Frederic Weinberg / Arthur Umanoff Stools

As I’m directed to the basement of this 1950’s cap cod style home I’m reminded of Indiana Jones looking for great treasure in great tombs.  I flip the light switch to on at the top of the stairs but only the steps are illuminated. Fortunately my vintage stainless steel flashlight is at the ready.  The beam of the 50 plus year old flashlight picks up the stair tread. The steps are covered in black with white fleck linoleum tile.  I move down the stairs and reach the bottom step.  I pause here and before stepping off onto the floor I swing the flashlight around the dark, dusty space. The walls are covered with 1960’s paneling. It’s a low ceiling with recessed lighting. The floor, what I can see of it, is the same black and white flecked linoleum tile. A layer of dust blankets everything. There is a smell here of things old, ignored and forgotten. The proof of life surrounds me here. How long has all this stuff been down here I wonder. The entire space is occupied by stacks, racks, piles, boxes and containers of a family’s life. I will scour through these gems in just a moment.  However, first I must dig out what the flashlight beam has detected as vinyl covered stools. With a closer examination I uncover seven sets of black metal hairpin legs supporting two tone vinyl seats. They are either Frederic Weinberg or Arthur Umanoff designs.  Both are names of well known designers from the mid century modern period.  So, seven stools, seven trips through the dark basement, up the stairs and out into the light of the front yard. I know that the new light that falls across these stools promises them and me a new tomorrow.  With this empirical knowledge I turn and return to the basement with the promise of more treasure.