iKnife Collector
The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel
Special and Fun holidays to celebrate..............
When : Always August 18th
Bad Poetry Day is a day to create some really bad verse. But, why you ask? Perhaps, the answer is simply "because you can". Maybe, it exists to allow us to better appreciate good poetry. Or, perhaps it is to be written to irritate someone......
My Grandpa’s Pocket Knife
It lies here now before me,
A whalebone pocket knife,
Still sharp enough to shave with,
A cipher of his life.
The faded stamp of ‘Sheffield’,
And, ground to faintness: ‘Steel’,
Good scrimshaw on the handle,
A perfect heft and feel.
It speaks to me of Empire,
Which I was taught to curse,
Yet who would care to argue
That there are things far worse... No matter.
My old grandpa Long, long since left this life;
He served the Royal Navy,
And this here— is his knife.
An Encomium of the Drop-Knife.
No knife is so slick,
It is quick on its trick
And a joy that will last you through life.
There is none 'neath the sun
Just like it, not one,
It's the Schrade Safety Push-Button Knife.
If the button is pressed
The blade does the rest,
Opens out like a thing all alive;
You break no thumb nail
In your efforts--that fail--
If you're owning this Push-Button Knife.
It's the handiest yet,
It is everyone's pet,
And with all good knife merits it's rife.
Its blades are rare steel,
And really ideal
Is this notable Push-Button Knife.
It's the very quick pick
Of club, class, and clique,
Its equal they cannot contrive;
It's a true treasure trove,
And a thing you will love
Is this wonderful Push-Button Knife.
A. W. BELLAW, DeGroff, Ohio
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This blade was so sharp, yet now is dull.
Will it ever cut again, only with love and care.
Left alone for such a long time.
Dust gathered upon it and rust seeped it's way in.
The color faded as time ran away.
The knife still yearns for a piece of wood,
To carve a new life if only it could.
Yet no one will hold it and death come to soon.
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Many people have family mementoes that are special to them. For Audie Alexander in Pleasant Plains, it’s an old pocket knife that belonged to his father.
That knife has a story behind it.
It went to the Pacific in World War II with Audie’s brother. Audie took it with him to the Korean War in 1953. When he returned, he gave it back to his father, who kept it until his death in 1981. Audie inherited it and is presenting it to his nephew.
“I’ll give it to somebody who will take care of it and keep it,” says Audie. “I know he will.”
The story of the two-bladed Case pocket knife begins at the end of the 1930s, when Pleasant Plains farmer William Robinson gave it to Audie’s father, Henry Alexander. Henry had worked for Robinson on his 500-acre farm for about 10 years.
“Dad and he got along really well,” says Audie. “I think he wanted to show his appreciation.”
In 1944, Audie’s brother, Haywood, shipped out for the Pacific during World War II. He carried the knife through two beach landings in the Philippines. Haywood and the knife were on their way to Japan when the war ended in 1945.
When Haywood returned to Pleasant Plains, he gave the knife back to his dad.
Henry Alexander kept it until Audie, his youngest son, left for the Korean War. Audie kept it in his pocket during his time in Korea.
“I was a little apprehensive,” says Audie. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose it. I hung onto it pretty tight.”
After he came home safely in 1954, Audie also returned the knife to his father.
Henry held onto it for the next 27 years until his death in 1981 at the age of 83. His first wife, Audie and Haywood’s mother, had died. When Henry was about 80, he married an old friend he had known in his younger days in Kentucky. She became Audie’s stepmother.
“After Dad died, she gave the knife back to me,” Audie says.
He has kept it for the past 30 years, but says it is time to pass it on. It will go to his brother Haywood’s son, James Alexander. James is a northern Illinois district commander with the Illinois State Police.
“He should have it,” says Audie. “His dad carried it longer than I did.”
In preparation for the transfer of the knife to his nephew, Audie has written its history, affixed the knife to the history and framed it. As a final touch, he had his account of the knife notarized by a teller at the bank in Pleasant Plains.
