This is the pen that Gagler made for me in the PITH swap. I think it is really great. Michael did a very nice job on the pen and I love the story behind the wood. I'll use his words so as not to screw this up...
"The blank is from a 150 year-old quarter-sawn Sycamore that came from an old barn in Xenia, Ohio, which served later as the first established Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' home in Xenia, Ohio. The Home, located in Xenia, Ohio, was founded in 1869 by the Veterans of the Civil War. The barn served the Orphans' Home through the Osso family. Later, the farm became a place of learning for the children as well as a source of income and food. The Home officially closed its doors in 1995. The history of this place was quite significant to orphans of military personnel for almost 100 years."
What a fabulous story and such a great gesture on Michael's part for the PITH. It happens to hold a bit of extra meaning for me as one of the people I worked with about ten years ago was called up to serve in Iraq with his guard unit. Sergeant Kevin Sheehan, 36, of Milton, Vermont was killed while working at the coalition base Kolsu about 25 miles south of Baghdad. He left behind a wife and two young children. It is meaningful to me that people as far back as the Civil War helped to look after the children of those who served their country. I'll be hanging on to this pen, remembering Gagler's generousity and the sacrifices our armed service members have made throughout history.
Thank you very much Michael for the pen and the history.
Steve
