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Pat's weaving using stained glass
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Before her departure, however,
we wanted to know what her favorite fountain pen story was. Without hesitation
she recalled one customer from many years ago who had, unknown to him, found a
Parker Black Giant fountain pen (ca. 1905) in a local pawn shop.
The
customer had called John and described the pen. It had an incorrect nib and feed,
the bladder had crumbled, and the black hard rubber had faded with age. It was
a shell of a pen and the customer wondered if 27 was too much to pay for it. John
replied, quite seriously, he thought that $2700 was just a little high. Pat remembered
the dead air John experienced at the other end of the line. |
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customer finally said "No, not 2700...27 dollars." John quite
calmly replied that $27 was not too much. The customer then sent the Black Giant
in for a new bladder, blackening of the hard rubber, a correct nib and Lucky Curve
feed. When it went back it was looking "as new as the day it was born."
These days, this pen would be valued at roughly $1700. When
asked what she'll miss the most her immediate answer was, "the customers."
And she says this to all of you: "Your personalities, stories, changing and
evolving fountain pen needs and requests, your kindnesses, friendship and genuine
appreciation are memories I'll take with me and treasure, always. Thank you." |
Pat's weaving entitled Waterlilies | We
will miss Pat's dedication, the extraordinary level of customer service she provides
and her kindness. As John says, "Pat
has devoted herself wholeheartedly to the business. I'm sad to see her go but
am happy knowing she will be pursuing her art career, which is her first love."
We all wish Pat the very best on her new, exciting adventure. Cheerio Pat, and
keep in touch! | |
