet cup on it even just for 2 seconds.  I used ammonia to take all the finish off, then I waited a day or two for it to dry.  I sanded it with only #600 sandpaper.  Even with that, the grain is very splintery, so using it for a day or two before I got out to buy the finish, it was very uncomfortable to use.  Very smooth, but very prickly.  I finished it with 3 coats of Formby's Tung Oil Finish, glossy, with a light sanding in between.  It still has a few nicks, but the grain shows very nicely.  It is not glassy, but finely textured.  Very comfortable to my hands and arms.  It is mahogany, I think.  My photo of today is the refinished top - you can see the reflection of my pink highlighter.  I don't have the stamina to do the whole desk, but it looks okay.

I think Fyrfyter's desk top is oak?
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on May 25, 2009, 04:26:19 PM
Tung oil is my favorite wood furniture finish by far.  Good stuff.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: mienaichizu on May 25, 2009, 10:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ellen on May 25, 2009, 12:54:33 PM
Ramil, Steve, Fyrfyter and I all have very similar desks.  I have refinished mine since my previous pic, but only on the top.  Here we have the Randall cow, the handwoven chair seat, the AE40 and the robophone for *those* calls.  The green box on the floor protects wires and fragile junctions.  D/P, can you see what is playing on the iTunes?  The desk belonged to my father-in-law, the Episcopalian priest, and the little table on the right was my Grandma's.

WOW a MAC! I love it
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Phonesrfun on August 07, 2009, 09:57:43 PM
Clutter??  We don't need no stinkin clutter!

Here are a couple of pictures of my spare bedroom in the basement.

It's a friggin mess!  I moved in about a year ago, and everything was nicely boxed up with nice padding and peanuts to keep everything nice and safe.  This is the part that has made it out into the open.  There are still some items nicely packed away in closets.

See what happens when you get a collection going?

My project for this summer was going to be to get some nice shelving and organize it before things start breaking and getting scratched.  Instead, life at work got real busy, and as you can see, my room is still out of control.

-Bill
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on August 08, 2009, 12:24:30 AM
Bill, you have all kinds of neat stuff in that room!
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on August 08, 2009, 02:00:36 AM
Wow, that'd be like Christmas, digging through those boxes!  Some cool finds indeed look to be lurking about. 
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 04, 2009, 08:46:45 PM
Well I finally got around to posting this picture of my desk. I built this desk many years ago, so it has all kinds of wear and patina. The desk is set up at the front of the long long trailer, with two nice big picture windows on either side, so it feels really spacious even though it's only eight feed wide.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on September 04, 2009, 11:22:29 PM
Holy Sweetness Batman!  What a great view!  Nice set up you got there.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: bwanna on September 05, 2009, 06:26:59 AM
pretty darn tidy there, hobie. now where's your real desk ::)

love your clocks ;D
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 05, 2009, 08:37:39 AM
Very nice Hobie.  Do you ever see any wild life out that window?  I too enjoy the old clocks.  Do you have one set for each time zone??

Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 05, 2009, 11:29:51 AM
Here's some wider shots of the trailer desk, showing the big side windows. With all the glass and views, it almost feels like sitting outside, except that it's enclosed and cozy. As you can see, the trailer is still a work in progress, but it's basically quite livable as is for a county boy like me.

Do I see wildlife? Oh yes indeed. Since I'm right on the edge of the forest and meadow, there are foxes, racoons, skunks, deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, chipmunks, ravens...you name it. The forest has had it's share of bear and cougar, though I haven't spotted them personally.

Ya know, when I tell my friends I'm moving into a trailer, they kind of get a look of pity for me. When I try to explain that it's very comfortable, they seem to think I am just kidding myself and rationalizing. But like I say, it's really just like vacation camping year round with all regular conveniences, especially in our very mild climate.

