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No Mass. Exodus: 'Old House' Stays Close to Home this Season
October 3, 2012  | By Tom Brinkmoeller  | 27 comments
 

It was 1979. Cable television still was nothing more than a small crop of rural community antennas. Many of the "experts" on a channel or two of that medium who today are remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, backyards and basements were still collecting Matchbox Cars. But This Old House was off and running — proving that apples may fall near the tree, but some roll far from it.

The series started as one of many good ideas from the mind of Russell Morash (e.g., The French Chef with Julia Child, The New Yankee Workshop, The Victory Garden, among others), programming innovator par excellenceof Boston public-TV station WGBH since its early days. It continues as one of public television's most popular series, an "appointment television" phenomenon long before the phrase was coined.

This Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (check local listings), the PBS series kicks off its 33rd season by taking on a 19th century Victorian home in Cambridge, Mass (above). The 1887 building has lots of architectural restrictions that control how it can look on the outside but whose owners have enough carte blanche inside to remodel the former two-family into an especially non-Victorian style: Scandinavian Modern. Fifteen episodes later, the "after" pictures will compare — as always — immeasurably better than those viewers of the initial episode will see.

January will bring the second project of the new season, a 1930s cottage in relatively unpopulated and bucolic Essex, Mass., that the owners are remodeling into a senior-friendly home for their aging parents. Here, where the building is newer and hasn't an historical pedigree, rules aren't as set in stone — though a large rock ledge that greatly pre-dates Queen Victoria has to be blasted away before work can proceed, as viewers will see during the 11-part renovation.

Guiding the two disparate projects will be the series' senior producer, Deborah Hood, a young woman who says she "grew up watching This Old House".

More than 10 years ago, while she was working for a company that makes documentaries, she heard about and applied for a job as a TOH production assistant — but heard nothing back. More than a year later, Morash decided her resume was right for a different job and she was hired. Her first job as a producer was a 2003 remodel in Bermuda. She was made senior producer in 2009, a year in which the program won an Emmy for its post-Katrina New Orleans project.

Hood (left center) has worked alongside the series' experts (Norm Abram (far left), Tom Silva, Rich Trethewey and Roger Cook) for more than a decade and with the host, Kevin O'Connor (left, on right), since he joined the series in 2003. Because both homes are so close to the show's Boston home base, the five will be seen more often than in years in which one of the project homes is in another state. General contractor Silva's company is in charge of both projects. 

She says "the pressure on him is immense," but knows he'll turn both jobs into the kinds of successes that have marked his work over the years.

This Old House is a rare public-television hybrid. It was born at WGBH, but was sold to Time Inc. more than a decade ago. The program is still presented under the WGBH banner and remains subject to the strict PBS rules against commercialization. That doesn't bother the corporate parents, apparently:

"We enjoy an incredible independence," Hood said.  Owners of the homes always have paid for their projects, and though the show works with suppliers to get them reduced prices, goods are never traded for editorial exposure, she said.

Keeping both projects within driving distance wasn't a cost-saving effort, she added, but "the luck of the draw. It wasn't the economy so much as it was getting two wonderful options with two separate story lines."

Of the different homes submitted for consideration by last spring's deadline (criteria/guidelines can be viewed online), the two in Massachusetts were judged best. The fact that each is reachable without standing in a single airport-security line is an rare added bonus.

Construction sites, stereotypically, are male strongholds and women are treated, at best, as intruders. But that's not the case with this program, she said."Ours is such a respectful group, I can honestly say I have never felt a hint of sexism or discrimination. I think Tom Silva (right, with Hood) sets the tone for that on his job site — he is the father of a daughter my age, but I also think that is just who he is."

Even so, there is one drawback: "That being said, sometimes it's no fun being one of the only females on site, especially during the phase when we have no bathrooms or running water."

 
 
 
 
 
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27 Comments
 
 
Real estate, a multifaceted and dynamic industry, plays a pivotal role in shaping our modern world. It encompasses a vast array of properties, from sprawling suburban homes to towering city skyscrapers, and even the serene tranquility of rural landscapes. At its core, real estate is the embodiment of tangible assets, providing shelter, workspace, and investment opportunities for individuals, corporations, and governments alike.
Sep 16, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Sep 12, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Aug 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Aug 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Jul 29, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Jul 29, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Jul 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
As I traced the edges of the picture frame with my fingertips, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the power it held. It was a portal to the past, a time machine of sorts, capable of transporting us to moments long gone. It reminded me of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every fleeting second.
Jul 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Maintenance and repair projects are an essential part of home improvement. This may include fixing plumbing or electrical issues, repairing or replacing damaged roofs or foundations, or addressing structural problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help homeowners avoid larger and costlier issues down the line.
Jul 10, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Jun 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Home improvements are a wonderful way to breathe new life into your living space. By making changes to your home, you can create an environment that is visually appealing and inviting, transforming it into a place you love to spend time in.
Jun 25, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Before embarking on any major changes to your home, it's highly recommended to declutter and organize your belongings. This process involves going through your items and determining what you no longer need or want.
Jun 6, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I totally agree with your idea of doing research in renovating your home. Now here’s what I can suggest, DIY became so popular nowadays, lots of influencers and content creator spread information about DIY. Home renovations can be so costly, but with proper research and following how others done it, it should not be that difficult.
Jun 1, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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May 29, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Renovation, the art of reviving and reimagining, holds the key to transforming existing structures or objects into something new and purposeful. Whether it's a humble abode or a treasured possession, the process of renovation breathes new life into the old, making it more suitable for a fresh beginning. In this article, we will explore the significance of renovation, its role in maintenance, and its potential to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Let's embark on a journey that celebrates the power of renovation!
May 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Once you've rid your home of excess baggage, it's time to organize what remains. To ensure an efficient and visually pleasing setup, develop a system that suits your needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
May 27, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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May 25, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Have you been itching to spruce up your living space? Room improvements can be a great way to refresh your home and add new life to your everyday surroundings. From simple decor ideas to more significant renovations, there are countless ways to enhance your space and make it uniquely yours. In this blog, we'll share some of our top room improvement tips to help elevate your living space and create a welcoming atmosphere you'll love coming home to.
May 24, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
If you are planning to undertake significant home renovations or update your decor, it is crucial to start by decluttering and organizing your space. Taking the time to get rid of any unnecessary items and finding a proper place for everything can help you create a more peaceful and serene living environment.

Decluttering not only reduces visual clutter but also has a positive impact on your mental state. It helps you feel more organized and less overwhelmed by the space around you. Additionally, when you organize your belongings, you'll be able to find everything you need quickly and easily, reducing the time and effort it takes to complete everyday tasks.
Apr 21, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
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Apr 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
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