Dad's Workshop, Lessons, and Lasting Tools

The thing I remember most about Dad was that Dad could fix anything. He was an excellent mechanic and welder. His workshop in the back always had some project going on. These projects always required many trips to look for parts or advice. Dad would always haul us along. We did a lot of sitting around while he made deals or trades with friends or just sat around talking. Dad had a variety of genuine characters as friends. Dad was active in Dad’s Club and attended most meetings. I don’t remember what Dad’s Club was all about but he was right there with us. He also took us to Scout troop meetings. Our dad was a hard worker at John Deere, where his friends called him “Casey.” I guess we were pretty poor but didn’t know it. One of Dad’s big responsibilities was the orchard. A half acre of apple, peach, cherry, plum, and pear trees. Spraying and pruning were hard work but helped the crop. I know one of the pear trees was very special. Everyone wanted the pears of that tree. They were extra large and juicy. Dad had a good sense of humor. I remember lots of laughter when he spent time with his friends. One day we were over at Oscar Peterson’s sitting around. Dad and Oscar were having a few beers and Dad fed some to Oscar’s cat. The cat acted crazy and we all had a big laugh. Dad taught me how to make a willow whistle. I can still make one today. He taught us how to make home-made kites from sticks, newspaper, and string. They flew very well. We would occasionally travel to Minnesota to visit Dad’s brothers. We would never call or write to tell them we were coming. We’d just show up. I guess all the Guilds did that. One summer Bernie and I planted a field of popcorn next door. Dad said if we took care of it we could sell the popcorn and keep all the money. When it came time to pick the popcorn we had grown just a little weary of it all. Dad said there was one gold ear of corn in that field. Well, we picked that field in record time. We never found the gold ear, of course. I think we made a little money on the popcorn sales. We sold it for ten cents a pound. Dad took us with to buy a car a few times. He was an extremely tough negotiator. He didn’t care what he said to the salesman. I was embarrassed by his outrageously low offers and rationales for deserving a better price (“I’ve got seven kids to feed.”) but he always got us a good deal. Of course, we all know Dad was a handsome guy. People who knew him still mention that to me. I know Dad enjoyed his retirement. His motorcycle and his camper were special to him. I still have some of his tools and think of him each time I use one of them. I’m glad Dad had at least a few years to enjoy his retirement.