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A Christmas Appeal

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  • A Christmas Appeal

    Hello,
    Many of you are familiar with the tin ware we carry through our sutlery, Ezra Barnhouse Goods. Some of you might even know the maker of the tin,
    Patrick Cunningham. We received an e-mail from his girlfriend, Vickie
    and I will share excerpts of it with you;

    I suppose you know Patrick had a leg injury of some sort, and has been out of commission about 4 weeks now. As of yesterday he was diagnosed with a fractured femur, and will visit an orthopedic guy on the 20th. It is not sounding good, he may need a hip replacement. Normally, I would not do this, but Patrick has taken care of me the past year without asking for anything, and now I need to take care of him somehow.
    There is no insurance, no income, nothing sitting nicely in the bank and with my health concerns, no way to earn money. A lot of people know how big his heart is, how he does what he can for others, and has seldom asked for anything from other people. THIS MAN NEEDS a little help. He won't ask anyone for help, but I will. Be it a jar on the counter, or an all out fund set up to pay some medical bills, a card, a note, or a prayer that he doesn't want to ask for, maybe there is a way to help him. He would really like to make tin again.

    For those who don’t know Patrick, a little background. He has been involved with living history sites and reproducing quality material culture items from the 18th and 19th century since he was a teenager. I believe, his early years were at Slate Run and then he was at Old Sturbridge for a time. He now resides in Madison, IN where his tin shop is in an 1850’s brick building that many years past was also a tin shop. An example of his generosity that Vickie mentioned, was at this year’s ‘Fair at New Boston’ where he made a tin chandelier and gave it to one of the refreshment booths. Vickie has had a very serious illness for the past year, which she is slowly recovering from.
    Now for my pitch; at this most loving and giving time of year if you happen to have an extra Christmas card lying around please think of sending it to Patrick. And if a $1, $5, or $10 dollar bill fell into the card, it would be appreciated more than you can imagine. For those of you without spare cash, a get well card or a prayer would be much more than Patrick would ask for.
    Patrick Cunningham
    1032 Park Ave.
    Madison, IN 47250

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    Sincerely,
    Beth Crabb
    Last edited by crabby; 12-20-2007, 03:23 PM.
    Beth Crabb

    IN LOVING MEMORY OF
    John Crabb July 10, 1953 - Nov. 25, 2009

  • #2
    Re: A Christmas Appeal

    Wow, big time downer. I will be getting a gift off in the mail in short order. One thing I was able to relate to, is that he once worked at Old Sturbridge Village, in Mass. I visited there several times over the past maybe 35 years, when I grew up about 40 minutes away. Without the artisans/interpreters on hand to help recreate the historical flavor of New England, it wouldn't be but a collection of old buildings. And it helped shape my appreciation for history and reenacting as an adult. Got a bit sidetracked there, but I wish speedy recovery and lifting spirits for both of them over these cold, dark months. Thinking of you!
    Joe Madden
    13th New Hampshire Vols.
    Co. E
    Unattached

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    • #3
      Re: A Christmas Appeal

      I sent a little something along. Not much, but what I can spare right now.

      I have to say, it made me feel pretty good, like I was taking part in the ending of "It's A Wonderful Life."

      I guess that makes me Uncle Billy, the weird old drunk...

      Merry Christmas, you old Building and Loan!
      Last edited by redleggeddevil; 12-20-2007, 05:09 PM. Reason: Misquoted Jimmy Stewart. Yikes!
      Andrew Batten

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      • #4
        Re: A Christmas Appeal

        This is what the season is truly about, I will send a card & "gift" :).

        Edward Parrott
        Edward Anthony Parrott
        "Humbug"

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        • #5
          Re: A Christmas Appeal

          The response is great. This is such a fantastic season, I know they will put the gifts to great use!!
          Beth Crabb

          IN LOVING MEMORY OF
          John Crabb July 10, 1953 - Nov. 25, 2009

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: A Christmas Appeal

            As a Sheet metal worker was he a member of a local Union? Maybe we could them to help.

            Sam Hayle
            Tinsmith Mess

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            • #7
              Re: A Christmas Appeal

              I'll check with him when we visit this Tuesday. We are going to drop off a care package for the new year.


              Crabby
              Beth Crabb

              IN LOVING MEMORY OF
              John Crabb July 10, 1953 - Nov. 25, 2009

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: A Christmas Appeal

                UPDATE
                Here is a message from Patrick & Vickie:

                "There aren't enough words to express our appreciation of folks here this last month. Without the kind words and the assistance of others the situation around here right now would be completely different. This is a general thank you for all out there who have taken time from their busy day to drop a card or note, called or sent an email, proving caring individuals come from all walks of life. The encouraging words buoy our spirits. Sometimes being on the receiving end is difficult when things go awry; it certainly is humbling. We have shed many tears opening cards from people who put a "little something" in their cards, too, awed by their generosity. We are simple folk who can best express our gratitude by saying Thank You. It really does help."

                And they just advised that Patrick's surgery is tentatively scheduled for Feb 1
                He saw a specialist in Indianapolis who determined he can plate/pin the bone. Pat still has a long way to go, but said he is thrilled that they finally stopped talking "hip replacement"!
                Thanks from us to all of you who provided encouragement,
                John & Beth Crabb
                Beth Crabb

                IN LOVING MEMORY OF
                John Crabb July 10, 1953 - Nov. 25, 2009

                Comment

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