In 1971, Horman Foose had befriended a neighbor who, he had know idea, would change his life forever.

At this time, Horman had a greenhouse, where he would plant and grow tomatoes to sell to the local people of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania.  Upon meeting this neighbor, he knew life was going to change, but he never realized just how much!

He began "apprenticing" in his free time.  Learning how to make tin chandeliers, lanterns, and sconces.  Horman found a passion he never knew existed.

Along with his wife, Maria, they decided to "take this show on the road".  Horman and Maria began traveling the country in 1972, attending craft shows and state fairs.  Anywhere they would be able to share his artwork, and make a few bucks, they were there.

I actually remember as a child helping load the "big truck" up with all of the tools.  Soldering irons, tin sheets, patterns, and the deep fryer!

One of my favorite things that he made and sold was the funnel cake funnels.  I LOVED this, because at our stand, my grandmother would make funnel cakes to sell and show how EVERYONE just needed one of these funnels for their kitchen.  We sold (and ate) a lot of funnel cakes!!!

In addition to the traditional tinware, Horman ventured out into something new, cookie cutters.  This was a big demand that he accommodated.  I remember people coming up from all over the country with their drawings of what shape they wanted their cookie cutter to be in.  He would say, "make it exactly how you want it.  What you draw is what you are going to get".  (now say that it in your head with the biggest Pennsylvania Dutch accent you can!  That was Horman!)

In the early 1980's big changes came along.

To Be Continued . . .