I've loved the Main Street at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry since I was seven years old when I first saw it. I'm now 67 and STILL marvel at it. For this man, reconstructing his own "Main Street" must have been a monumental undertaking. The man is a true artist, and this is obviously his hobby and his passion. He's living his dream and I salute him for it. This video is outstanding, especially when one encounters so much garbage on You-Tube.
Unbelievable Video! Growing up in Chicago, this whole clip is heartwarming! Basements are a "staple" in homes in the Midwest. The Museum of Science and Industry, my favorite Chicago museum, was a mainstay for my family, especially Saturday's during the summer, late 1970s until mid 1980s! The Yesteryear exhibit was a favorite, for it meant ending the walk thru with a photo on a classic car!
This is incredible. I was fascinated from beginning to end. It does remind me of the one at the Museum of Science and Industry and I always enjoyed that one.
I’m watching this video on 1/2/23 at 4:09am at work. Something made me remember this video, and I had to go back and watch it. I hope John and his family are doing well, and his basement has gotten even better!
This is a great way to show collectibles and personal items beside using curio cabinets. Hobby and Storage, too!!!! Great vision and execution. Good job.
Your work IS a labor of LOVE !! Wonderful way to use the special things that are a part of your family heritage. A trip back in time that's a trip back in REAL memories.
It looks a lot bigger than 26' X 46'. It is the illusion that there is much more space behind the store fronts. This is a great idea for any room, garage, or basement.
Our provincial museum is like this only they have piped in street sounds etc. You go past an old kitchen and someone is baking an apple pie and you can hear horses clip clopping on the street and the breeze is blowing the curtain in. Best of all there is the scent of cinnamon throughout the kitchen. It was built decades ago. You can go into the cinema and watch silent films. It is an amazing piece of work. In York UK they have a huge museum with different time era streets. One street is set in Regency times, one is in early 1900s etc. I think these types of displays are amazing. Of course with museums they have all original stuff that has been donated but the thought, planning and creativity is wonderful. I would love to visit all of them.
What a wonderful way to display keepsakes and carry out your creative ideas! I especially love how John incorporated his shop into the diorama. A lot of us dream about doing a large-scale project. He actually went and did it. This is museum-quality stuff. I recently visited the Peterson Automotive Museum. This stands up very favorably to their "History of the Automobile" main street diorama!
You should see the Old Town in the Royal British Columbia Museum. It has a two story hotel in it that you can walk through including a saloon, printers shop, clothing store, a replica of Victoria China town, a train station, and an old movie theatre that you can watch silent movies in. One of the great detals is the street, which is made from real wood bricks.
I think this is simply wonderful! I live in So. Calif. now and my biggest loss is "a finished basement." What John did with his basement is simply wonderful! It might seem corny to some, but so much more "alive" than just packing it up and storing it away where no one can get a sense of the history of a family. Also, the guy is very talented and makes his own stuff. John MADE this stuff himself! Wow!
Truly fascinating! What an incredible job this man has done in creating the old fashioned Main Street! Thanks for sharing this wonderful video and interview.
Truly amazing of what one person can do! Reminds me of the streets of yesterday! At house on the Rock! In Wisconsin! Pretty cool! Basement! If you can dream it! Build! It! And they! Will, come! Lol. Great! Job!
This is an incredible piece of work, but it's more of a recreation-of-a-museum recreation than a recreation-from-real-life. Even the linoleum mimics the glazed brown brick floors seen in indoor "heritage town" exhibits in museums, particularly during the 70s and 80's, which probably corresponds to when he actually saw them. This alone makes the work all the more fascinating - he hasn't recreated the past, he's recreated a RECREATION of the past. There's something meta in all of this . . .
It is very nice.My favorite was the Farm that the muesum had, so realistic back then.I was in the museum some years back and I was very disapointed all the changes that have been made.I suppose you have to go with the times. On exhibit is a horse drawn street car,that I use to play in as a kid.It was located (stored)in the Lawndale Bus garage at one time .My father worked for the CTA.
I just love Mike's makup. It is hard to see him all prettied up. He is supposed to be rugged and do the dirty work stuff. This in not the Mike we know.
