by Kenneth Brown and Paul Barker

(Please see editor’s notes and acknowledgments below.)

Introduction

Best anyone can figure out, about 3,000 of Al Smith’s one-man circular rim saws were made from 1947 until the early 1950s. The first saws were made in Ava by Mr. Smith and his business partner, William I. Barker. During this period, the saws were appropriately labeled the “Ava Saw.” Then, in 1950, the business was moved to Springfield by its new owner, Noble A. Barker, after which the saw was labeled the “Barker Saw.” Several of these saws are still around, mostly as antiques; but reportedly, the saws are still being used up in Alaska. more…

By:Susie Cortright

http://www.momscape.com

 

Like many moms, I suffer from selective amnesia. Mostly, it revolves around things like pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the isolating early days with a newborn, which, with the first baby, culminated in the night I emptied the Diaper Genie and my battered soul by howling something unintelligible and swinging a roll of smelly nappies over my head. more…

The history — 2,000 Years of the Necktie,It’s Dad’s special day. For those lucky enough to have your Dad here, I hope you value him more each day. If your Dad is no longer with you, I hope that the day is filled with wonderful memories. Happy Father’s Day!

Father’s Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of Dad. It is a day to not only honor your father, but all men who have acted as a father figure in your life – whether as Stepfathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, or “Big Brothers. more…