First appearance of Norm Abram 1979

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  • Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
  • This Old House first appearance of master carpenter Norm Abram who is investigating the rot on the eaves of the Dorchester project with Bob Vila. From "This Old House" Season 1 "The Dorchester House" Episode 2 "House History and Kitchen Plans". Originally aired Thu Feb 01, 1979.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 699

  • @ROGER2095
    @ROGER2095 3 роки тому +379

    Norm Abram: The most famous carpenter since Jesus!

    • @mpoulin
      @mpoulin 3 роки тому +9

      Facts!

    • @legendofgood4278
      @legendofgood4278 3 роки тому +7

      And Jesus wasn't even a carpenter

    • @cdjhyoung
      @cdjhyoung 3 роки тому +5

      ROGER2095 - This may be true. But I think Norm Abraham would be totally embarrassed by the comparison.

    • @richarddrum9970
      @richarddrum9970 3 роки тому +7

      Only Noah would compare to the two of them. If Noah had Norms tools, the Arc would still be sailing today. Norm is an inspiration to all carpenters today.

    • @dogmandan79
      @dogmandan79 3 роки тому +4

      All my children know that Norm Abrams will haunt them in their sleep should they spill ANY glue outside of the pieces they are joining.

  • @cal30m1
    @cal30m1 3 роки тому +117

    It’s funny how houses that were being built new when “this old house” was starting can now be featured on new episodes of “this old house”...

  • @MidwestCoinHunter
    @MidwestCoinHunter 3 роки тому +119

    I’m 43 and spent a good 30 of those years admiring Norms work. Was addicted to watching The New Yankee Workshop!

    • @ChadAmI80
      @ChadAmI80 3 роки тому +5

      I'm 40 and grew up watching TOH from about 1987 on. I great show that taught be a lot back in the day before UA-cam.

    • @krazi77
      @krazi77 3 роки тому +5

      when I was a kid, I preferred New Yankee Workshop and This Old House over cartoons. also watched hometime, but wasn't a big fan of it.

    • @taustin9026
      @taustin9026 3 роки тому +1

      We’re the same age and I spent the same amount of time doing the same. And I still watch the show to this day!

  • @juliecampbell860
    @juliecampbell860 2 роки тому +43

    This particular clip is older than me, but just hearing this intro music and "Hi, I'm Bob Vila" takes me back to being a child at my grandparents house as my father and grandfather watched This Old House. Sometimes I'd watch too, because my grandparents didn't have many channels and this was by far the most acceptable thing to watch as a child for the vast majority of the day.

    • @mr.samurai901
      @mr.samurai901 2 роки тому +1

      I watched it at my grandparents house as a kid too in the early 80s. My grandpa had a workshop and was constantly doing all kinds of DIY projects, we loved this show and Norm's New Yankee Workshop a few years later.

    • @finscreenname
      @finscreenname Рік тому +1

      We had 5 TV channels back when this show started and if you were not into sports (golf, tennis, figure skating...) that all the networks played over the weekend you watched PBS and TOH and NYW.

    • @roberte.6892
      @roberte.6892 8 місяців тому +1

      back when, in NY, at least, there were channels 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, PBS 13, PBS 21, and that ... was it, unless you had cable, which was not by any means, common.

  • @bg147
    @bg147 3 роки тому +45

    That scaffolding looked precarious and Bob was hanging off the edge of the ladder with zero fear. It is a great old production with a budget feel. Very cool.

    • @deanslegos1990
      @deanslegos1990 2 роки тому +8

      The board flexes way too much when he walks 😬

    • @nononsenseBennett
      @nononsenseBennett 2 роки тому +12

      That wouldn't be allowed today for sure! YIKES

    • @lupelicious822
      @lupelicious822 2 роки тому +6

      I watched a vintage clip of Richard cleaning off PVC with solvent using his bare hands and a rag while talking about safety measures.

    • @feonix138
      @feonix138 2 роки тому +5

      I grew up working on scaffolding like that with my dad and grandfather in the 80's. It was such a big deal when we got aluminum pump jacks. It scares the hell out of me to look at that now. I am so glad I got into the design aspect of construction.

    • @bg147
      @bg147 2 роки тому +4

      @@feonix138 It is always better to work with a pencil than a hammer.

  • @Patrick94GSR
    @Patrick94GSR 3 роки тому +61

    oh wow the old clarinet TOH theme song! Haven't heard that in AGES!

    • @chasbodaniels1744
      @chasbodaniels1744 3 роки тому +6

      I enjoyed hearing it too. Those were simpler times, I guess.

    • @rsprockets7846
      @rsprockets7846 3 роки тому +6

      Called louisiana lullaby's it's on you tube

    • @adamrichards3174
      @adamrichards3174 4 місяці тому

      @@rsprockets7846 Louisiana Fairytale by Fats Waller

  • @bobgoudie
    @bobgoudie 2 роки тому +26

    I loved watching this as a kid back in the 80s. I remember checking out a Bob Vila book from the library when I was in 5th grade. His show inspired me to join the building trades as a young adult. I have since rehabbed over 20 homes as side projects. This man is a true inspiration.