So now I'm looking for some decent tenants to occupy our main house. Just quiet folks like me basically. It's on a big sunny quiet private meadow just a half mile from town. Anyone interested? It's really a great place to live. Wonderful school system, great sense of community here, like a small old timey town, but with all modern facilities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendocino,_California

The Wiki article is a bit misleading, just in that the population may be small in the actual town, but the population of the surrounding area is in the several thousands.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on September 05, 2009, 12:14:19 PM
Yes it's a very nice area you live in.  I was last there about 20 years ago, when I lived in Arcata, another disarmingly cute little costal town.  I lived in a trailer once, in Texas, and it was an 8' by 32' foot job, not nearly as nice as yours.  Rainstorms were fun, the thin metal roof made for drama, and the coons and possums would fight underneath it for control of the Earth which was also pure drama. 

Hey when are we going to get some pics of the inner guts of that aqua 3500? ;)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 05, 2009, 01:53:15 PM
Quote from: McHeath
Hey when are we going to get some pics of the inner guts of that aqua 3500? ;)

Here you go, Heath (finally...sorry for the long delay...)

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1177.new#new
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 07, 2009, 05:49:54 PM
Quote from: bwanna
pretty darn tidy there, hobie. now where's your real desk ::)

;D Bwanna your humor is not entirely lost on me.  ;) I admit that I cleaned my desk a little bit to take the photos. The rest of the trailer is pretty cluttered, with phones and tools everywhere. Half of the time the phones are competing with the cooking operations on the kitchen area...
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: foots on September 08, 2009, 03:27:16 AM
Wow Hobie, nice pad. Love the "observatory" you have.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 08, 2009, 10:57:45 AM
Yep, those big living room picture windows really make a huge difference making the space feel big and open. There are a lot of good thoughtful design features in the Roadmaster, besides the good floorplan and nice cabinet work; such as the original windows which all still work and open for good ventilation, and upper screened vents throughout, that can be opened even in the rain. Yup, she may just be an ugly old trailer to some, but I love it. The build quality in general is pretty amazing, and not found in most newer trailers.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 08, 2009, 11:06:59 AM
Hobie, it is a very nice trailer.  I saw a small one recently on a road that I travel.  It looks similar to yours but much shorter.  I have been tempted to stop in and look at it but it's not for sale, just sitting in someone's driveway.  I think they use it for camping which is pretty popular in these parts.

I'll bet your trailer weighs quite a bit more than those of today.  That fact probably makes it more stable in high winds??
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 08, 2009, 11:33:01 AM
The vintage trailers seem to be getting popular and bringing higher prices these days, but still a better buy than most new trailers IMHO, and with ten times the charm.

And yes, the Roadmaster is heavy! The framing is all very solid tight grain Douglass Fir, just like a frame house but with thinner walls, but very well insulated all around. And the outer sheathing is steel, not aluminum, which is good because it's much tougher and adds lots of structural integrity, but not so good because it rusts, so it won't win any beauty contests.

If you're interested in that trailer you see, even if it's not for sale, you might just ask about it anyway, as you never know. Do you know what make of trailer it is?

One of the joys of working in Calif State Parks last year (I've been laid off :'() was seeing some great old trailers that folks took a lot of pride in refurbishing, and they were often very happy to give me a little tour.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 08, 2009, 12:51:18 PM
Thanks for the info Hobie. I may stop and check out the trailer but I am not interested in buying one.  My idea of camping involves a shower, an internet connection and room service! :)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 08, 2009, 01:22:30 PM
Quote from: Dennis Markham
My idea of camping involves a shower, an internet connection and room service! :)

My trailer has a hot shower and high speed internet connection. I have to supply my own room service though; That usually involves the campfire/bbq and roast duck with orange sauce... ;D
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: JorgeAmely on September 08, 2009, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: Dennis Markham on September 08, 2009, 12:51:18 PM
My idea of camping involves a shower, an internet connection and room service! :)

Dennis: Did you forget to add "and a nearby flea market?"
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 08, 2009, 03:24:10 PM
Hobie, your situation in more permanent.  I'm talking about those that pull a trailer (or tent) somewhere on the weekend.  I also know now that the Recreational Vehicles are pretty sophisticated and have all the amenities of home.