This is a true treasure. I would travel to the united states just to see it (I'm from Australia). You are a genius, sir, and this is a wonderful idea perfectly executed :D :D (sorry if this is a double post; there was an error on TH-cam)
@jscapes11 John, What an awesome "opus magnus" Did your Dad pass away? That is probably the ONLY way I would ever leave such a wonderful house. I am originally from Chicago and grew up in Evanston/Highland Park. Do you mind telling me what suburb your family lived in? Thanks for a lovely memory and what a tribute to an incredibly talented man.
OMG! @ 2:19 - I have that same set of play dishes. I know my mother played with them, but I think they might be older than that. I've never seen them anywhere else.
Some of the crude comments a few have made here are truly sad. They are reflective of the times, I guess, when so many people don't care about what came before them. I'm afraid they are the ones who need to get a life ... because if you don't know where you've been, how can you know where you're going? It's no wonder creativity is at a low ebb, the country is such a mess, and our greatness is slipping through our fingers!
John, you're QUITE a guy! I think it's AWESOME the amount of devotion and quality craftsmanship that has obviously gone into your 1890's basement. Do you allow visitors to go through it? That would be so much fun. I hope it will somehow remain for as long as that house stands as a testament to one man's vision, determination and TALENT. GOOD WORK!
It would be great if we could not only *not* respond to the people who are being negative, but not to post about them either. They get double the attention that way. So i hope there will just be a ton of kind things said -- that will win the day!
What a great basement. Is it still basically intact? I live in Chicago and would LOVE to see this place if possible. Is there any way this could be arranged? Any help in accomplishing this would be greatly appreciated.
I'm confused! (what else is new). John built this in his house (unbelievable) and now it's called Bobbi's basement. Where is John and who is Bobbi? What happened to all the stuff John had in the storefronts?
Diane Scapes Glad to hear that. 70 is the new 50, so you're a spring chicken in the scheme of things. I love your work. I'd like to see you upload videos of your latest work.Thanks and keep creating.
![POLYCAT - ข้อความรูปยิ้ม [Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBhIgPGCgbI/mqdefault.jpg)
![[LIVE] MCHOICE & MINT AWARDS 2024 at TRUE ICON HALL, ICONSIAM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wMewUeT5nbY/mqdefault.jpg)
I've loved the Main Street at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry since I was seven years old when I first saw it. I'm now 67 and STILL marvel at it. For this man, reconstructing his own "Main Street" must have been a monumental undertaking. The man is a true artist, and this is obviously his hobby and his passion. He's living his dream and I salute him for it. This video is outstanding, especially when one encounters so much garbage on You-Tube.
This basement is a amazing. I want to hang out there!
Great job John... This is a fine example of someone being able to with their own hands, capture and fulfil both a happiness and a dream.
Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Scapes! Beautiful basement, wonderful memories! "My kind of town, Chicago is....!"
Unbelievable Video! Growing up in Chicago, this whole clip is heartwarming! Basements are a "staple" in homes in the Midwest. The Museum of Science and Industry, my favorite Chicago museum, was a mainstay for my family, especially Saturday's during the summer, late 1970s until mid 1980s! The Yesteryear exhibit was a favorite, for it meant ending the walk thru with a photo on a classic car!
This is incredible. I was fascinated from beginning to end. It does remind me of the one at the Museum of Science and Industry and I always enjoyed that one.
I love it Bobbie!! and yes theChicago museum version of main street defiantly sticks from childhood memories as well.Yer bud Terry the spider guy
I got tired out just looking at all this work. Good job!
I’m watching this video on 1/2/23 at 4:09am at work.
Something made me remember this video, and I had to go back and watch it. I hope John and his family are doing well, and his basement has gotten even better!
This is a great way to show collectibles and personal items beside using curio cabinets. Hobby and Storage, too!!!! Great vision and execution. Good job.
My hubby and I just watched this clip. Talk about a passion for detail. This is just incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. History in a basement.
Your work IS a labor of LOVE !! Wonderful way to use the special things that are a part of your family heritage. A trip back in time that's a trip back in REAL memories.
It looks a lot bigger than 26' X 46'. It is the illusion that there is much more space behind the store fronts. This is a great idea for any room, garage, or basement.
0:48 As soon as i heard of the premise, I thought "Huh, that reminds of the museum of science and industry." AND BOY WAS I RIGHT.