  • @wurly164
    @wurly164 3 роки тому +70

    I met Norm at a home show, years ago. He is a really nice , down to earth guy. I miss him and the New Yankee workshop

    • @robc2536
      @robc2536 3 роки тому +3

      Yep, I met Norm at a woodworking show. He talked to me like he new me for years. An all around nice guy.

  • @royalvarez6436
    @royalvarez6436 3 роки тому +82

    Norm if I could have dinner with anyone it would be you. You inspired me to pickup a tool and create with wood. Making furniture for my children and grandchildren has been one of the greatest joys of my life and I owe it to you patient teachings and time proven techniques.
    You and Tommy are brothers from a another mother but you are carpentry’s super heroes!!

  • @thyslop1737
    @thyslop1737 3 роки тому +32

    Amazing. Norm Abrams risking his life on that rickety scaffolding.

    • @johnm5714
      @johnm5714 3 роки тому +4

      Those are pump jacks-that’s what we used back in the day my friend...if you saw the way they worked you’d be even more shocked🤣 yup-been there done that...

    • @thyslop1737
      @thyslop1737 3 роки тому

      @@johnm5714 Use to do block and tackle scaffolding on some of the most ricketiest billboards imaginable during college to earn those green backs. A miracle no one got killled.

    • @johnm5714
      @johnm5714 3 роки тому +1

      @@thyslop1737 how far back you going?

    • @thyslop1737
      @thyslop1737 3 роки тому

      @@johnm5714 Too far to mention.

  • @PVNInteriors
    @PVNInteriors 3 роки тому +91

    Bob: "I'm going back inside.. It's a little bit too cold for me so I'll let you get back to it".
    Norm: "Okaaaay...."
    That sums up Villa's work ethic right there. LOL.

    • @jeffj2495
      @jeffj2495 3 роки тому +7

      So VERY true. Hell, it would not have hurt Villa to pick up a hammer and help Norm out on that project.

    • @CEOkiller
      @CEOkiller 3 роки тому +14

      I don’t remember seeing Bob actually DO anything other that flap his gums...

    • @halc.2899
      @halc.2899 3 роки тому +3

      @@jeffj2495 Relax it was all part of the schtick.

    • @jeffj2495
      @jeffj2495 3 роки тому +1

      @@halc.2899 I want Norm's job. You will notice LOTs of comments in this vid, same as mine.

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 3 роки тому

      WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?!!

  • @kevinmahar2456
    @kevinmahar2456 3 роки тому +56

    As a professional carpenter for the past 42 years, I’ve always had the utmost respect for Norm and his trade skills. As for Bob, if he were on one of my job sites, I’d probably just send him for coffee... but apparently Norm wasn’t that comfortable being on camera, so the suits had to find him a sidekick...still a great show, lots of good information for anyone looking to get into the trades.

    • @nothprokernov7028
      @nothprokernov7028 3 роки тому +11

      I wouldn't send him for coffee I would send him home

    • @alec4672
      @alec4672 3 роки тому +8

      Bob was pretty good at his job, mind you he's no Kevin O'connor but Bob was never there to work he was there to host a show.

    • @farmcentralohio
      @farmcentralohio 3 роки тому +1

      @@alec4672 He's no Kevin? Are you serious? Clueless Kev has been killing TOH ever since he started, the kid is an idiot.

    • @farmcentralohio
      @farmcentralohio 3 роки тому +8

      As a professional carpenter for 42 years you should also realize it's people like Bob that give you a job, so you might want to just keep your mouth shut and do your job :)

    • @cdjhyoung
      @cdjhyoung 3 роки тому +11

      @@farmcentralohio I couldn't agree less. Kevin fits the role he was hired to do perfectly. He is there to ask questions that probe what the professional are talking about. Are some of his question too basic for most of us? Yes. Are there viewers that benefit from the answers he receives? Absolutely. I think Kevin really is the best host this show has had over the years, and I've been watching since it first appeared locally on WKAR, probably TOH's second season.

  • @Addictedtothewild
    @Addictedtothewild 3 роки тому +59

    Bob looks like a garden gnome...😂

    • @kman-mi7su
      @kman-mi7su 3 роки тому +2

      Hey, that was the 70s and that was one groooooveee hat maaan!

    • @daleolson3506
      @daleolson3506 3 роки тому +1

      Best comment

    • @jeffj2495
      @jeffj2495 3 роки тому +1

      LOL, I thought the same thing. Not sure where they got those caps from.

    • @tscoffey1
      @tscoffey1 3 роки тому +3

      @@kman-mi7su “Groovy” had been out of the lingo for 8 years by then.

    • @moemanncann895
      @moemanncann895 3 роки тому

      Addicted....🤣🤣🤣

  • @blackdogexcavator21
    @blackdogexcavator21 3 роки тому +79

    Norm: be sure to read, follow, and understand the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how to use your power tools correctly will greatly reduce the risk of injury, and remember this, there is no more important rule than to wear these, safety glasses.

    • @danielmcelrath8178
      @danielmcelrath8178 3 роки тому +10

      Never mind fall hazards though

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 3 роки тому +2

      @@danielmcelrath8178 ..."ya can't think of EVERYTHING!!!

    • @parisbrat
      @parisbrat 3 роки тому +5

      @@danielmcelrath8178 Yeah...I was looking hard at that board Norm was standing on...

  • @harrychest4303
    @harrychest4303 2 роки тому +20

    Bob never let anybody finish a thought without interrupting. Even Richard appears in this season with his brother and dad.
    Roku has season 1-5 on demand

    • @OswaldBatesIIIEsq
      @OswaldBatesIIIEsq 2 роки тому

      Roku TV is definitely on the "great ideas" list.

    • @ekop1778
      @ekop1778 Рік тому

      NO WONDER PBS HATED HIM HE GOT FIRED
      HE ALWAYS YAKKED SO MUCH OVER THE YRS
      WATCH THE TRUMP VISIT IN 1983

    • @walterbrob
      @walterbrob Рік тому

      I think you still have to subscribe to pbs

    • @darkwood777
      @darkwood777 Рік тому +2

      The host of any program has to keep it moving along as quickly as possible. You can't have dead air or else you lose viewers. Bob was always a great host.

    • @robwebnoid5763
      @robwebnoid5763 7 місяців тому

      ​@@darkwood777 ... agreed, bob was the face & epitome of the first decade of this old house. some people knock him, but he helped establish the show from its debut in `79 to where & what it is now. it was weird & shocking when he left (fired) & then a new face, steve thomas, came out of the woodwork, so to speak, & a lot of viewers had to now adjust to steve & then to kevin after that. the same thing happened to me with americas test kitchen & cooks country, when christopher kimball left & it was kinda odd how those shows felt without him, as he was there for 15 years.

  • @kkknotcool
    @kkknotcool 3 роки тому +71

    I love old this old house.
    $30-$40 each? Well we aren't doing that.
    Meanwhile, in 2020 If it's not a million dollar home at the end, it's not worth doing.

    • @ekop1778
      @ekop1778 3 роки тому +1

      these DAYS MOST CONTRACTORS WOULD KNOCK DOWN A HOUSE AND BUILD NEW ONES , NEW DEVELOPMENTS ETC
      SEE A LOT OF IT IN BOSTON

    • @kkknotcool
      @kkknotcool 3 роки тому +5

      @@ekop1778Let em do it. This Old House destroys half the house and it cost them more to do half then a new guy pays to do the whole new. You just end up with a butchered frankenstine's monster of a house. At least the new house is honest about what it is.

    • @ekop1778
      @ekop1778 3 роки тому +2

      @@kkknotcool that HOUSE TODAY STILL STANDS
      LOCAL BUILDER CAME IN ON THE SET THAT DAY AND SAID JUST KNOCK IT DOWN AND BUILD NEW ONE

    • @kkknotcool
      @kkknotcool 3 роки тому +3

      @@ekop1778 They did it right back then.
      Old houses are great because with a bit of work and money you can make them comfortable affordable places to live. Those days are gone, at least on This Old House.

    • @kkknotcool
      @kkknotcool 3 роки тому +6

      @Christopher Smith I think they just sold out to the highest bidder. Product placement killed the show more then anything. When you give the placement to the highest bidder you automatically eliminate anything normal people want.

  • @mwrcrft
    @mwrcrft 3 роки тому +31

    Thank You Russell Morash and BGBH for without you This Old House ,New Yankee Workshop and the French Chef ,the Victory Garden and others would not have happened. I have spent many hours entertained by your shows. People may not want to admit it but without TOH and New Yankee folks would not have gotten involved with taking on the remodeling their own houses and The New Yankee Workshop launched a whole new wave of wood workers that has now morphed into the makers movement.

    • @johnm5714
      @johnm5714 3 роки тому +1

      You are very accurate

    • @andyhudgins9443
      @andyhudgins9443 3 роки тому +2

      True, but it always KILLED me that those shows were only 30 minutes long! Such great info flowing out of the TV for a small instant.....then POOF! It’s OVER! Huge fan.

  • @michaelbeliveau2194
    @michaelbeliveau2194 3 роки тому +4

    I'm 47, and watched This Old House every week with my Dad all through the 80s. Bob used to irk me as a young kid, and I always felt relieved when Norm would guest host, or at least do more of the talking.

  • @IDunnoYouTellMe2152
    @IDunnoYouTellMe2152 3 роки тому +16

    Look at that, plaid shirts are still in style! Way to go Norm.

  • @osu895
    @osu895 3 роки тому +42

    Bob: "It's a little bit cool for me out here Norm, so I'll let you get back to it".
    That says it all. Bob looks ridiculous in his little coordinating outfit.

    •  3 роки тому

      Bob was the host. If he were to be the Master Carpenter as well, they wouldn't have needed Norm.

