With more than 230 entries, the first Minwax® From Attic to Awesome Makeover Contest has been a great success. We'd like to thank all the participants for entering. Our Grand Prize Winner Mark Cowart wins a professional makeover for his heirloom "Secretary", as well as a trip for two to a behind-the-scenes day with the cast and crew of "This Old House®" TV show. In addition, our two 1st Prize Winners, Kathleen Clute of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Carol McBryde of Bryan, TX, also win professional makeovers for their pieces. Congratulations Mark, and to the rest of our winners! Be sure to check back soon to see the dramatic transformations of our winning pieces, as they go from Attic to Awesome.
This "Secretary" was my great-great-grandfather's, given to him in 1902 by his wife as a wedding gift. Their home burned to the ground in 1927 and this was the only piece saved. I am the 5th generation to own this piece and it is my prized possession. As you can see in the cubbys, it is beautiful burled hardwood. Although it is in good structural condition, the exterior is severely sun damaged and in desperate need of refinishing. Please help me preserve it to pass on to my son one day! Thank you!
This fine carpenter's chest is a true piece of work! My husband's grand-father built it himself. It may be Douglas fir and has simple joinery. Features include 4 graduated drawers, divided handsaw storage and lock. Restoring this piece was not an option, my husband would never trust anyone, not even himself. Your men are the only men worthy enough! Give it a chance – it is a wonder to open, touch and smell the past through a piece of wood his grandfather turned into a chest to treasure. Thanks.
This desk originally belonged to W. Gregory Hatcher, the Texas State Treasury Secretary from 1925-1932, and sat in his office at the capitol. In the 1950s, his daughter "loaned" it to my grandfather with the stipulation that he never sell it. Since then it has sat in our family wholesale gasoline business, piled with papers, gas pump parts, and a special drawer filled with candy for grandchildren. I hope to give the desk the facelift it deserves when it comes to live in my library this fall.
| Alyssa S. Sun Prarie, WI |
Barbara D. Geneva, NY |
Betsy W. Linden, CA |
Blanche G. Seymour, IN |
Bonnie B. Wayne, OH |
| Christine T. Sagamore Hills, OH |
Corlena C. Bicknell, IN |
David H. Mahwah, NJ |
Flora P. Tioga, PA |
Juan B. Rio Rancho, NM |
| Larry M. Marietta, GA |
Marion T. Naperville, IL |
Michael S. Germantown, TN |
Mike D. Port Washington, WI |
Paula W. Seymour, MO |
| Sara C. Scotts, MI |
Scott C. Los Alamos, NM |
Sharon A. Stanley, NC |
Sharon K. Collegeville, PA |
Sherri S. Glenmora, LA |
| Theresa M. Philadelphia, PA |
Tom and Cindy D. Pittsburgh, PA |
Tony B. Brooklyn, NY |
Traci D. Pittsburgh, PA |
Tracy H. Orange Cove, CA |
