LEO KLEIN: We began yesterday to tell you about that fascinating
woodcarver from Wilcox, Leo J. Klein, who began this art as therapy
for injuries from World War II. We conclude his story today.

Linda Facchine of Ridgway, his granddaughter, writes, “I was
raised by my grandparents so I was lucky enough to see my PaPa’s
talent. He passed away several years ago at the age of 81.”

“He started carving to get the use of his limbs back after
stepping on a land mine in France during WWII. It is great to see
that, after all these years, people are still enjoying his
talents!”

We also heard from Peggy Nist, a niece, who tells us she has two
of his carvings – one is a beautiful grouse and the other is a
smaller pheasant, probably one of his early carvings. “I got them
from my mother and am very proud of them.”

POPCORN MAN: Joann Gifford of Crescent City is sure to jog some
memories with this one:

“As a native of Bradford (May 3, 1930, birthdate, at 125 Euclid
Ave.), I subscribe to The Bradford Era. Having many childhood
memories as one of six siblings, I especially recall during the
summer an older gentleman that owned a popcorn and candy wagon that
he would walk all over town.

“The wagon had two very large iron wheels and a wide crossbar
handle. Also, a very loud, shrill high-pitched whistle that let all
of us kids know that he was in the neighborhood. And we all
scrambled into the house to get change from dad and mom (about
1938).

“This gentleman merchant always wore a dark jacket, black
trousers and a fedora (hat). He had dark bright eyes and nice
features. We would point to whatever we wanted as he never talked –
that I can remember.

“Does anyone of my generation remember this ‘merchant of
children’s delights,’ or his name? In days of innocence.”

ON, ZIPPO: Kathryn B. Gates writes, “I don’t know if you are
still collecting Zippo lighter ‘sightings,’ but a Zippo lighter is
‘used’ in the excellent book, The Glass Castle, by Jeannette
Walls.” Of course we are, Kathryn!

ICE HOUSE: And Jean G. Cameron writes, “This is really
old-timey. Wasn’t there an ice house located on Durkee Alley? Also,
does anyone remember a roller skating rink in that same
location?”