Our provincial museum is like this only they have piped in street sounds etc. You go past an old kitchen and someone is baking an apple pie and you can hear horses clip clopping on the street and the breeze is blowing the curtain in. Best of all there is the scent of cinnamon throughout the kitchen. It was built decades ago. You can go into the cinema and watch silent films. It is an amazing piece of work. In York UK they have a huge museum with different time era streets. One street is set in Regency times, one is in early 1900s etc. I think these types of displays are amazing. Of course with museums they have all original stuff that has been donated but the thought, planning and creativity is wonderful. I would love to visit all of them.
What a wonderful way to display keepsakes and carry out your creative ideas! I especially love how John incorporated his shop into the diorama.
A lot of us dream about doing a large-scale project. He actually went and did it. This is museum-quality stuff.
I recently visited the Peterson Automotive Museum. This stands up very favorably to their "History of the Automobile" main street diorama!
You should see the Old Town in the Royal British Columbia Museum. It has a two story hotel in it that you can walk through including a saloon, printers shop, clothing store, a replica of Victoria China town, a train station, and an old movie theatre that you can watch silent movies in. One of the great detals is the street, which is made from real wood bricks.
Wish I had the creativity of this man who has planned and developed his dream hobby. He is a special person and the envy of many.
Every man has a hobby, this is so cool. Amazing. You can tell he had alot of fun making it.
Absolutely incredible - and his sawmill alone is still much larger than my workshop!!! :-D
A work of art. GREAT !!!!!
WOW....just WOW! This is incredibly awesome and I absolutely LOVE this! My hat's off to the guy for creating such a masterpiece! Beautiful work!
I think this is simply wonderful! I live in So. Calif. now and my biggest loss is "a finished basement." What John did with his basement is simply wonderful! It might seem corny to some, but so much more "alive" than just packing it up and storing it away where no one can get a sense of the history of a family. Also, the guy is very talented and makes his own stuff. John MADE this stuff himself! Wow!
Incredible....I luv it! Amazing creativity he has.
What an incredible craftsman John is. I would love to tour this in person and go back to that simpler time.
not only the skills to make what we see.....but the MONEY too.......nice job
Simply amazing,what a smart man and very good work
Totally cool concept. This guy is so talented and has so much imagination.
This is awesome. Never thought of anything like this existed in someone's basement. He did a terrific job!
My favorite part is how he hid windows, breaker boxes, plumbing, etc. Clever and practical.
I love this! Bobbi is a true craftsman following his heart. Thank you for posting....truly inspiring!
Our past is only gone if no one remembers it. Great Job.
Truly fascinating! What an incredible job this man has done in creating the old fashioned Main Street! Thanks for sharing this wonderful video and interview.
I am speechless. Wonderful basement. Thank you for uploading it for all to see.
Absolutely fantastic 👏 👌 ❤
Truly amazing of what one person can do! Reminds me of the streets of yesterday! At house on the Rock! In Wisconsin! Pretty cool! Basement! If you can dream it! Build! It! And they! Will, come! Lol. Great! Job!
It would have been a dream to play here as a kid. I'm so jealous 😭
Pretty amazing. This guy knows what to do with his spare time.
This is an incredible piece of work, but it's more of a recreation-of-a-museum recreation than a recreation-from-real-life. Even the linoleum mimics the glazed brown brick floors seen in indoor "heritage town" exhibits in museums, particularly during the 70s and 80's, which probably corresponds to when he actually saw them. This alone makes the work all the more fascinating - he hasn't recreated the past, he's recreated a RECREATION of the past. There's something meta in all of this . . .
It is very nice.My favorite was the Farm that the muesum had, so realistic back then.I was in the museum some years back and I was very disapointed all the changes that have been made.I suppose you have to go with the times. On exhibit is a horse drawn street car,that I use to play in as a kid.It was located (stored)in the Lawndale Bus garage at one time .My father worked for the CTA.
I just love Mike's makup. It is hard to see him all prettied up. He is supposed to be rugged and do the dirty work stuff. This in not the Mike we know.
This is really incredible -- a labour of love!
This is fantastic!!!!
Inspiring! Great way to display your collecibles!
This is a true treasure. I would travel to the united states just to see it (I'm from Australia). You are a genius, sir, and this is a wonderful idea perfectly executed :D :D (sorry if this is a double post; there was an error on TH-cam)
Absolutely brilliant, what a creation!
