Gene Noland, a History of the Leather Craftsman

[Johanna]

Ummm Deno, get to work and repair and condition Mom's bible. It needs relaced. You have to take the old lace out carefully with a pointy thing, like a modeling tool or a fid and an exacto knife. Do not let the holes break. Pull the stitches a little closer to the front when you relace it, and be careful with your splicing, and you will be fine. I can't tell what it was laced with, but back then goat was premium and that's hard to find. Kanga lace would work well, I think. You can tell how she holds her bible from the wear on it. Your loving hands should fix it while she can enjoy it.

Johanna

PS your Dad was pretty awesome, wasn't he? Thank you for sharing these things, Deno. Thank your Mom too.

[Deno]

Craftsman Portrait contests:

For each of the Portrait contests that my father entered there were a series of portraits entered. Some years he did not win and some he did. What most people have not seen are the other portraits in those series. I would like to share with everyone those that have not been seen. From time to time I will post these portraits from the various series to share with you.

Edited August 16, 2009 by Deno

[Deno]

AMERICAN EAGLE'S SERIES

No:1

Contest Winner Front Cover, The Craftsman Magazine, Volume XIII, Number 5, July-August 1969

Caption reads:

WWI

This AMERICAN EAGLE – One of the first to fly in World War I. He saw service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, and was the leader of the 14^th "Hat In Ring" Aero Squadron. Flying his SPAD in many battles gave to him the highest score for an American Ace of World War I. With 26 victories, His name – CAPTAIN EDDIE RICKENBACKER

Edited August 16, 2009 by Deno

[Deno]

NO: 2

Caption reads:

WWII

This AMERICAN EAGLE – A Pennsylvanian, gave his life November 30, 1944 like many Americans. Another American Ace, leader of Marine Squadron VMF-214 flew the Chance Vought F4U-1 Corsair, called "Whistling Death" by the Japanese. He had 28 victories to his credit before his capture in January 1944. Later released, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. His name – COLONEL GREGORY "PAPPY" BOYINGTON

Edited August 16, 2009 by Deno

[Deno]

No: 3

Caption reads:

TODAY

This AMERICAN EAGLE – A member of the United States Air Force, fought during the Korean War and is now fighting in Viet Nam. He has to have the intelligence and reflex of a computer machine with the heart of a lion. His McDonnell F-101 Voo Doo set a world speed record in 1960. Though new planes have been introduced, his ability to fly them is still just as complex. His name – MAYBE YOUR FATHER, HUSBAND OR SON

Edited August 16, 2009 by Deno

[Deno]

Last one of the series, No:4

FUTURE

This AMERICAN EAGLE – The first American to reach outer space and orbit the earth three times. His courage and faith made it possible for all future space ventures that are to come by proving man could live in outer space. On February 20, 1962 he set forth in his Mercury capsule "Friendship 7". His name – COLONEL JOHN H. GLENN