They Make Totem Poles To Tell Family "Legends"

They Make Totem Poles To Tell Family "Legends" SPECIALTY/SERVICES Specialty/Services 28-3-22 A couple in Florence, Oregon, makes a living by hand carving totem poles on a custom basis. They run classified ads in newspapers that read: "Memorialize your pet with a custom cedar story pole." In addition to pets, they also carve poles in honor of family events, or for other reasons. Steve and Margaret Benson say every family has its own "legends" and that's what usually ends up on the poles. Many families consider the poles family heirlooms that they will pass on from generation to generation. "A story pole can tell something about your family history, a significant event, or maybe just the story of your favorite animals. No two totem poles are alike," Margaret says. "We've been doing this for 22 years, and by striving for quality and using traditional designs along with our own original designs, we honor the native American culture from which the idea originated." The Bensons also hand craft totem furniture such as beds and chairs which have uprights that are carved in totem style. In addition, they make carved plaques and signs, family crests, wildlife carvings and structural supports like carved pillars. They require a 50 per cent deposit before starting a project, and the balance is due 30 days after receipt. They will ship COD and have a handling fee of about $100 which includes a hand-built crate, packaging and insurance. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, The Wood Age, Steve and Margaret Benson, 5690 Shady Lane, Florence, Oregon 97439 (ph 888 486-8367 or 541 997-2292; fax 541-997-7946; email: woodage@presys.com; website: www.thewoodage.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.