Boston Brick & Stone - November 2018

Boston Brick & Stone - November 2018

THE MASONRY MONTHLY

2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com | November 2018

THE HISTORY BEHIND THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS

I n our lifetimes, Thanksgiving hasn’t changed all that much. Sure, you may have modernized the menu and begun posting your family photos to Instagram, but the tried-and-true quartet of family, football, grub, and gratitude has been in place for generations. While it’s easy to take holiday traditions as a given, each one has a fascinating history all its own. Christmas trees, Valentine’s chocolate, and other de rigueur activities often have strange, unexpected origins. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the backstories behind some of the essential Thanksgiving traditions. Turkey Unlike other items on this list, it’s likely that turkey has been a staple of Thanksgivings since the first Thanksgiving in 1621. At the time, the holiday didn’t even have a name, and it was still more than 200 years away from being officially recognized by Abraham Lincoln. Governor William Bradford described the menu in his journal “Of Plymouth Plantation,” which is one of the earliest accounts of life in colonial America. “Besides waterfowl,” he wrote, “there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc.” As the colonists moved throughout the continent, they brought turkeys with them. In fact, there was even a specific role, called a “turkey drover,” for the person who would shepherd the birds from one part of the country to another. The relationship between turkey and Thanksgiving was well-established by the time the American Revolution began. Alexander Hamilton went so far as to say, “No citizen of the U.S. shall refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day.” According to the National Turkey Federation, more than 40 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving, so it’s safe to assume that most people are heeding Hamilton's advice. Football American football — or any football, for that matter — wasn’t even a sport when Thanksgiving began. However, the association between the two American icons dates back to the earliest days of the sport in the late 19th century. Harvard and Yale played the first Thanksgiving game in 1876. A decade There are only two primary source documents detailing the meal between the Massachusetts colonists and the Wampanoag natives, and one of them mentions the famous Thanksgiving bird explicitly. Plymouth County

later, the University of Michigan began a series of games that most historians believe inaugurated the tradition of Thanksgiving football in earnest.

College football may have been where the sport’s relationship with Thanksgiving began, but the NFL is how we get our Thanksgiving football fix these days. The Detroit Lions played in the first professional “Turkey Bowl” in 1934 against the Bears, and the Dallas Cowboys got in on the act in 1966.

The teams from Detroit and Dallas still host holiday games to this day. The NFL, never one to miss an opportunity to make money, added a third Thanksgiving

game in 2011. One year later, Mark Sanchez of the Jets produced the now-notorious “butt fumble,” laying an egg that even the largest fowl would be envious of. Black Friday The wildest shopping day on the calendar begins earlier and grows more annoying every year — recently, it’s started to encroach on Thanksgiving itself, making you wonder if you should stick

around for pie or head off to the mega-retailer for a chance to take advantage of some screaming deals. You may be happy to know that people being irritated about Black Friday goes back as far the tradition itself. Many people assume that the holiday gets its name from retailers going from “red” (having a loss) to “black” (making a profit) on that day, but that’s actually a myth. The term was coined by Philadelphia police officers to describe the influx of suburban shoppers who flocked to the city, wreaking havoc and forcing them to work long hours. It took only a few years for Black Friday to become an unofficial city holiday. Black Friday in Philadelphia began in the 1950s. A few decades later, in the ‘80s, when America was chock-full of shopping malls, it became a nation-wide phenomenon. Even the explosion of online retail hasn’t slowed the droves of people lining up at insane hours to secure the biggest savings of the season. Thanksgiving is one of the most traditional holidays. Whether you’re content to keep the routine the same or are the type of person who likes to spice things up, it’s fun to know why Thanksgiving looks and feels the same for so many Americans.

-Dave Laverdiere

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How to Find, Keep, and Let Go of Them PREPARING FOR SEASONAL WORKERS

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave everyone feeling a bit groggy, stressed, and overworked. But

have to work earlier shifts to coordinate with school schedules. With permission, you can post flyers at coffee shops, on college campuses, and at local schools to attract these workers.

as a business owner, you’re preparing for a large influx of customers — a great problem to have! This also means more revenue and possibly added customers via referrals. But that’s only going to happen if your customers have a good experience. Hiring seasonal workers can help you complete tasks in a timely manner and retain customer satisfaction. Follow these guidelines to make your seasonal hiring process a breeze this winter. People with moldable schedules — college students, stay-at-home parents, freelancers — will be your go-to candidates for seasonal work. Students are always looking for ways to earn extra cash, freelancers have periods of low workloads, and when kids return to school, some stay-at-home parents look for extra jobs. With these flexible groups, keep in mind you may have to be flexible as well. If you hire a student, you might have to work around their course load, or parents may Look at the Right Demographic

Don’t Get Into Legal Trouble

Each state has different rules for employees. Some states require unemployment benefits for seasonal workers, while others vary in their definition of “seasonal.” Check your state’s laws regarding seasonal work online or by contacting your lawmakers’ offices.

Offer a ‘Grow With Us’ Program

Sometimes you find a diamond among your seasonal workers. For workers who have made your business stellar in their short tenure, you may want to offer a “grow with us” program. This could work one of two ways: Either you offer to slowly integrate them with your business by working them into part-time or full-time work, or you offer them a guaranteed spot as a seasonal worker the next year. There are contractual issues that must be ironed out, and not every seasonal employee will want to take you up on it, but if you give them the offer, some of those stellar seasonal workers could become loyal employees.

