Thanks to local generosity, the Marblehead Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2005 has received a full bathroom restoration upgrade free of charge.
Townsend Plumbing & Heating, a family-run business with more than 90 years of history, is donating all labor for a comprehensive plumbing upgrade at the VFW. The project, which took place this past Monday, replaced plumbing fixtures that had remained untouched since the 1950s.
The materials and fixtures for the overhaul were donated by the Pope Family, longtime supporters of the post and Veterans in the area.
Hopper Goodwin, owner of W.H. Goodwin Enterprises, removed the old equipment for free as well.
“We are replacing a bunch of toilets, urinals, and sinks that they have here,” said Alex Minter, general manager of Townsend’s Marblehead location. “We have four techs here today — a couple working upstairs and a couple working downstairs. We’re hoping that we can finish everything today. We put a little extra manpower behind it in hopes of getting it all done, and we’ll have a better idea this afternoon.”
The project comes after coordination between Townsend Plumbing & Heating and VFW leadership. “All of the material was donated, and coordinating to get all of the equipment here was most of the planning,” Minter said.
Ronny Knight, Commander of the Marblehead VFW Post 2005, called the restoration long overdue.
“This is something that’s going to enhance the post. It’s going to take care of our customers who come to events or just come to the post. We’re very excited that the Pope family and a few others donated this, and we’re even more excited that Townsend Plumbing donated their time and services for the installation.”
Michael Steadman, a field manager assisting on-site, explained how Townsend’s team became involved. “I mentioned the possibility of us helping, and I got full support from the Townsends right away. I was really excited about the idea.”
He added that two plumbers would handle the bulk of the work while additional staff assisted with carrying equipment.
“It’s a great experience. The team here is fantastic, and everyone has been really helpful,” he said. The fixtures being replaced are estimated to have been installed in the 1950s.
“This is a big deal for the community,” Minter said. “Everyone was super happy to get involved and jump in.”
Knight emphasized the significance of the project for the post. “This isn’t just about updating bathrooms. It’s about supporting a space that serves veterans and the community. We’re thrilled with the generosity of the families and the team from Townsend Plumbing who made this possible.”
Townsend Plumbing & Heating has been family-owned for more than nine decades, and Minter said community projects like this align with their values. “This family-owned business feels strongly about giving back. It’s a great opportunity to support our veterans and the town,” he said.
