This Old House

[Jack]

As some of you know I'm a huge fan of this old house. I was so excited when they started a new season but no Norm! Anyone know what happened to him?
Also I just learned that the New Yankee Shop is walking distance from my house.

[roadking77]

Jack, I loved this old house. I never missed an episode of the new yankee workshop either.  But, I thought that Norm was long gone from that show. I havent watched in quite a few years. I am a member of a furniture makers guild and Norm would get the short stick from that crowd, but I always enjoyed watching the stuff he made. I suppose he decided to finally retire? 
There was a re-do of the yankee workshop but it was called something else. Tommy Macdonald was the host. He was ok but didnt have the same persona as Norm. That show had some kind of controversy over legal rights or something and it too disappeared. I have met Roy Underhill a few times and he is quite a character, I had always thought it would be neat to pick Norms brain for a bit.

[5th T/A]

Jack,

I have been a fan of this Old House since the very beginning. I think it is the original reality TV show. I remember the early episodes when it was mostly Norm and Bob Vila and Norm did all the work. I recall Norm working in a small bathroom and getting bruised knuckles.

For the last couple of seasons it seems he has had a smaller roll in the show. I hope he is in good health and  possibly just slowing it down a little.

About 30 years ago he was signing autographs at my local ACE hardware. Their had to be a line of 150 people, maybe more. Since my girls were very small we couldn’t wait that long. So we walked around to the front of the line and watched him sign autographs and talk to fans. He seemed liked a down to earth guy. I did think he looked much bigger on TV.

[FormTA]

Roy Underhill is awesome,  I love his show!

[Jack]

The last season I saw Norm in was the Brookline house which is directly across from my father's shop. I use to watch them film... the current season is a triple decker in Dorchester which is near the first season house which was near my work when I was very young and still going to school while working. I figured they'll bring him back since he started it all in Dorchester.

But I find it funny to have learned where the New Yankee Shop was after all those years where they kept it a secret.

[aussieta]

i have loved this old house since i saw a few builds on vhs
it was never aired in australia and online content could not be viewed from australia
eventually got the best of ask this old house on dvd
then someone from canada was able to get me the whole series
i have been binge watching now for a few weeks, up to season 5
thanks again to brian from canada
it is amazing to see norm and richard as young men

[roadking77]

Jack, I think thats really cool that you know the places where they worked, and that you now know where the Yankee workshop is. I thought I read at one time that it was actually a barn/shop at the producer Russ Morash's? house.

Sorry to highjack,
I have met Roy Underhill (one time spent a few hours partaking and enjoying a fat cigar with him) on a few occasions. He comes off on his show as somewhat of a scatterbrain, he uses all hand tools and his work sometimes seems rather crude. In reality he is highly intelligent, and highly educated. Funnier than a dozen comedians put together yet very down to earth. Very much a craftsman in the woodworking trade as well.

[JJ 109]

Grew up, watching those shows. Learned a lot.  Norm was very patient and detailed explaining things.

[L8KRFAN]

Not a huge fan of TOH but I'm a big fan of New Yankee workshop and Norm.

"..and don't forget to wear these - safety glass. Now let's get started on today's project"

[roadking77]

Not a huge fan of TOH but I'm a big fan of New Yankee workshop and Norm.

"..and don't forget to wear these - safety glass. Now let's get started on today's project"

I had to laugh out loud at that one! 

[tajoe]

During the beginning of TOH time frame, I enjoyed Tim Allen, in "Home Improvement" better. At least he sometimes had some cool cars. 

[Jack]

During the beginning of TOH time frame, I enjoyed Tim Allen, in "Home Improvement" better. At least he sometimes had some cool cars. 

Hi Joe, had I known TOH would getting you posting again I would have posted long time ago. Hope all is well and you and your family.

Until recently I did not know Tim Allen was a car guy/collector but I was not impressed with his collection. But I guess nothing compares to Jay Leno or Jerry Seinfeld's collection.

[tajoe]

LOL. Hello Jack, I envy you for being able to walk over to Norms shop. He does some nice work.
And you're right about Tim. I think he's more of a "Chevy" guy, but hey...no-ones perfect. 
If you ever saw Tim Allens show (Last man Standing), Jay is a regular, and in one episode, he was working on a GTO with a 428 on an engine stand. Pretty cool stuff.

[Meshuga T/A]

They need to bring Bob back.  The new guy blows. 

[Mac]

Little late on replying but I’m also a huge TOH fan, from the Bob Villa days to now. I subscribe to TOH YouTube videos and check them out almost daily. There are videos about Norm, he is basically slowing down and is mainly retired. Check out the YouTube video about him. Also the landscaper Roger he had a stroke and is having complications from it. So he has retired from the show as well. The new season or should I say YouTube videos will bring in new people, a female landscaper, an electrician and a young carpenter who looks like it could be Tommy Silva’s son.
If your into the show subscribe, good stuff.