The Kenai Peninsula Cheechako News

Big Plants Won By Trailer Dwellers

The two plants (Elephant Ear Philodendrons) that Penn Buchanan gave away at the Housewarming party in the new addition to his hardware store were both as big as trees, so naturally they were won by people who live in trailers. The largest plant (given away as a door prize) was won by Lee Brownie Brown of Soldotna who works for Coastal Drilling. Second prize, a Sunbeam Shavemaster was won by John Martin of Soldotna.

A second plant and a metal tool box were given for guessing two numbers. The numbers were chosen by Bill Cardwell who selected the date that Penn opened his hardware store (1956) and the license number on Penn's pickup (24060). These prizes were won by J.W. Clayton of Sterling and Dorothy Stewart of Ridgeway, respectively, with guesses of 1961 and 23,654.

Showing that people can go along with a joke, several people showed up bearing sacks of gravel in response to Penn's plea that his friends "Don't bring flowers, but bring gravel for the driveway . . ." Maxine Bear went everyone one better and brought a container of jewels and semi-precious stones with the hopeful assertion that Penn would be so successful that he could completely pave his drive with jewels.

In addition Penn gave away whetstones for each man and combination salt and pepper shakers to each woman attending the housewarming and there were bubble pipes for the children.

Hostess Mr. Bill "Genevieve" Cardwell presided over the refreshment counter serving coffee, donuts and hors d'oeuvres.

A view of the many people who attended the housewarming in Penn's new hardware building were (L to R) Verona Wilson, Dick Midyett and Bertha Midyett. That's employee Bill Cardwell in the background taking time out for a quick cup of coffee.