We received the other daya gift from our old friend and UW Madison college-mate, David James of Tucson AZ., formerly of Fox Point (Milw). We'd mentioned a subject recently that interested him in the SRN about morel mushrooms and the wooden tray we still have, made by Norman Pripps and decorated by his wife Joan Beringer Pripps.
The Pripps lived for years in Springstead WI and eventually operated a renowned little cottage industry called Studio in the Woods. Norman, a woodworker, grew up in the northern Wisconsin lumber trade. We made the Pripps' acquaintance in the 1950s when David took us to his parents' cabin on Stone Lake near Springstead. We bought some Pripps wares then, now collectors items.
Pictured above, Norman Pripps, 89 in 1999.
This little book, written in 1999 is about Norman's early days in Springstead at the turn of the 20th century. It was published by MacGregor Litho, Park Falls, WI. It may be out of print. David sent me this copy from a few that had purchased at its issue, so it is especially appreciated and treasured.
This is an example to my recently graduated children from the University of WI Madison, about to sail out into the next chapters of their lives, of a lasting friendship that was forged inexorably at their alma mater, UW Madison University, many years ago.
We've included one chapter of Pripps' book: OLD GODFREY.
Normie Pripps, lower right
Last chapter in the book:
