This morning, I met the guy who owns George Stephens old house

[PotsieWeber]

He mentioned George had a vent put in the basement, so he could more easily grill inside during bad weather.

[56MPG]

That reminds me - I have a story to write up about the guy who lived next door in the early 50s and is mentioned in Weber lore as having contributed to the original kettle. Very interesting. I'll get to it eventually. Another guy I interviewed a while introduced stamped metal to George during the early days, replacing spun metal as the foundation for bowls and lids. I have it recorded, just need to transcribe.

Just so many hours in the day...

Marty

Oh, and if the vent is still there - get a pic!

[HoosierKettle]

He mentioned George had a vent put in the basement, so he could more easily grill inside during bad weather.

I have given serious consideration to installing a kettle and vent in the basement. I thought I was the only one thinking of that. George has me beat by a long shot.


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[PotsieWeber]

I only met him.  I actually jokingly asked him how much for a tour just to see it, but I was hoping he'd say "if you want to see it".  I'll try running into him tomorrow & ask him to send me a picture. 

That reminds me - I have a story to write up about the guy who lived next door in the early 50s and is mentioned in Weber lore as having contributed to the original kettle. Very interesting. I'll get to it eventually. Another guy I interviewed a while introduced stamped metal to George during the early days, replacing spun metal as the foundation for bowls and lids. I have it recorded, just need to transcribe.

Just so many hours in the day...

Marty

Oh, and if the vent is still there - get a pic!

[Shoestringshop]

He mentioned George had a vent put in the basement, so he could more easily grill inside during bad weather.

I have given serious consideration to installing a kettle and vent in the basement. I thought I was the only one thinking of that. George has me beat by a long shot.


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I don’t have a basement but I do have a garage we do that in the winter for football games.




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[hawgheaven]

No basement grilling for me! Fire codes I'm sure won't allow it, and neither would Mrs. Hawg...  Besides, I like my area setup outside next to my shed, with a canopy and electricity. Works for me, and all the mess is contained outside. No lugging ashes and trash up the stairs. And I don't know what kinda ventilation you would need to keep the basement from smelling like smoke. Just thinkin' out loud here... Don't seem practical to me.

[SteveMBH]

I’ve been to a garage sale where there was a huge vent hood in the garage above the grill.  That guy was a serious griller.


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[ReanimatedRobot]

If you had a detached garage or a really established stick built covered space I think it would be an awesome upgrade to add a vent hood and fan.  Smoke control is pretty nice when you don't have wind to help you out.

[LiquidOcelot]

Lol "run into him" aka stalk lol jk

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[hdfry]

To BBQMiller

Your one photograph seems to show your ash catcher with a drain in the center. Is that correct?  I'd like to know more as mine came with a solid ash catcher only. Regards, HD

[56MPG]

I presume this is the home you are talking about?


Show him this pic (George's "foul ball" BBQ) that inspired the original "home run" kettle and tell him to build a replica in the back yard:


That alone could add $100K to the resale price.

[Walchit]

To BBQMiller

Your one photograph seems to show your ash catcher with a drain in the center. Is that correct?  I'd like to know more as mine came with a solid ash catcher only. Regards, HD

 😕

[PotsieWeber]

I don't know.  I met him at the estate sale of his parents.  He said his house was George Stephens house in Mount Prospect (I think, otherwise Morton Grove).  Was right nearby today, to pick up something at a garage sale nearby that I couldn't fit in the vehicle yesterday with other stuff I bought, but I forgot to go back.  DOH!  I might see if they are still around tomorrow, maybe I can pay him to let me look in the attic to see if there is anything. 

I presume this is the home you are talking about?


Show him this pic (George's "foul ball" BBQ) that inspired the original "home run" kettle and tell him to build a replica in the back yard:


That alone could add $100K to the resale price.

[DaveG74]

In the late 90's I believe, there was a house off of Arlington heights rd in Elk Grove Village that used kettles as planters. That sound familiar to any Chicago guys?

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[56MPG]

Hey, isn't that where @Troy used to live before he loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly?