NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Mrs. Griz has often told me she wanted to write a column or letter to the editor to rebut my statements about her, and I’ve teased her about having the privilege of editing out any negative comments about me first. Perhaps she thought I’d never publish her work. At least, she never submitted a letter or column - up until now.

In the interest of fairness - and because her letter doesn’t paint me in too bad a light and gives a different perspective regarding an important event - I’m yielding my space to her this week. Mrs. Griz’ comments follow.

Recently, I was asked again by Mr. Griz to accompany him to the antique tractor show just south of Gentry. In years past I have always turned Mr. Griz down because I have a couple of memories from my past that instilled a healthy respect for tractors. My best friend’s little brother was killed when a tractor overturned and crushed him. He was only 13 years old. Yet, I do know how to operate a tractor and have been known to pull a plow and to feed a herd of cattle a time or two.

This year the invitation was once again given and, for some reason, I decided to go. I think it was Mr. Griz talking about the saw mill that really persuaded me. My father is a carpenter and the smell of saw dust is one of the sweetest smells I know.

Mr. Griz thinks I was wanting to spend quality time with him - and that indeed factored into the equation - but it was second. I wanted to hear saws and smell saw dust.

I was so happy to watch a huge log being turned into rough-hewn planks, and watching the old gentleman work that “Mizer” saw was awesome! I had a wonderful time watching, hearing and smelling as another huge tree trunk was quickly turned into planks. I did not get to see the old oil-engine planer being used, but it looked interesting and, truth be known, I usedto love watching my dad plane a board. Yet, I think it was the sound and the fine-sawdust smell I liked most.

After we watched the saws, it was time for the Parade of Power. Wow! There were some greatmachines coming around the corner and Mr. Griz was photographing them all. I was wishing my dad was there with us. He also has a “Johnnie Popper” Ford tractor he really likes. When the big boys were done, Mr. Griz and I walked over to the log cabin that is still in the works, but what a fantastic thing to be able to walk into and think back in time about how it might be to live there! They were even baking biscuits out front on an open pit.

Hand in hand, Mr. Griz and I made our way down to the blacksmith shop and, as I watched the effect of the hammer’s impact on the red-hot iron ripple through the faces ofthe men as they beat horse shoes into other shapes, I was drawn back into time when this was a way of life for men.

It was then I began to wonder where are the children? I was sad to leave the shop; but as we walkedon, I began to question Mr. Griz about the show and if the schools ever brought the children out there to see this amazing place and the rich, truly awesome history of how we got to where we are today and what it was that our forefathers went through on a daily basis to bring us here.

We walked on and watched ropes being made by the few children brought there by their parents as they turned and turned a handle to make their own rope.We saw some of the first sewing machines, operated without electricity, used to make all a family’s clothing. We saw many wonderful old kitchen and household “appliances.”

This brings me to the reason I felt strongly enough to express my views in writing.

Parents, teachers, and grandparents, everyone, you “gotta” go! Honestly, it’s better than a museumbecause everything is working, not just sitting on a shelf. Such a wonderful history lesson and it is free! These dedicated men and women do this twice a year, and you and I can go enjoy it at no cost.

Teachers in the area, you need to consider this a wonderful field-trip opportunity for students of all ages. It’s also a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones and take a walk through time and learn and love the hard work of the men and women who built this awesome country of ours!

Thank you, Mr. Griz, for always asking until I said “Yes.” And, thank you to all the people who so lovingly work to bring this wonderful show to us here in Gentry and the surrounding area twice a year.

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be reached by email at rmoll@ nwaonline.com.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 05/02/2012