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- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 2 Apr 2010.
Just Plain Talk - Take a ride along the railroad tracks back in time
Before talking about a visit to the Del Rio French Broad Outpost for the first Wild West Days, let's revisit the stick whittler Curtiss McKnight who we chatted with last week. I forgot to mention another child of his, Joshua McKnight. He also crafts walking sticks and is almost as good as his Dad. Chances are, when you stop to see Curtiss, he will be surrounded by many dozens of sticks but no two are ever alike, much like the buyers who pay anywhere from $15 to more than a $100 per item. Practically, you pay per foot and amount of carving involved. Tourists return every year to visit with him and bring friends to meet this Old Man by the Side of the Road. His sticks have been bought by a US ambassador to Zimbabwe, locals, out-of-state travelers, missionaries to Japan, Brazil and Venezuela, he said. Some folks have even paid him $200 for large highly embellished walking sticks. "This blew my mind. I wouldn't pay $50," he said. The work is fun and provides his livelihood and connection to community.
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(Age ~ 73 years)