    • @stevejensen3471
      @stevejensen3471 3 роки тому +2

      My thought exactly - he looked like some whimpy little garden gnome with that ridiculous hat that couldn't stand the cold! And there ole Norm is outside working in it all day long!

    • @palletwizard
      @palletwizard 3 роки тому

      @@stevejensen3471 amen 🙏

    • @mikeleone1347
      @mikeleone1347 3 роки тому

      We all looked ridiculous in the 70s, especially when we thought we were looking hip ... LOL

  • @kevinstenger4334
    @kevinstenger4334 3 роки тому +36

    Obviously OSHA wasn’t as aggressive and well staffed back then. There’s just not enough guys like Norm in this world, rich people with fancy houses are going to learn soon just how valuable skilled craftsmen really were.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 3 роки тому +7

      Yeah that was some pretty sketchy planking Norm was on. I got a rule, never just one plank. Two is the bare minimum. Because if one breaks you need options.

    • @Thrakerzog
      @Thrakerzog 3 роки тому

      I know right?

    • @geoffmooregm
      @geoffmooregm 3 роки тому +2

      Yea that looks a little scary. Our company was at a mill shutdown a couple weeks ago and a scaffolder died when he fell 3 stories off the unfinished scaffolding. No job is worth dying over.

    • @misterz2719
      @misterz2719 3 роки тому +1

      @@1pcfred the planks were bending pretty good,

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 3 роки тому

      @@misterz2719 it looked to me like he had a plank nailed to a 2x4 or something. There was something sketchy going on there. But it must have worked for him. Can't argue with success.

  • @MrAlittle5150
    @MrAlittle5150 3 роки тому +63

    Bob look like Al Pacino in the movie Serpico from the 70s with that goofy ass hat on.

    • @joelkton1
      @joelkton1 3 роки тому +4

      It was the 70s. You had to be there.

    • @duenge
      @duenge 3 роки тому +3

      Gnome....

    • @goldenmanuever1176
      @goldenmanuever1176 3 роки тому

      @@joelkton1 lol

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 3 роки тому

      WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?!!

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 3 роки тому

      @@MrAlittle5150 WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT THE WAY HE'S DRESSED?!
      ...AND I'M USING CAPITAL LETTERS FOR THE HELL OF IT-!!!

  • @falloutpc1
    @falloutpc1 3 роки тому +14

    This brings me back to my childhood watching the show with my father. He was a big fan of Norm Abrams.

  • @saturnfire
    @saturnfire 3 роки тому +16

    Norm, another one of my childhood heros...again, Norm, you still are. Always loved watching you on pbs 8 in Houston.

  • @geoffreystearns1690
    @geoffreystearns1690 3 роки тому +28

    This used to be an interesting and useful program. Now that their concentration is on million dollar rehabs and expensive infrastructure subsystems, it is just a curiosity.

    • @wadebarnett2542
      @wadebarnett2542 3 роки тому +4

      I think I remember the time they wanted to make some living space in a barn. They wound up using three pieces of wood from it. The rest of the materials were new. I stopped watching for many years. I still want to see them work on smaller old houses.

    • @tomschmidt381
      @tomschmidt381 3 роки тому +2

      I tend to agree. I used to watch the show all the time. We built our timber frame home in the early 1980s. I don't think TOH can build an outhouse for less then $100k. I did use Norm's New Yankee Workshop (too bad that got canceled) ideas to build our greenhouse and I find Ask ToH useful for repair info.

    • @ianbutler1983
      @ianbutler1983 3 роки тому +4

      Yeah., I remember they built a $30,000 shower once.

    • @paulgarcia1147
      @paulgarcia1147 3 роки тому +2

      Agree with that

  • @tonybaggett1984
    @tonybaggett1984 3 роки тому +52

    I don’t know if anyone doesn’t like Norm. I could meet any celebrity in Hollywood and not be as star struck as if I meet Norm.

    • @bmanwpg
      @bmanwpg 3 роки тому +3

      Isn't that the truth... Same goes for Tom.

    • @jeffj2495
      @jeffj2495 3 роки тому +1

      So true. He is the salt of the earth, and so humble with his demonstrations. I watched a lot of his TV shows.

    • @daleburrell6273
      @daleburrell6273 3 роки тому

      ...AND YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THAT THERE ARE A HECK OF A LOT MORE CRAFTSMEN JUST LIKE HIM-!!

    • @darylfitz4189
      @darylfitz4189 3 роки тому

      even Bobcat Goldthwait?

    • @stevejensen3471
      @stevejensen3471 3 роки тому

      @@bmanwpg Don't forget the incomparable Steve Thomas!

  • @jstar1000
    @jstar1000 2 роки тому +3

    I always liked Bob, he was the host, stop beating him up for not being a professional tradesman or what ever else you want to hate on him about. He was great and I hated it when he left. He paved the way for many who came after him.

  • @stevejensen3471
    @stevejensen3471 Рік тому +2

    The memories that this wonderful old episode brings back with that saxophone theme song! I remember it like was yesterday. Bob Vila with his great familiar voice forging into no-mans land by developing what the host of a new genre was even supposed to do and of course, ole Norm Abram who has since retired and is probably the greatest of national treasures. Just so great to see this again. Thanks so much.