@jscapes11
John,
What an awesome "opus magnus" Did your Dad pass away? That is probably the ONLY way I would ever leave such a wonderful house. I am originally from Chicago and grew up in Evanston/Highland Park. Do you mind telling me what suburb your family lived in? Thanks for a lovely memory and what a tribute to an incredibly talented man.
This is absolutely unreal! It gives the image of being so large, and so realistic! I'd hate for him to see my basement.
That’s pretty neat. Woulda been a lot of fun for grand kids!
Man this is absolutely incredible
soooo cool. Way to go Bob!!
Always dream of having something like this! God Bless
Fantastic!
Incredible!
this is so cool! I can't believe how tallented this man is!
Oh my! Amazing!!
That's so cool! He should add street lights and turn the other lights out to create a night scene.
OMG! @ 2:19 - I have that same set of play dishes. I know my mother played with them, but I think they might be older than that. I've never seen them anywhere else.
wow... tht's really amazing! he really does have a great passion! :)
Some of the crude comments a few have made here are truly sad. They are reflective of the times, I guess, when so many people don't care about what came before them. I'm afraid they are the ones who need to get a life ... because if you don't know where you've been, how can you know where you're going? It's no wonder creativity is at a low ebb, the country is such a mess, and our greatness is slipping through our fingers!
This is awesome!
this is the funniest thing i have ever seen.
It’s amazing to be able to create your dreams
To Shado2100: That's great...you must get a lot of friends visiting you, just to see that basement.
amazing
Wow amazing
@Shado2100 I can only imagine how much fun it would be. :) Looks amazing!
Wholesome
John, you're QUITE a guy! I think it's AWESOME the amount of devotion and quality craftsmanship that has obviously gone into your 1890's basement. Do you allow visitors to go through it? That would be so much fun. I hope it will somehow remain for as long as that house stands as a testament to one man's vision, determination and TALENT. GOOD WORK!
It would be great if we could not only *not* respond to the people who are being negative, but not to post about them either. They get double the attention that way. So i hope there will just be a ton of kind things said -- that will win the day!
Great Basement - (It's Dale)
Awesome!
AWESOME!
Man I really hope this guy is still alive. it looks like he moved out of the house in 2016 though ={
CHARMING!
that's pretty cool
Awesome..
That is amazing :-)
@jjakab - for you this awesome achievement is like casting pearls before swine
I like that
@DjFusion17 He's talented, dedicated and imaginative. But damn, there is something creepy about it all.
amazing:)
If this guy wants to turn my basement into such an incredible waste of space please feel free.
What a great basement. Is it still basically intact? I live in Chicago and would LOVE to see this place if possible. Is there any way this could be arranged? Any help in accomplishing this would be greatly appreciated.
He needs to paint a fake sky on the ceiling.
I thopught it was minature unil he walked down the sidewalk. This is totally amazing. Does he open it for visitors? Charge or free?
A replica of the "1890's Main Street" exhibit front from the ???? and Industry
I'm confused! (what else is new). John built this in his house (unbelievable) and now it's called Bobbi's basement. Where is John and who is Bobbi? What happened to all the stuff John had in the storefronts?
Wow
I saw this on TV quite a while ago. I wonder if he's still at it or is he still around? I hope so.
+Heru- deshet Hy, yes I am still around. I am now 77 yrs. old and thinking small
now. I make miniatures rooms and house's like Lincoln's home etc.
Diane Scapes
Glad to hear that. 70 is the new 50, so you're a spring chicken in the scheme of things. I love your work. I'd like to see you upload videos of your latest work.Thanks and keep creating.
+Diane Scapes (John and Diane) Thanks for this marvelous video, from one Chicagoan and Midwesterner to another!
@@dianescapes2130 What year did this show air? I cannot find any information on this show "Incredible Basements"
What year was this made? There's nothing for it on imdb: Not under "incredible basements", & not thru HGTV nor Mike Rowe's imdb info.
What year did this show air? I cannot find any information on this show "Incredible Basements"
i think i saw somewhere 2011
Wow. Mike Rowe with hair lol
He’s not an engineer, more like an imagineer. If he worked for Disney maybe it wouldn’t be intellectual property world today.
@jjakab - ahhh, a misunderstanding ... all is good now & I agree, nascarlung's comment is imbecilic
Came out June 2003, Google Incredible Basements
OMG! How big is the basement?
dirty jobs ftw!!
Dear God, what does Mike Rowe not do?
3 ppl dont have basement