You're right Jorge, a nearby Flea Market is a must!!
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on September 10, 2009, 01:10:50 PM
Of course I wouldn't "go camping" if it wasn't more "permanent".  ;)

It was rather sad to see families enter the campground rather enthusiastically and then leave two or three days later looking even more tired. I never understood the idea of "weekend" camping. ;)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on September 11, 2009, 12:43:05 AM
Funny old picture by Norman R.  The only person who has not changed a wit after the "fun" camping trip is grandma, who has her face set like flint both going and coming.  Even the dog looks beat on the way back home. 

We camped for a couple of days last summer, had not done it in years and years.  It was just like I remembered.  I know a lot of folks love it, and I get why as it's pretty fab to be out in the woods and nature and all.  But I'm more of an armchair nature lover. 
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on January 25, 2010, 12:18:28 AM
Been awhile since this topic had any activity.  Thought I'd post a picture of my desk from a long shot instead of just up close.  Mine is the close one, my espositas is the far one.

Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: bwanna on January 25, 2010, 07:04:20 AM
very tidy.  i like your hat & lava lamp :)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on January 25, 2010, 10:42:21 AM
Really neat set-up, Heath!  I remember your closeups of the desks, and now it's great to also see the whole room, in all it's classy modernist-mid-century-slightly googie-ish Heathesque glory. Thanks for posting your inspiring photo. It's all great, and I also especially like the fedora, lava lamp, and of course the phones.

So now I have to ask...What is the view out the big window?
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on January 27, 2010, 10:29:13 PM
Well I wish the view out the window was something really cool, like the Space Needle or Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls.  But it's pretty ordinary, as seen below, just a couple of ranch style houses.  The green house on the left was built in 1950, and the yellow one on the right in 1960, and ours in 1966.  Old folks live in the green and yellow houses, good people all.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: HobieSport on January 27, 2010, 11:08:38 PM
Not a bad view at all, and fit's right in with your 1950s-60s motif. :)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on January 27, 2010, 11:16:22 PM
Nice photos heath and a couple of nice looking telephones!  The view is nice---looks like summer time.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: McHeath on January 27, 2010, 11:29:17 PM
QuoteThe view is nice---looks like summer time.

Ha!  That was this afternoon, Jan 27th.  Winter is pretty much over for us, the lawn is even starting to come out of being dormant and the trees are budding. 
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Dennis Markham on January 27, 2010, 11:33:35 PM
Heath, that will happen here too.........latter part of March, early April! :(
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: Craig T on January 28, 2010, 12:25:54 AM
Make that June for the U.P.  ::) ;)
Title: Re: What does your desk look like?
Post by: southernphoneman on March 19, 2013, 05:02:24 AM
Quote from: Dennis Markham on February 11, 2009, 06:47:06 PM
I finally cleaned my desk off enough to take a picture.  A converted bedroom, this is my office.
cool desk,cool room,and definitly cool phones.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: southernphoneman on April 07, 2013, 07:46:44 PM
well here is a photo of both of my desks, they are in what I call the telephone room. the first photo is my computer desk where I spend many hours on the computer posting on the forum, this room is also where I keep my collection(photo number2), also it is where I work on all of my phones including refurbs. :)
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: southernphoneman on April 07, 2013, 07:59:42 PM
Quote from: Ellen on February 09, 2009, 06:54:14 PM
Here we have Monster-Kitty being bribed with catnip to stay in one place long enough to have his portrait done.  And the AE40 you-all helped me with is behind him.  I have a 1969-ish black WE desk model upstairs - not as exciting.  And the "phone junk" box - this is the extent of my phone addiction.  So far.
I saw this photo and had to reply to it see photos below.
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: WesternElectricBen on April 13, 2013, 10:51:01 PM
I like that desk with that glassed cabinet, where did you get that?

Ben
Title: Re: How's your desk looks like?
Post by: southernphoneman on April 14, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: WesternElectricBen on April 13, 2013, 10:51:01 PM
I like that desk with that glassed cabinet, where did you get that?

Ben
I bought it from someone in my local area, here in eastern north Carolina,i needed a desk after my house was built and my parents saw a posting for it on the post office wall.