If you live in a small town like we do, you can probably list a whole line up of small town benefits.
One of my personal favorite things about small towns is small town people–the local legends, the characters, the long time residents who know every bit of history that makes up the town in which they live.
I met one of those fascinating small town people yesterday when I stopped by Herbert “Hubby” Blivin’s shop (situated handily in his back yard) to ask him to mat a photograph of Sarah’s for a school art show. Isn’t it lovely?
Before he started working on Sarah’s photo he unlocked a nearby door and said, “Why don’t you look around in here while you’re waiting.”
And what to my wondering eyes did appear but an entire room chock full of military memorabilia, especially items pertaining to the part of the Civil War fought on Roanoke Island. I asked him if it would be okay to take some pictures and he said, “Go right ahead!”
So I did. (And rather happily, I might add.)
When “Hubby” was finished with the photo, he and I chatted a little; he told me that he and his brother have spent most of their lives collecting these items and have even more items in storage than they have on display.
Turns out he is also an accomplished artist; the other parts of his shop were full of his paintings and he has illustrated three children’s books written by his son. Since I am all about supporting local writers and artists, I bought one and found it to be just delightful.
The stories are based on the family’s two cats, one of which was a massive, 19-pounder who was sleeping in the sun on the wooden porch when I entered the shop.
Have I mentioned how much I love small towns and small town characters?
Yep. I really, really do.
Hi Becky, Sarah really does have the ‘eye’! Wonder where she got this from. My 25 year old daughter is now working as a photographer in the US (I’m in Sydney) and I can assure you her talent came directly from me 🙂
Did ‘Hubby’ say where he bought his war items? I would have loved to have looked around, what a surprise it would have been when he opened the door! The picture of the swastika sent shivers down my spine.
Bec in Sydney:)
Bec, it’s nice to hear from another Bec!
Yes, I have no doubt YOUR daughter’s talent came all from you and MY daughter’s talent came all from me! 🙂 Sarah really is doing a great job of developing her photographic eye and what’s better, she’s finding out how much fun it is to take pictures.
I don’t know where “Hubby” got his war items from. Maybe the next time we go back we can ask. It was truly an amazing collection especially knowing that every single item had a story to tell.
Sarah’s art is beautiful! Talented young woman has a great “eye” like you. That little museum is wonderful! When I saw the headline “The War is Over! Japan Accepts All Terms”, I wondered how my father and uncles felt as they had served in WWII and heard the news….how would I have felt?
Oh, and “Stumpy” and “Fluff Bucket”? I love the book already!
Guerrina,
Yeah, those headlines were really incredible to stand there and read! I can’t imagine people’s feelings when those were published for real.
And yes, Stumpy and Fluff Bucket are great names!
What a beautiful photo by Sarah. I would so hang that in my home! Love the museum photos too. What a treasure you have in your town. Was so fun to see all that. Have a great weekend.
Forgot to mention how cute that book looks too. I am a daycare provider and the kids and I would have fun reading that book 🙂
Wendy,
Thanks for your compliment on Sarah’s photo. It really is lovely.
And yes, I think your daycare kids would LOVE that book! 🙂
wonderful art work by Sarah.. and what a wonderful museum? I hope they have it open for people to see.
Such talent is a small town… looks what happens when you get to know some one
Sharon,
It truly is a wonderful museum. We’re looking forward to going back!