The Right Stuff

Of all the things we grandchildren recall about our Grandfather Bill "Golly" Fish, his enormous ears and his missing finger are often mentioned. Not so sure about the ears but it's a documented fact that he lost his finger in his woodworking shop - that dusty old building behind the North Main Street foursquare where he lived.

He wrote:

"This scribe's hobby is working with wood, making coffee tables, floor lamps, table lamps, fruit bowls, sandwich trays, card trays, tie racks, magazine racks, book shelves, candle holders, wall brackets and other thingabobs.

"When he isn't sitting a a desk writing Golly - or something - he is at home, out in his wood-working shop, whittling away and thoroughly enjoying himself. In that shop are a bunch of power tools – a bench saw, jig saw, band saw, jointer, drill press, turning lathe, emery wheel, sanding machine and scores of accessories and hand tools.

There is also a supply of choice Potter County lumber for making things.

Folks who see the product of this labor of love often rave over the beauty of the grain of the wood – most of it cherry and maple –  the grace of design and the smooth finish. Occasionally an article is sold for real money but where one is sold, nine are given away."

Many pieces he created found their way into the homes of his children and later his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

For years, I've looked at estate sales, auctions and local antique markets thinking I may find a piece of my family history.

And thus it was in the very back booth at The Right Stuff on Coudersport on Saturday, I spied this and took it down from the shelf.

and turning it over, this.

It's added to my collection for now, but likely to celebrate its centennial in the home of one of the next generation.