  • @johnm5714
    @johnm5714 3 роки тому +10

    Love seeing Norm from back in those days-brings me right back to the beginning.I started in construction right around this time and on all our Job sites the big saying was”Norm would never do it that way-take it apart and start over” yeah-he was and still is --the carpenters Jimi Hendrix😂😂

    • @johnm5714
      @johnm5714 3 роки тому

      @@craigjensen6853 you did that perfectly Pete😂 my NY accent on top of the Boston makes it sound just right

  • @allegory7638
    @allegory7638 3 роки тому +45

    1979: We'll cut and patch the brackets and save money on the project.
    2020: We'll have Kevin take us on a tour of how a modest old house became a prohibitively expensive and gaudy McMansion.

    • @Beandiptheredneck
      @Beandiptheredneck 3 роки тому +14

      This was back when these shows were informative and educational and not just another ad for how to spend more money and chase more shiney

    • @Broncort1
      @Broncort1 3 роки тому +3

      Or take you to a factory where they custom make 53 of these things with a special resin compound that requires CAD engineering and costs about $300 a piece.

  • @bombadeer8231
    @bombadeer8231 3 роки тому +9

    We were all a lot younger then!

  • @d.beaumont9157
    @d.beaumont9157 3 роки тому +2

    Loved watching New Yankee workshop. Norms cool calming manner, made for a relaxing program. I loved his workshop, I've never seen so many clamps. He had a clamps for every eventuality, I think I had clamp envy.

  • @joelsys_75
    @joelsys_75 3 роки тому +2

    A joy to watch. Remember it well. I was glad when Bob Villa left the show.

  • @hassanbazzi3545
    @hassanbazzi3545 3 роки тому +5

    I remember building the red barn. I used to record it on VHS to watch it later. Notice in the beginning there was no nail gun. He is definitely a fantastic man.

  • @keithsims5109
    @keithsims5109 2 роки тому +2

    Norm was one of the first guys I ever saw on TV as a Carpenter and I always enjoyed watching him and Tom. I grew up building homes with my hands and worked my way up to Carpenter and eventually a Leadman and then in 2003 I got my builder contractor license in Alabama. I love to build and love to hear professional builders talk about their knowledge and skillset. Building is a art of its own, from the ground up, you build someone dream, I always say, I build to place my signature on the home I built.

  • @nononsenseBennett
    @nononsenseBennett 2 роки тому +3

    I still can't believe This Old House is still going 40 years later! My favourite show then and now.

  • @jeffj2495
    @jeffj2495 3 роки тому +2

    The good "ole days. Nice to see these gents in the early days.
    And they were actually renovating to "old house" standards, instead of upgrading everything to bigger, McMansion standards.

  • @lpnelson6584
    @lpnelson6584 3 роки тому +18

    I half-expected Norm to fall into the dumpster..."Home Improvement" style.....

    • @michaelanthony9773
      @michaelanthony9773 3 роки тому

      911 wasn't in service until 1985.

    • @Broncort1
      @Broncort1 3 роки тому

      Vila would be like...”guess I’ll go back inside now where it’s warm....”

  • @sean_heisler
    @sean_heisler 3 роки тому +8

    Bob’s got some Jamiroquai vibes going on with that hat.

  • @patrickgarvey146
    @patrickgarvey146 3 роки тому +8

    That pump jack setup was scary.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 3 роки тому

      The pump jack doesn't concern me. Standing on that one plank is troubling though. Pump jacks are designed so two planks fit. That's actually the outrigger arm too. So he's using it backwards.

  • @chriss2295
    @chriss2295 3 роки тому +4

    The theme song...Wow. Takes me back to my childhood.

  • @jimbarron8688
    @jimbarron8688 Рік тому +1

    Bob Vila was the perfect host. The whole notion of a show based on renovations was exciting and fresh and Bob kept it at the level that the average home owner could identify with. The rest of the tradesmen were perfectly in tune to the goal of the show and over the years weve come to think of them as our special Saturday morning family members. Norm and Tommy, Richard, and the rest of the gang are heros of mine for all the things they showed me while i was renovating my home.

    • @stevejensen3471
      @stevejensen3471 8 місяців тому

      Jim, great to hear some accolades for Bob as he usually gets a bum rap from most folks! He forged the way for all of the HI shows that came after TOH. Great confident demeanor and radio voice that resonated! And totally agree with the rest of the original cast of those hardworking guys - Steve, Tommy, Richard, and Roger as the salt of the earth!

    • @robwebnoid5763
      @robwebnoid5763 7 місяців тому

      @@stevejensen3471 ... agree here too, as the host, bob was the face of the show, he kept it going from minute to minute, location to location, to keep the viewer locked on, because the show is only half an hour & on a network that is non-commercial. ive been watching toh since the `80s. i dont understand why people knock him for doing a job he was paid to do. that is on the producers & directors, otherwise they would have booted bob in the first season. when i think of this old house, i always think 1st of bob due to 1st impression. then maybe kevin as 2nd & steve as 3rd.

