Benches

Didn't get the big snow last night but got enough to make things white, winds made for some neat looks of snow blowing off buildings.  In a follow up to the gardening piece last time, I have been told by a reliable source that the time to plant tomato seeds indoors is on Town Meeting Day; they also recommend using the milk cartons from school instead of buying those fancy trays.  Sounds like it could be a plan.

My great uncle Harry (Staton) made these benches probably around 1925; they have been painted several times and the one corner was chewed off by my dog name Blue while he was locked up in the mud room at the farm (but that is another story).  Anyway, Uncle Harry lived with his grandmother and when she died he came to live with grand dad Kidney (mom's family).  Grand dad had a nice shop so Harry took it up on himself to build these benches.  He joined the Army for two years and then was called up for WWII where he became a MP and spent his time riding the "prisoner of war trains" in the United States.  He eventually wound up in Billings Montana, joined the police force and stayed out there until he died of a stroke and is buried there. Some where along the line he married a woman from Arkansas- I have no idea what happened to her.  Mom told me the story tonight and I thought I needed to share it with others so maybe it won't be forgotten.  WWII and the prisoner of war camps are really interesting parts of history-in Central Missouri near the town of Hermann, the camp was one that allowed   many of the prisoners to work in the community; after the war, many stayed  to make their homes there.  I am sure there are some good stories there too.

So here are the pictures of the benches, the top is 15" square, bench is 18" tall; perfect for shucking corn or snapping beans or for just sitting around and talking with friends.  Thought we needed a little snow pictures too.   Much peace in  your life and remember to measure twice and cut once.