Rock-Solid Review

CHIMNEY

•Inspection •Restoration and repair •Construction •Sweeping

FIREPLACE

•Inspection, restoration, or repair of an existing structure •Installation or reconstruction of new structures

“Last year, someone recommended Boston Brick & Stone to me for my fireplace cleaning and inspection. They did an excellent job, and I asked them to help solve an additional concern, as I have asthma and am unable to burn wood any longer, and some logs were creating a problem for me. I am pleased to say that they have just completed the repairs on my fireplace, which had a few problems, and they have run a gas line and installed my gas logs, which is now complete. I cannot thank you enough for the recommendation. They did a brilliant job, were very professional, and the team was careful to protect my carpet, hardwood floors, furniture, and plants, both indoors and outdoors. They did an excellent job of cleaning up before they left, arrived on time, and you would never know they were here when they left. I now have a beautiful gas fireplace with gas logs, and as my house is a wee cottage, it was a challenge that they both resolved and did a great job on. I would highly recommend them for any work along these lines and am proceeding with them on possibly refacing the old brick on my fireplace.” –Homeowner in Woodla nd Hills, CA

HARDSCAPE

•Backyard patios •Outdoor kitchens and barbecues •Outdoor steps, walkways, and paths •Retaining walls •Outdoor fireplaces •Driveways

HISTORICAL RESTORATION Our previous restoration work includes the following:

•Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim •Repair and restoration of chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim •Historical chimney restoration for the lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park •Faithful restoration of the chimneys on the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills

BRICK RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION

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Make Your Chimney Safe for Santa

Chimney Cleaning and Inspection for the Holidays

Santa won’t be visiting houses for another month or so, which gives you just enough time to have your chimney inspected and swept before the big man makes his rounds. We service all types of chimneys, tackling everything from basic cleaning to full fabrication from scratch. If you want to have everything in top-notch shape before Christmas rolls around, you’ll benefit from knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions.

In fact, most chimney fires are caused by prefabricated chimneys, making inspection a must.

How can I tell if my chimney is damaged? Only an experienced inspector can verify that your chimney is damaged and to what extent. There are, however, warning signs to look out for. Any cracks are an immediate warning sign. You should also look for any painting over, as it often indicates a crack underneath. How often should my chimney be cleaned? The more often you use your fireplace, the more often you need your chimney cleaned. You should clean your chimney at the first sign of smoke buildup. If you start a fire and your house is smoky, you need a cleaning. All of our cleanings come with a thorough inspection, so you’ll have peace of mind that your fireplace is in tip-top shape. If you want to light up a fire this holiday season, call Boston Brick & Stone before you begin burning. We’ll make sure your chimney brings joy instead of worry.

Which type of chimney do I have? There are three basic types of chimneys. The first is a masonry chimney, which is made from bricks, mortar, and concrete. Prefabricated chimneys, on the other hand, are installed as one unit. These are factory-made, including some that are made to look like masonry chimneys. Hybrid chimneys, a very popular style in our area, use masonry at the base of the fireplace and a prefabricated top. These models are more resistant to earthquakes. If I have a prefabricated chimney, do I still need it inspected? The short answer is yes. Even though all prefabricated chimneys are inspected before they leave the factory, they aren’t always installed correctly.

MEME CORNER

A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey

No matter how you cook your bird for Thanksgiving, it will taste better if you brine it beforehand. Break out your biggest cooler and some ice to ensure that your guests rave about your turkey.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 carrot, peeled and diced • 1 large onion, peeled and diced

• 2 bay leaves • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)

• 1/4 cup celery, diced • 2 large sprigs thyme

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. Add 6 quarts cold water to brine. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

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2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com

INSIDE

page 1

Why We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving

page 2

Preparing for Seasonal Workers

page 2

Rock-Solid Review

page 3

Is Your Chimney Safe for Santa?

page 3

A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey

page 4

The Best DIY Gifts

Best DIY Gift Ideas For Everyone on Your List

Looking for gift ideas that don’t break the bank but still show the special people in your life how much you care? Do-it-yourself (DIY ) gifts are the way to go. Here are a few ideas to put together on a chilly night. Pull out your crafting supplies, turn on some holiday tunes, and get creative.

dollar store or thrift store, and get expressive! You could write a sweet or funny message (“but first, coffee” or “two shots, hold the chatter”) or list their favorite beverage (“coffee, no sugar” or “green tea”). Write something that makes them think of you, or create a simple drawing. Enjoy the artistic freedom as much as they’ll enjoy your thoughtful gift.

Best DIY Gift to Make With the Little Ones: Handprint Apron

Best DIY Gift for Someone Special: Memory Map

Aunties, uncles, and godparents will love a gift that incorporates their favorite little ones, and it’s a great way to get the kids in on the project. Choose some unadorned aprons from your local craft or home goods store and some acrylic paint in a variety of colors. Then get crafty! The kids can use their handprints as a starting point and add other decorations as they like. You can also find some fun ideas on the blog Little Page Turner, like painting a butterfly from your kids’ stamped footprints. Have fun with it!

Utilize a map, a pair of scissors, some glue, and your memories of meaningful places to create this sentimental gift. Choose map locations that are meaningful to you and your special person — where you met, where you celebrated special moments, where you first lived —

and cut them out in geometric or heart shapes. Then, glue the cutouts to a piece of matboard. You can add kind words at each point, or let the places explain themselves. Place in a frame and gift to your loved one.

Best DIY Gift for Your Bestie: Personalized Mug

You only need a mug and an oven-safe or porcelain marker to create this personalized gift. Use a mug you already own, or pick one up from the

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