By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
When the new construction market in the 1980s began to fizzle out, Pennsauken native Rich Tamburo went looking for the next home trend. He found it in the Victorian revival, dabbling in bracket and porch restoration. But it was his work customizing Victorian screen doors that drew demand from customers, turning a hunch into Victoriana East, a Pennsauken-based business that’s reached the 30 year mark.
“We owned an old Victorian house in Pennsauken, saw the revival and made the switch,” says Tamburo, who grew up in the Delair section of town and graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1979. “I made a Victorian screen door and it took right off. Within a year, I went from restoration work and moved exclusively into manufacturing.”
Victoriana East manufactures a full line of Victorian-style wooden storm doors, as well as shutters, vintage style storm windows, gable decorations, brackets, and railing systems. Most of the business’ clientele are home owners, although they have done work on several historic sites, as well as Independence Hall in Philadelphia. And while 90 percent of the work is done locally, Victoriana East has become bit of a destination business, with customers coming from places like Ocean Grove, Delaware, and even Woodstock, NY.
“People who come to buy 30 windows want to see them first,” explains Tamburo.
When customers do stop in, they’ll first be met by the store’s four-legged “greeter,” Jake, Rich’s friendly black lab. They’ll also find an eclectic, hip showroom, displaying product, antiques, knick knacks, and more. And you can’t help but notice the guitars, drum kit, and other musical equipment.
“People love to take pictures in here. If we’re not making money, we’re having fun,” says Rich. “Sometimes we do an art showing or a concert in here.”
Over the years, demand has been steady, and the services Victoriana East provides have been recession proof. Rich, who clearly loves both the work he does and the community he lives in, looks forward to many more years in Pennsauken.
“When I first started, I didn’t know how long the run was going to last. But it’s been consistent the whole time. The Victorian revival is still going strong.”
Victoriana East is located at 3011 Centre St., Pennsauken – although truth be told, a small portion of the store actually resides in Merchantville. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call (856) 910-1887 or visit VictorianaEast.com.