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Whittling
The front porch was a very important part of Grand-dad Will's home. The house itself was rather small, and the front room – the living room – was used only during the coldest months or on very rainy days. Otherwise, if you were not in the kitchen then you were out on the porch.
On hot summer evenings, we often ate our supper on the porch. From it, we could look out over the cornfields and down the driveway to spot a visitor as they first turned into the drive. Visitors were always a welcome sight. Many a long summer evening was spent story telling and gossiping with friends and family who came to visit.
No matter how early I would awaken and run down the stairs, I would find Grand-dad Will sitting at the kitchen table or out on the front porch having his morning cup of coffee, always with a big smile and a "Did you sleep well, little sister?" greeting. If I found him on the front porch, there would usually be a surprise waiting for me, something he had whittled while waiting for me to wake up. These intricately carved animals, birds and reptiles were some of my most treasured possessions. I remember once finding a little turtle that he had carved and then attached a little head so that it moved back and forth when touched – a bobble head of that era. I was delighted with the turtle and can recall to this day how precious it was to me.
Grand-dad Will and I spent many wonderful hours on the porch, story-telling and whittling the hours away. One day I had a 'great idea' and approached Grand-dad Will about it. I was about nine or ten years old at the time. I had concluded that I must learn how to do this marvelous carving. After telling Grand-dad Will that this was what I wanted to do, he said: "Well, if you are going to learn to carve then you must have a carving knife."
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Sooooooo.........I found all these fun poems and stories surfing the net.....Does anyone have any to add ?
The Old Pocket Knife
It was 1910 in the train station in CheyenneAn old cowboy sitting with pocket knife in hand
Just an old knife he said had it for years
Seen plenty of laughs and many tears
I was thirty in eighteen sixty three
Rode with old Stonewall to see General Lee
Fought for the South to the end
Didn't want to give up but knew we couldn't win
Rode west in seventy two
Spent time with some Lakota Sioux
Traveled down to Texas but didn't stay
Not liking the way the land lay
I broke horses and herded some steers
Drank my share of warm stale beers
But I'll tell friend it's now my trails end
Truth being I have slipped a time or two to sin
I have strived to live my life
Like I keep this old knife
If you neglect it, it becomes useless and dull
And the blade becomes hard to pull
Keep it clean and always sharp
Then maybe you can collect a heavenly harp
The old Cowboy stood and gave me a grin
Saying here take this knife my young friend
As I sat looking at it laying in my hand
Thinking who is this grand old man
As I looked up he was no where in sight
With the gift he left he had shown me the light
Now too my years have flown by
Knowing I have found grace in God's eye
With the old Cowboys advice I kept it maintained
Now as he did I sit here waiting on my final train
Edwin J. Smith
The Old Cowboy Poet
Mar. 29th, 2008
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Comment by Sue OldsWidow on November 4, 2012 at 16:38
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Veterans Day November 11th,...Usa official celebration day is monday the 12th
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It's absolutely Halloween. And, Halloween is absolutely the best holiday of the year. It is the favorite for many of us, as there is no stress, no overload, and no "Holiday Depression" . It's just absolutely fun.
You will absolutely find the best of the net here. Seen a neat one? Seen a scary one? Seen a fun one? Email it to us to share with others.
Bats, the Bizarre, Dracula, Ghosts, Witches, Graveyards, Ghouls, Haunted Houses, Halloween Movies, Paranormal, Halloween Parties, Pumpkins, Skeletons, Scarecrows, Vampires....... You name it, we'll take you to it.
Quote for the Day: "Home is where the haunt is!"
Did you know? Kids beware! About 9 t of 10 parents admit to sneaking a treat from their kids treat bag.
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When : Always October 31st
Carve a Pumpkin Day is today. If you don't carve a pumpkin by today, when will you get to it?
This is your last chance to carve a pumpkin because Halloween is tonight. PUllout your caring patterns and get down to work. If you cant''t find the patterns you have leftover from last year, there'ss no time to go to the store. They're probably sold out, anyway. Just carve a pumpkin freehand. After it's done, get your costume on and go trick or Treating.
