Missouri home of the corncob pipe
31.12.69
In 1963, we took a three-week biking trip to the British Isles, staying in youth hostels or bed-and-breakfasts each night. Our bicycle saddlebags were our only luggage.
In spite of this lack of space, Mom brought unique gifts to give to people we met along the way. She chose a unique Missouri product: corncob pipes! At age 13, I was mortified she considered this an appropriate gift. Of course, everything embarrassed me at that age. To my amazement, they were well-received and always a perfect conversation starter.
Today, I realize her genius. She would hand over the pipe and then tell the receiver that Missouri was “The Corncob Pipe Capital of the World.” She would relate the story of the Washington, Mo., farmer who broke his clay pipe and frugally made a temporary one from something he had on hand — a simple cob from an ear of corn. He really liked that first corncob pipe.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune
Faces of Kaleiçi: (3) The Waning Art of Meerschaum Carving
31.12.69
Its narrow, stone-paved streets, often no more than lanes, meander with no apparent design. With twists and turns they lead you unexpectedly past deserted gardens or through walled courtyards where you might find a street dog dozing in the sun or a family cat peering watchfully from the window. Kaleiçi streets are lined with old Ottoman houses, some abandoned and decaying with time, some under restoration, while others stand proudly restored to their original Ottoman design. Their doors are freshly painted, and the windows are clean and shiny. Sometimes, the enticing aroma of frying onions or a newly baked cake waft from hidden kitchens, making you stop and linger. These streets of Kaleiçi
Source: Sunday's Zaman
Art and silver will be featured at Nest Egg auction May 5
31.12.69
MERIDEN, Conn. – Some of the best art and antiques from Connecticut estates will be featured at Nest Egg’s Spring Art and Antiques Auction on Saturday, May 5, beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern.
LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding for the 240-lot auctions.
Customers attending the 240-lot sale will find an eclectic selection of beautiful and unusual items, all fresh-to-market.
“We like to think of this auction as a prerequisite for the spring show at Brimfield,” said auctioneer Ryan Brechlin.
A Sol LeWitt painted aluminum sculpture will be offered for the first time. The 38-inch, seven-point star rises into a flat-topped pyramid. Originally intended for the “Structures” exhibition in New York’s City Hall Park, only five of the eight sculptures were installed from 1989-1990. This particular piece is owned by Michael Hayes—friend, neighbor and fabricator for Sol LeWitt for many years. The sculpture carries an estimate of $30,000-$50,000 and is sold with a certificate of authenticity from the estate of Sol LeWitt.
Source: Auction Central News