    • @stevejensen3471
      @stevejensen3471 7 місяців тому

      @@robwebnoid5763 Rodga that Rob! Something I read about Bob that was even more astounding was that he accepted hosting TOH in the beginning - for only $200/episode. They raised it to a still paltry $800/episode years later but Bob stayed with it over 10 years because he thought it good advertising for his existing award-winning home renovation company. All the more paradoxical when Roku aquired the now valuable TOH franchise for 98M back a few years ago. TOH and Bob parted ways when TOH's main underwriter Home Depot pressured TOH to give Bob an ultimatum as he was representing HD's then competitor Rickel Home Centers on the side to make extra money. No matter as Bob's net worth these days is ~ 70M and recently sold his Palm Beach home for 53M. By contrast, ole Norm made a career out of PBS as the heart and soul of both TOH and his NYW over a span of 43 years for a total net worth of 2.5M, or 47K/year. To me, he's actually the real HI hero and is why he's known a national treasure.

  • @jimlane6335
    @jimlane6335 3 роки тому +4

    Truly the Master Craftsman! Norm is great! I loved The New Yankee Workshop and almost never missed an episode. And of course he's awesome on TOH an Ask TOH as well.

  • @numb3r458
    @numb3r458 2 роки тому +2

    Can we all take a moment to appreciate the head gear.

  • @yoosrid
    @yoosrid 3 роки тому +2

    I watched all of these episodes, loved the show, Bob Vila - is - This Old House, I learned so much from these guys, Thank You.

  • @classifiedinformation6353
    @classifiedinformation6353 2 роки тому +1

    Wonderful! I watched This Old House from the beginning till about 2010. In fact, I have at least 10 years of the show recorded. The cast were like friends to me.
    John

  • @treeman765
    @treeman765 3 роки тому +1

    That theme song always brings me back to when I was a kid and my dad would watch this old house.

  • @dave434
    @dave434 3 роки тому +1

    Loved watching Norm on the Yankee Workshop. He was and is my Hero when it comes to Carpentry ..... Bob talked a good game....

  • @makn257
    @makn257 2 роки тому +1

    When I think childhood television shows with the old man on weekends this was always a favorite

  • @NSResponder
    @NSResponder 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for posting this. I didn't start watching This Old House until it was already a couple of years underway, and it's great to see how it all started.

  • @ridethepace6005
    @ridethepace6005 2 роки тому +1

    I used to watch this show as a kid, and have ever since. I learned so much from all these guys, and not just about constuction. Could never thank them enough.

  • @daakrolb
    @daakrolb 3 роки тому +2

    "Hi Bowab." Love it.

  • @donnienewcomer
    @donnienewcomer Рік тому

    Im literally making the same repairs in 2022. Great to see one of my carpentry heroes do the same!

  • @jesusorduna
    @jesusorduna 3 роки тому +2

    Wow. He was repairing roofs before I was even born. Big fan of his work and mastery, have learnt a lot from watching him on different outlets, New Yankee Workshop probably my favorite.

  • @MisterTee2010
    @MisterTee2010 3 роки тому +3

    Longest running home improvement program that i can ever remember.

  • @palletwizard
    @palletwizard 3 роки тому +1

    He sure has come so far over the years. What a treat to watch and learn from one of the great ones! Long live Norm!

  • @jgeph2.4
    @jgeph2.4 Рік тому

    I’m 51 and have 33 years working as a carpenter and it began as young lad watching Norm on PBS channel 12 every Saturday.

  • @julies1ify
    @julies1ify 3 роки тому +2

    Norm Abrams is the Chuck Norris of wood working

  • @allenbuck5589
    @allenbuck5589 2 роки тому

    In 1979 I had just became a journeymen carpenter. We all stopped to watch this old house on public television. Saturday I believe. Was great then as it is now. Now retired construction superintendent. My years flew by I loved my work so much many great memories of a lot good men over the years. Thanks

  • @top111quebec9
    @top111quebec9 3 роки тому +2

    Norm was my mentor , i have over 150 New Yankee workshop show recorded , i had the chance to met him in Toronto , he still appear on TOH ,

  • @danielsoroken9596
    @danielsoroken9596 3 роки тому +1

    Ah, those we're the good ol days. Worked a few years for the now long gone Woodworkers Warehouse. Met Norm once at a meet and greet we did at the Middleton store. The man is a legend!

  • @willd3808
    @willd3808 3 роки тому +6

    1979: 40 at 40 bucks a piece? well that's out of the question
    2020: what's your budget for the counter top? oh around $50,000.

    • @normgraham6658
      @normgraham6658 3 роки тому

      Gotta remember that $40 in 1979 is like $150 now Times 50 of those corbels would cost $7,500 to replace them all.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 3 роки тому

      Adjusted for inflation $35 in 1979 is $125.48 today.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 3 роки тому

      @@normgraham6658 $7,500 bought 12 linear feet of soffit replacement on a job I worked on. Just material. But it was more elaborate than what Norm is working on.

