Bill, Babe, and Abe

Back in Dad’s carving days, he created a relief carving of his dad, Aden Springsteen, with his dad’s team of horses. Bill and Babe were used on the farm during the Great Depression when the family tractor was on blocks. Aden was referred to as Honest Abe by friends of Dad’s brother Donovan “Mick” Springsteen who were called to accounts by Aden for wanting to discard a too-quickly-shot pheasant that turned out to be a hen. Aden’s admonition was something along the lines of “if you shot it you can carry it.” Dad modeled the carving from a picture taken on the family farm just south of Sheridan.

Dad’s carving moved out of his apartment into the hallway at Green Acres during their community art show, HeART Prize 2015. As usual, there were many creative and masterful pieces of art in this year’s show. Bill, Babe, and Abe made a good showing. Dad has quite a few smaller carvings in his apartment that have been admired by residents, but I think he was somewhat surprised and pleased by the recognition he received for Bill, Babe, and Abe.

A few years ago I recorded a conversation with Dad about Bill, Babe, and Abe. Dad mentioned his brother Mick and his sister Lorna as well as Mick’s wife Helen. Dad’s Aunt Maude was my Grandma Olsen’s brother Charlie’s widow. Dad’s mom was born Goldy Verda  Case, but was always called Verda. After Aden Springsteen’s death in 1941 Verda married Fred Olsen, who was the grandfather I knew.

Here is the recording of my conversation with Dad.