[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

I may have mentioned these, but couldn't find the post. Back around 1970-71 I was working as an ironworker apprentice at our local paper mill. At the time I was assigned as a welders helper to an old cajun ironworker I called Mr. Robert. He was always full of humor and monkey shines and could find all sorts of ways to goof off.

He decided to use some company time to build and sell squirrel skinners to the other construction workers on the job. When one of them who hunted, saw one that another worker had bought, they would come to Mr. Robert and contract him to build them one. He probably built and sold dozens on that job alone.

And what was my job as welders helper during this manufacturing process? To make sure he didn't get caught. I would keep a sharp eye out for a white hat(boss, foreman, inspector,etc.) and warn him if one got too close, at which time, he would switch over to welding on whatever he was supposed to be welding on. He always stayed busy, so from a distance most who didn't know him would think he was just doing his job. Those who knew him would come by and just laugh at him & sometimes order a skinner for themselves.

I wound up with a couple of examples of his handiwork. I recently ran across them down in the old barn I'm using for a shop now. I haven't hunted in years. But if I did, it looks like these would still work just fine. They are low milage originals.

And as a side note, I was driving to work, back then, everyday in my '69 RA3, 4-speed GTO. It was always waitng for me in the parking lot, with an ice chest full of cold tasty beverages. And it was in that old Goat that I hauled these genuine Cajun built squirrel skinners home back in the day.

Ah - much better in terms of format and readability!

Two thumbs up from the unfortunate husband of an English teacher!