There’s a place in Indiana called the Prairie Wind Toy Company. It’s run by two craftsmen, a father and son, who devote their lives to sharing the folk art and joy of Whirligigs, Limberjacks, Hooey Sticks and dulcimers, too.
So we drove out with two of the grands to meet Charlie Alm (who’s still making folk toys and mandolins at 91) and his son Dave to see history in action. These two dedicated, generous, unassuming souls personify the spirit that keeps these toys alive: playfulness, craftsmanship, and devotion.
Charlie and Dave Alm in their workshop, demonstrating their Limberjack and dulcimer for us.
And here they are at play.
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The Limberjack is an amazing little toy. It’s as much a musical instrument as it is a puppet.
And then there’s the Hooey Stick, a.k.a. the Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle. And here’s Charlie demonstrating its mysteries.
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There’s a trick to it, and it will amaze you. It’s a trick that has amazed people for hundreds of years. And once you learn the trick, you can take your part in a generation-spanning heritage of amazement and delight. All due to the persistently playful dedication of people like Charlie and Dave Alm, passing their heritage of simple joy and wonder to the next generation.
Charlie and Dave with our grandson, Cole
hi guys. its good to see a father son team up last the test of the years. My father and i tried with our lutherie in Loveland, Co off and on for 20 years without a happy ending!(LOL)
anyway to get to the point i am taking 1/2 day every thursday away from my contractor/ handyman business starting this upcoming one with a boyscout troop volunteering. needless to say its the start of busy season and even though ive made so many limb erjacks in my time i could do it in my sleep, i cannot seem to draw up a siplistic yet accurate set of bluprints for these kids to use on this upcoming project and i was hoping you might be willing to share a set of yours as i dont have the time to keep at it unless i decide to give up sleeping. I would be very grateful and the kids are very exited about learning for once( so im told by the troop master). I look forward to your response