  • @sparkyobrian6417
    @sparkyobrian6417 3 роки тому +2

    I LOVE these early episodes !!

  • @ScottyLo
    @ScottyLo 3 роки тому +1

    Gotta love Norm. I watched him on the New Yankee Workshop for many years. Much respect for his work.

  • @resindoctor2523
    @resindoctor2523 3 роки тому +3

    Watched all of The New Yankee Workshop videos, Norm is the best teacher, I have made many of his projects.

  • @lencavallaro6781
    @lencavallaro6781 3 роки тому +1

    Watched from the beginning. I remember how excited Norm was when he got his ShopSmith - like a woodworker’s Transformer. He worked hard to ultimately be able to build his New Yankee Workshop.

  • @tykellerman6384
    @tykellerman6384 3 роки тому +2

    Bob , norm and tommy started it all on the home Reno scene 🤠👍

  • @mikevanvolkenburgh5348
    @mikevanvolkenburgh5348 3 роки тому +1

    wow i cant believe i have been watching this old house for 41 years

  • @haroldalexis4200
    @haroldalexis4200 Рік тому

    Amazing. I am sorry i didn't watch the show back then. When this aired in 1979 I was in High School. Wow the original host Bob Villa & Norm Abram. Great show then & of course later. What memories of these clips.I have learned so much watching both but mostly Norm Abram. He's inspired me so many years as a woodworker & many projects I have built. I truly appreciate watching Norm's work on" This Old House" & especially "The New Yankee Workshop". Excellent job.on both shows. 👍

  • @Pontiac65Cat
    @Pontiac65Cat 10 місяців тому

    Loved watching Norm when I was younger. I still do actually.

  • @smith27uk
    @smith27uk Рік тому

    Loved fiirst watching this series when i finally got Diamond cable tv back in the day, uk shows had people putting mdf shelves up and this show was replacing walls, so much more interesting for the diy enthusiasts like myself

  • @bugtusslealien3931
    @bugtusslealien3931 7 місяців тому

    Plaid pattern jacket coat with a tuque!! No wonder Canadians love this guy and the show. Never missed a show with Bob and Norm.

  • @tinajohnson7375
    @tinajohnson7375 3 роки тому +2

    People are going in pretty hard on Bob Vila. Say what you want but he had a made for TV personality that drew viewers in. He was able to articulate to the viewer what the contractors could not.

  • @89horizon
    @89horizon 2 роки тому +1

    Norm probably heard Bob chatting on his way up and was thinking "Oh great now I have to deal with this clown." xD

  • @ThePr8head
    @ThePr8head 3 роки тому +4

    Norm is THE MAN!!! He is the John Wayne of woodworking.

  • @lucasdeaver9192
    @lucasdeaver9192 3 роки тому +1

    You can tell Norm was a bit nervous being on TV. His delivery got much better over time.

  • @sirslice7531
    @sirslice7531 Рік тому

    I watched this, when it first aired. I was baptized in the church next to this house...and I mentioned this to Bob, when I met him, decades later in (of all places) the Toronto suburbs.

  • @dadventuresoutdoors1835
    @dadventuresoutdoors1835 2 роки тому +2

    Norm is incredible. And I need Bob's hat. :)

  • @kenc2257
    @kenc2257 3 роки тому +1

    Whoa! That is some old-time scaffolding that Norm is standing on.

  • @charlesgraham843
    @charlesgraham843 3 роки тому +5

    I guess safety wasn't as important back in the early days but Norm was wearing safety glasses.

  • @MrPatdeeee
    @MrPatdeeee 3 роки тому +7

    There are MANY DIY'rs on the web. But there is NONE that can rise to what Norm Abram did so effortlessly. He never over talked the video; he never waited until the end of the video to show you what the item was; he never wasted words or time, etc, etc and ETC!
    Mr Morash (Norm's producer and director) was Norm's mentor; and he often complimented Mr Morash. The pair were far above ANY other DIY video's. There will probably never be another team like Norm and Mr Morash.
    Yes Morash taught others who were ALL good in other videos like "This Old House", etc;; some among the greatest. But not one could carry Norm's case. For he was THE greatest.
    Not to mention that he was one of THE nicest and personable any one would want. And one of the greatest things he did; was to build a complex item in less than 25 minutes in a single video. Compare that to MOST other DIY'rs; that will take an hour talk nothing but gibberish; before ever showing us what it was. Sad indeed.
    But NOT Norm. From the moment his videos started; it was interesting and it stayed that way until the end of the video. I have every one and cherish what he did. Some I have watched several times and they NEVER bore me.
    I had the honor and pleasure of meeting him thrice. And he was JUST the same as in his videos. I thank Jesus for giving us the "Norm Abram's" in this world. For "THEY" are what makes this world a better place.

    • @DigitDesign
      @DigitDesign 3 роки тому

      Dude, Norm is responsible for DIYers. I would love to see a spread sheet of how much money that man is responsible for in the entire DIY industry.

