Spent a bit of time in my Dad's shed when we were in England at Easter. I've mentioned before that my Dad was a carpenter by trade (as they say). Not really a craftsman, more a jobbing carpenter who made things that would survive a bomb attack. He'd have done a roaring trade over here "Back in The Day" (as they also say). When he wasn't actually employed as a carpenter he was in architectural ironmongery. Knobs and knockers to you and I. He loved that. And who can blame him. Surrounded by bits and bobs all day long. Manning the trade counter. Awesome (which is something else they say).
A perk of the job was the legitimate take-homers. Nothing dodgy, my Dad's a good Christian chap, wouldn't tolerate inappropriate nastiness or pilferings. No way. We're talking end-of-the-line, surplus stock. If it was any good, if there was even the slightest chance it would "come in handy", back it came. To be filed away in a clearly labelled draw.
Now he's not as sprightly as he once was, not so good on his feet and not so handy nowadays. So my Mom suggested he passed on some of his treasures, what with me getting handier by the day (I can move radiators you know).
Off I trotted for a snoop about. And after a significant consultation period, certain tools were passed into my care. While peeking through the many compartments in Dad's shed I unearthed many vintage screw boxes. I feel like these boxes have always been in my life. I can remember loving them when I was as young as my kids are now. Especially the green and cream diamond design.
It's obviously a bit sad really, a clear sign of my Dad's decline, but his hands shake too much now for him to handle fiddly screws. So I think he was happy, actually very happy, to see them coming my way. He's got some great stuff in that shed. And while I hope and pray it's many years before I have to clear it out there's a part of me that is warmed by the idea of inheriting my Dad's ancient tools.
My dad's shed was full of interesting packaging of a similar nature but sadly I never thought about it until it was too late. Great post and moving too. Lovely images bringing back waves of nostalgia.
Posted by: Gerry Simons | 12 May 2011 at 07:15 PM
what part of england ...?
Posted by: impo$t! | 14 May 2011 at 04:02 AM
Birmingham
Posted by: Richard | 14 May 2011 at 10:41 PM
ahh, brummy! near the black country,
Posted by: impo$t! | 16 May 2011 at 10:11 AM
Very nice and moving post, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Seif | 20 June 2011 at 12:36 PM
These photos remind me of my Dad. He was also a Carpenter by trade. He too would bring home stuff. He has little boxes of fasteners and tools with brand names I have never heard of. He would bring home cool (old-school) chairs and sometimes cabinets made of oak and stained dark from the County when they would upgrade to newer stuff. This was all in Ohio, USA. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Mike | 06 July 2011 at 07:33 PM