We believe this holiday is celebrated a little late. It is better held a few days before, or the weekend before. Then, you can make a pumpkin caring party out of it. You can roast pumpkin seeds, drink apple cider and enjoy your pumpkin carvings. If you decide to celebrate this special day a little earlier, I won't tell.........
Have a happy Carve a Pumpkin Day.
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Thanks Jan for making the Old Pocket Knife VISIBLE again !
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Comment by Jan Carter on October 25, 2012 at 18:39
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Hey thanks for telling us about the old pocket knife. I had never read that one :)
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When : Always October 25th
World Pasta Day is today. It should come as no surprise to discover that this special day promotes the consumption of pasta around the world. It seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of pasta.
Each year on World Pasta Day, events are held to help spread the world about pasta and it's nutritional value. The National Pasta Association and pasta manufacturers sponsor these events and activities.
On World Pasta Day, pile up your plate, with a big dish of pasta and your favorite sauce!
Origin of World Pasta Day:
World Pasta Day was established as an annual event at the first World Pasta Congress held on October 25, 1995 in Rome, Italy. It is promoted by pasta manufacturers around the world.
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October is "Think Pink" Month
http://www.putonyourpinkbra.com/
http://pinterest.com/fslosangeles/eat-drink-think-pink-month-of-oct...
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POW/MIA Recognition Day
When : Third Friday of September
POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of remembrance and hope for the speedy and safe return of American Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action. It also seeks the return of the remains of fallen soldiers.
The first official commemoration of POW/MIAs was July 18, 1979. It was the result of resolutions passed in Congress. The first national ceremony was held on this date. Over the next several years, it was held in varying dates of the year. Finally, in 1986, The National League of Families proposed the third Friday in September as a day to recognize and remember POW/MIAs. This date was selected, as it is not associated with any wars. Each year, the president of the United States issues a proclamation on this day.
Did you know? Federal law requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown on the following days:
- Armed Forces Day, May 16
- Memorial Day, May 25
- Flag Day, June 14
- Independence Day, July 4
- POW/MIA Day, 3rd Friday of September
- Veterans Day, Nov. 11
You will also notice the POW/MIA flag flown at all US Post office buildings, Veterans Administration, military memorial facilities, and many U.S. government buildings.
Please take a few moments today, to remember our missing soldiers, and those held as prisoners of war. Attend a ceremony in your area. Say a prayer for POWs and MIAs. Also, write to your senators and congressman to urge continued and increased effort towards bringing every service man and woman home.
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This holiday seems to fit one of my hobbies...collection of fossil rocks...lol
When : September 16th
Collect Rocks Day is a day to enjoy and add to your rock collection. Ahh, to be a kid again, and have a rock collection. Well, we have good news for you. No one ever said you had to give up your rock collection when you became an adult. We hope you always keep and cherish your invaluable rock collection.
Kids collect rocks because it is a fun thing to do. They even trade rocks among other rock collectors. There are no books on what rocks to collect, or how much each rock is valued at. Rather, rocks are selected for a collection based upon a wide range of attributes. A lot of it is individual appeal. The rock could be big or small, a particular color or range of colors. smooth or rough, or display a unique characteristic. When it comes to rock collecting, beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder (or rock holder in this case).
Ice Cream Flavor of the Day: Rocky Road
Baby Names for Today: Rock, Rocky, Stone, and if its a girl.... Pebbles!
Have a happy Collect Rocks Day!
Origin of Collect Rocks Day:
We found no factual information about this special day. Kids young and old have been collecting rocks for hundreds, if not thousands of years. It is likely that someday the origin of this special day will be found written upon stone tablets, or on the rock wall inside of an ancient cave.
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by Executive Order, President George W. Bush declared September 11, 2002, a "National Day of Mourning" in honor of those that died in the September 11 terrorist attacks and ordered all executive departments, independent establishments, and other governmental agencies closed. This did not apply to governmental agencies that should remain open for reasons of national security or defense or other essential public business.
http://www.911memorial.org/about-memorial
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