  • @scottperine8027
    @scottperine8027 Рік тому

    Next to the Yankee Wood Shop Norm was the guy that could get it done spectacularly and had that demeanor that invited you in to learn.

  • @Fordham1969
    @Fordham1969 Рік тому

    In the 80s this used to air in NY on ch. 13 back to back with The Frugal Gourmet. I've never had any particular interest in either home repair or cooking and yet I watched both regularly, which I suppose is a testament to how important presentation and utilizing the right people is to television.

  • @ronosmianski812
    @ronosmianski812 2 роки тому +1

    Saw this show just this morning on Magnolia Network.

  • @briansmith9707
    @briansmith9707 Рік тому

    love that hat, Bob Villa:)) You guys have inspired me for years

  • @robjhojf2valentik718
    @robjhojf2valentik718 2 роки тому +1

    Love show. Huge fan!

  • @mothermcready4417
    @mothermcready4417 2 роки тому

    I remember this episode from back then. Off work for 3 months from mononucleosis. Got it from drinking from nephew's Coke can. Didn't know I had it, felt weird, but kept going till I ran myself into the ground, finally collapsed. Watched a LOT of TV in those days. Love Norm!!!

  • @tommcfarland3139
    @tommcfarland3139 2 роки тому

    I've watched TOH since it began when I was in 8th grade! Now I'm an old man. I miss the original opening theme!

  • @ianderbyshire384
    @ianderbyshire384 Рік тому

    Norms always been great, it's a minor miracle he's made as long as he has with scaffolding like that.

  • @tonyc.4528
    @tonyc.4528 3 роки тому +3

    So glad that Bob Vila was replaced...ego was huge in that one.

    • @krazi77
      @krazi77 3 роки тому +2

      only thing he was actually good at was selling sears products. nevermind, they went out of business

  • @laszlovass7326
    @laszlovass7326 3 роки тому +4

    Geez, Bob looked ridiculous in that hat and complaining about the cold. He climbed the ladders but wouldn't set foot on the scaffolding with Norm.

    • @daleannharsh8295
      @daleannharsh8295 3 роки тому

      lol... I might not have either. That board was bending under the weight of just one man.

  • @michaelbodell111
    @michaelbodell111 3 роки тому

    The number one home improvement TV show this old House

  • @realalehomebrewer8273
    @realalehomebrewer8273 3 роки тому +1

    I watched it all the time until the 1987 Weatherbee Farm. That is when it went from a cool show with tons of DIY tips to excess where the homeowners didn’t help. I still remember the end of renovation when the home owners did not even make an appearance. Things must have went south. When I do occasionally watch an episode or so Norm is always cool, helpful with tons of class

  • @phl40
    @phl40 3 роки тому +7

    Miss the old theme song.

  • @Draugluin999
    @Draugluin999 2 роки тому

    my goodness i never knew this old house was so old 1979 11 years before i was born great show

  • @donnachristen5881
    @donnachristen5881 2 роки тому

    My favorite, loved his New Yankee Workshop!

  • @ntwadumela374
    @ntwadumela374 2 роки тому

    Bob and Norm!!! Will never be two like them ever again!! Thanks for the memories!

    • @ekop1778
      @ekop1778 Рік тому +1

      THE NEW THIS OLD HOUSE SHOWS ARE KINDA SO SO THE NEW HOST KEVIN IS A DOUCE
      WHAT IS IT IS KINDA LAME TOO

  • @randyscrafts8575
    @randyscrafts8575 2 роки тому

    Wow! A young Norm. Haven't seen this video in years. I collected several VHS tapes of this old house. Still have them somewhere around here. Usually VHS doesn't stand the test of time well and they're probably garbage by now.

  • @donfolstar
    @donfolstar 3 роки тому +2

    "Well Bob we're going to rebuild this entire roof line. If you look over here I've put together a scale replica of the house for reference..."

  • @_P0tat07_
    @_P0tat07_ 3 роки тому +48

    How the hell did people survive on scaffolding like that😂😂😂 no way in hell would you get me up on there, and I do some pretty ballsy things...

    • @MrAlittle5150
      @MrAlittle5150 3 роки тому +4

      All I see is wood, no aluminum. The pump jack supports, plank. Now that old school. I wonder if OSHA would approve of that today?

    • @ekop1778
      @ekop1778 3 роки тому +3

      @@MrAlittle5150 NO THEY WONT YOU GOTTA HAVE A STEEL OR ALUMINUM ONE AND HAVE HARNESS STUFF AND OTHER KRAP

    • @brucemacneil
      @brucemacneil 3 роки тому +5

      Yes, that is frightening. Thankfully we do not see such dangerous things as often today. Unfortunately - some people choose poorly and still think fall prevention is an intrusion.

    • @Me-iw5wo
      @Me-iw5wo 3 роки тому +9

      I grew up on scaffolding like that working for my dad's residential construction company. Imagine a ten or twelve year old out there helping in the summer

    • @privacyatty
      @privacyatty 3 роки тому +4

      Look at the bowing under Norm. Not safe then not safe now.