Vintage Apartment Locks

How Mortise Locks Work

 

Like the majority of vintage buildings, most of our apartments are outfitted with mortise locks. These allow for some flexibility in the function and use of your lock.

 

 

If you look on the narrow part of the door, there are two brass buttons. Push one of them in and you can lock the door simply by closing it. Push the other button, and you will need to turn the bolt with a key in order to lock the door from the outside.

Sticky locks can be loosened with some patience and a little resourcefulness. Try using graphite as a lubricant. Draw on a key with a pencil as though you are coloring it in. Work it into the lock gently to see if it turns. In an emergency, try a little WD-40 in the lock. Of course, Hayes Properties residents can always call the office for maintenance at 773-929-7050.

Hayes Properties, Inc. Chicago, IL

hayesproperties.com

All written content and illustrations are copyright Hayes Properties, Inc. or their respective authors.

Boiler Certificate from 1928: Found Objects

This plaque was posted in the basement of the building at the corner of Racine and Montana Streets, aptly named The Montine. While the boiler was replaced long ago, this notice posted October 11th, 1928 still stands decades later and speaks to the history of this Hayes Properties building.

To put things in perspective, it was posted ten years before the start of World War II. Calvin Coolidge was president during the latter half of the roaring ‘20s. Women had just gotten the vote eight years earlier in August of 1920. The notice was posted exactly one year to the month before the stock market crash of 1929.

Chicago’s population was about 3,376,438 at the time, compared to today’s estimate of 2,707,120. Housing development increased during this time of economic prosperity. The City of Big Shoulders was the second largest city in the country. Can you guess which was first?

Hayes Properties, Inc. Chicago, IL

hayesproperties.com

All written content and illustrations are copyright Hayes Properties, Inc. or their respective authors.

Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors

Fire Prevention & Carbon Monoxide Detection

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Test your detectors monthly and change the battery at least once a year. Springing forward an hour for Daylight Savings is a good reminder. If you are a Hayes Properties tenant and your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are not working, please contact us at 773-929-7050.

 Most Hayes Properties apartments are outfitted with a
combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector.

Eliminate Fire Hazards

•         Never leave your stove or oven unattended while cooking.

•         Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from a heat source.

•         Do not run extension cords behind rugs or curtains.

•         Do not use appliances with damaged cords. 

Know Your Exits

•         Familiarize yourself with all of the exits at the property.

In the Event of a Fire

•         Exit your apartment immediately.

•         Pull the nearest fire alarm located in the hallway.

•         In dense smoke, crawl on the floor to nearest exit.