He was thin, the black coat so stiff it might have been snipped from tin. Wiry like her uncles, but with bright bird eyes. He stood staring at the clocks, always coming back to her favorite, the one with all the faces and figures.
“How long you say it took to carve?” the man asked Uncle Frank.
“We don’t keep track,” said Uncle Frank. “We finish when we finish.”
“Well, I like the craftsmanship. I’d like to buy it.”
“Not for sale, Mr. Ford.”
“How about a million dollars?”
Uncle Frank smiled. “What would I do with a million dollars?”
Note: This photo was taken at the Bily Clock Museum in Spillville, Iowa. The museum building was the residence of Antonín Dvořák during the summer of 1893 where he composed his String Quartet in F (also known as the “American Quartet”) and his String Quintet in E-Flat.
Dear Josh,
Uncle Frank sounds like an interesting and self-aware individual. I was a bit thrown by ‘her’ in the opening sentences. Thank you for the lovely photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. This story is observed by the niece, though we don’t know much more about her. The place itself is fascinating. This is a true story, too. In 1928, they told Henry Ford to take a hike when he offered to buy their nicest clock. This was when the “museum” was the Bily farm about ten miles outside of town. Ford and his entourage drove out to make an offer on the clock, but were turned down flat. That’s the Iowa I like, not its current incarnation. Seeing these clocks in person takes your breath away.
Ah, that explains a lot. ;) Thank you, Joseph, I mean Josh.
I liked the story and your explanation made it even more powerful. Quite a long time ago I wrote a FF story about a man with a simlar outlook
Wonderful that this is true. I wonder in today’s world, how many people would turn down that million?
In 1928 dollars, too. Right before the crash.
Wait…what? Take the money!
I could think of a thing or two. But if you said “sold” the price would probably go down.
A beautiful work by a real craftsman who cares only for his work not money. A rare breed.
Fascinating. I loved your story and the supporting info.
Lovely photo, and a great story to go with it. If you want to give him my number, I’ll help him decide what to do with a million dollars…
LOVE the ending and really rings true to the way some folks value what really matters (and sorta ties into my take on your cool picture -)
PS your blue frog rectangle was not active when I tried to click it
A great tale about things that are more worth than money. Sadly, this attitude gets very rare. I also love the descriptions. And thank you for the interesting photo.
It happens. I knew someone who was offered a million dollars for their unique property and he said much the same thing. Great story – and thanks for giving us this week’s photo. :)
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
It must take great pride in his workmanship, and nerves of steel, to be that firm in the face of such temptation.
You tell that story very well, Josh. I love your description of Henry Ford. How fascinating that he should have felt so drawn to a piece of craftmanship that was the antithesis of all his hard-headed commercial realism.
That last line is a zinger. A wonderful peek into history.
Oh wow, great piece of trivia about Henry Ford.
There’s more to life than money.
Excellent take on an interesting photo. Plus it’s good to imagine someone telling Henry Ford where to stick his money.
Money isn’t everyting. A nice piece of ‘faction’.
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I like history snippets, this is a wonderful story.
Fun story – not sure what I’d have done…
thanks too for the photo prompt – great pic!
I loved the description of the black coat. And have found the back ground information and comment interesting also.
I can think of a few things to do with all that cash
Give it to you!
Thanks so much for providing us with this incredible clock and backstory for us this week. Despite one vocal protest, the rest of us seemed to be particularly inspired this week. I was thinking about that extraordinary home having Dvorzak and the clocks there. I have a strong sense of place and so this building captured my interest.
I admire him for not selling the clock and being true to himself.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thank you for the kind reply. In my travels I will sometimes send Rochelle a picture I find interesting. I am glad that you liked the one she chose :-)
I play the violin and am by no means a violinist. So, I was particularly interested in the Dvorák connection. I’ve been researching cellist Jacqueline Du Pre who played Dvorák on the cello. She ended up dying from MS and I live with a similar auto-immune disease which is currently in remission, so her story resonates with me. It’s funny how all those thoughts can be sparked by a photo of a clock and a back story.
Best wishes,
Rowena
An amazing story, brought to life by the immediacy of your writing.
An excellent write.
There are some things money can’t buy. Nice story.
Well, we know who Uncle Frank favors. Nice take on the prompt
some things are priceless indeed.