Charlie Self wrote:
Something over a year ago, I was wanting some old tool info for my
reference book. At that time, it was a 10 minute drive to Front St. in
Marietta, OH. After six or so trips, I finally managed to find John in
his shop, and the second time around, I arranged to meet him at an
agreed upon hour so I could shoot some photos. I waited almost an hour.

In the next few weeks, I came by several times, and John wasn't open
and phone response was nil.

I got the feeling in talking to him that he sort of follows his own
drummer, and is often off on buying trips that extend a bit past what
he might have actually planned.

I have a feeling something similar may be going on, though the web site
being messed up more than usual is a worrier.

Too, the Ohio River flooded severely last year, dipping Marietta's
Front Street area in mud, messing up a lot of those small shops. It's a
nice little town--really nice, gorgeous Victorian buildings, brick
streets in many areas--so seeing photos of it messed up is painful, but
that's life on major river sides. That might have created some problems
for John, too.

I hope it's just an extended buying trip. John's a pretty good guy. And
his shop will drive you nuts with all the old tools.

It used to be that when I called his number I'd get a boy, or maybe him
, or he'd call back, eventually. That didn't bother me much, I've
waited a couple years now, I CAN be patient, don't believe what my ex
says. What worried me was the phone number changes leading nowhere and
the website looking more like it's been bought by someone else that
really under construction. I hope he's OK.

I don't think I've ever met a tool shop I didn't like. Which isn't
quite how SWMBO puts it. The last printing of his book is nearly 10
years ago, I'd sure like to get the new one, it was supposed to be out
this June....

Thanks for the tip,
Dave in Fairfax
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