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Masters of trade still alive and well in Sandpoint

| July 12, 2020 1:00 AM

One of my favorite memories of the late ’30s and early ’40s was the sound of the triangle “bell” clanging down Third Street in Coeur d’Alene as the horse-drawn cart approached, and the shout of the driver — “Knives, scissors, hatchets and axes!” Mother would run to gather all her dull knives and scissors and take them to the curb to await her turn as the driver plied his trade. Beautifully sharpened utensils were the result — costing about 10 cents each — a dime was a darn good coin back then — and soon he’d clop his pony down to the next two across-the-street neighbors — all eagerly awaiting his talents. And a true talent it was — for who sharpens our cutlery now?

His wagon had an enormous amount of equipment on it — all neatly organized. He had a variety of honing instruments from tiny rasps to a small grinding stone and could sharpen anything from manicure scissors to a woodsman’s ax. He was a true craftsman, clean and neat, and proud of his calling.

Along with his modest fee, he would receive bags and boxes of cookies and rolls from the ladies of the neighborhood, all out and waving to each other. He once allowed me to give his pony an apple; I’ve never forgotten the feel of that soft nose tickling my palm as it accepted the offering. A true scene of Americana as it used to be.

When the last (and only) Sandpoint shoe repair store closed, it was another door locked to the past. Who re-soles their shoes nowadays? In our throw-away society, tennies, flip-flops and boat-sandals hit the trash-can in the end, and only a few outdoor types wear leather anymore. I often visited Rosholt’s Shoe Repair Shop in the ’70s, and enjoyed the behind-the-counter wall of cubby-holes with their varied shoes awaiting repair. It spoke of frugality as well as respect for well-made shoes. When picking up repaired shoes, they were always buffed neat and clean along with whatever repairs had been done.

I guess I’m romanticizing the past, but I think those memories linger because of the respect and honesty they represent. And there is light at this end of the tunnel — more and more folks are using their talents to make things again — log and rustic furniture, lovely jewelry, even craft beers! And a very positive current example of tradesmanship is the incredible restoration work being done on the city’s celebrated century-old carousel. Experts were needed for every aspect of removing old paint, sanding, re-painting and the enthusiastic efforts of all the dedicated people involved is inspiring. What a treasure!

There are still (and always will be) opportunists who profit from the land and forests — from trees to fur-bearing creatures to hidden boulders ripped from scenic rocky hillsides. Maybe this awful virus is a chance for folks to rest and ruminate, but there is a plus side: it has actually already brought about remarkable caring and sharing: area gardeners and produce vendors offer fresh, often organic, local and on-farm site veggies, fruit, eggs and more — restaurants have adapted to take-out prepared meals, and the local markets now shop for you, bag it up and let you pick it up at curbside. We do indeed, still have blessings to count!

Memories, while often bittersweet, can be hopeful and healing. I have those afore-mentioned revered kitchen knives today — all specially made for a purpose — a long, bladed ham-slicer with its rounded end; a wavy-edged bread-slicer, a narrow sharp-bladed boning knife — a huge French-made butcher knife — and more. They were Mama’s Grandmothers’ before her, and I will probably be the last one in the family to appreciate them. Most have not been used for decades but I love having them in their holder with my other utensils — whether used or unused. It is things like that, I believe, that keep us motivated — a revered past suggests a hopeful future.

At my house, the future must hover as it may, for the present beckons in the form of “my” incredible array of visiting birdlife — the feisty Pine-jimmies (which go nose to nose with the Stellers Jays for the peanuts) — and the resurrected Garden Path that has returned with amazing lavishness and beauty! I am grateful beyond belief for my God-given strength at age 90 to be able to nurture all these blessings to my life. Yes, even the noisy, clumsy, endearing turkeys and the occasional mooching deer! The pots of flowers on the deck’s long bench and the hanging baskets above provide glorious color and scent interspersed with hummingbird feeders and suet blocks. I think just sitting and taking it all in — even in the interminable rain — keeps me healthy. Attitude is everything! Maybe the fresh air helps too.

I believe that if all the folks griping about cabin-fever would just hang a sunflower seed-holder outside a window, get a bird-book, a pair of binoculars and put a chair by the window, they’d get a whole new aspect on life!

Back to the tradesfolk subject — how about bird-houses and feeders? I know there are some makers around because I bought a lovely birdhouse (pictured above) at a recent craft market at the mall. A worthwhile hobby-trade for anyone with a shop.

Valle Novak writes the Country Chef and Weekend Gardener columns for the Daily Bee. She can be reached at bcdailybee@bonnercountydailybee.com. or by phone at 208-265-4688 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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An adorable birdhouse made by area tradesfolk is ready to hang.

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An unexpected guest saves a lousy shot with its perky presence.