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Canes, Walking Sticks, Are Fashionable Collectibles

Canes, or walking sticks, as they were formerly known, are a reminder of the pre-World War I era when gentlemen considered a proper walking stick a necessary accessory. These sticks were not just for walking, however. Considered a fashion statement, walking sticks were also valuable as status symbols and even for self-defense. Yes, walking sticks were seen as a handy weapon, during the age of dueling pistols and other refined moments of violence. Used since ancient times, canes can be ornate and elaborate. Today collectors find these old-fashioned treasures fun to study and ...

The Disturbing Pecking Order

I never really understood the phrase “pecking order” until recently. After checking with Mr. Webster’s dictionary, I confirmed my suspicions that the pecking order actually was established by poultry. Hens, that is. Apparently the bigger, stronger, more aggressive hens rule the roost. Their actions give them the ability to take the most feed from others while the more intimidated hens get out of the way. I observed the pecking order in another venue — at a window bird feeder we installed outside our living room window. It took some time before any winged visitors landed and ...

Gardening: An Activity That Can Be Enjoyed By Everyone

WHEELING — This is a very exciting time of year for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts. It brings me much joy driving around the Ohio Valley and noticing many gardens beginning. Starting a garden without the guidance of a family member or trusted neighbor can be overwhelming and exhausting. If you are interested in starting a garden, now is a great time, as you have plenty of time for your warm season produce to grow until our first frost in Autumn. Did you know many crops can grow into winter? With minimal investment, you can keep some crops growing all winter under low tunnels ...

They’re Still Standing Guard

Chugging up the steep slope along Oglebay’s walking path, I catch my breath and a glimpse of him as the morning sunlight bounces off his green patina. Sitting as if the watchdog of the park, the majestic Stag statue has been in the same location since before World War II. Anyone who has traversed these paths and green spaces that intertwine the Waddington Gardens and Kuchinka Amphitheatre have seen this impressive bronze Stag sculpture sitting atop his brick stand in the middle of the grass. Since my childhood, I have seen the Stag in this place. I played in its shadow with ...

Admiring Some Collectibles That Honor Veterans

The observance of Memorial Day, which began after the Civil War, honors our nation’s armed service personnel killed in wartime, a fact we should all remember as we enjoy the extra day off, picnics and barbecues. Many antique collectors seek patriotic advertising pieces and memorial relics from past wars as a way to commemorate our veterans throughout the year. All wars involve both the military and the civilians in the sense of support and sacrifice. So, there also are advertising campaigns and memorial artifacts that were just as important on the home front. These can be fun to ...

Finding Victory In The Soil

Maybe it was the smell of the freshly turned earth or the warm feel of the garden soil running through my fingers. Whatever it was, I was smiling at the idea of creating something beautiful within the confines of my flower garden. Just days earlier, I wasn’t sure spring would ever really ...