StaddonFamily.com

posted by Donald on 04/10/12

1912 was an interesting year.

For one thing it was the year of the Titanic. Today marks the 100th year anniversary of its propitious launch. Who could have guessed what would happen four days later? It has been said that no historical subjects have attracted such long-lived popularity as the first coming of Jesus Christ, the American Civil War, and the classic tragedy of the Titanic.

1912 was also the year that our 47th and 48th states were admitted to the Union: Arizona and New Mexico.

But in our town, it was the year of the new depot. Built by the railroad for the people of the town who knew how much it meant to make a good first impression on the many travelers riding the B&O, the handsome building has stood the test of time and been a part of the city’s Apple Butter Festival every year. Aside from roof damage due to a very unfortunate fire, it retains the air of respectable architecture and has been kept up by the faithful efforts of Jim Helmick, Bill Price and others. It can be seen from the North Bend Rail-Trail that runs the 70 miles from Clarksburg to Parkersburg. As boys, Michael, Robert and I spent a lot of time riding this section of the trail on our bikes and I can still remember the trains that used to pass our grandparents’ house that way.

In commemoration of the centennial, and the heritage the town has associated with it, we are glad to present a Christmas ornament featuring a fine line drawing of the building in red, circled with a wreath of green on a white background. Ornaments are lightweight and shatterproof. They are available throughout the year this year. In the summer and fall we will hope to have the bulbs present at several Fort New Salem events where I would be happy to sign one for you on the reverse. Long distance orders may be made through the Staddon Family online store under the category of Home Accents (see the tab above).

Just as we would do well to remember the Alamo or the Titanic and those who rose to the occasion at those times, we will neither forget nor underestimate the important part small towns have played and continue to play in the growth and heritage of a great nation.

2 Comments » | posted in Art Work, Historical Glimpses

posted by James on 12/3/10

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that there is now a 30% discount on the 2011 Lenspiration Calendar for the entire month of December. Check it out!

10 Calendars: $3.99 $2.79/Calendar
25 Calendars: $2.99 $2.09/Calendar
50 Calendars: $2.49 $1.74/Calendar

Available at wholesale prices–only on staddonfamily.com!

3 Comments » | posted in Art Work

posted by James on 11/6/10

It’s here! Lenspiration’s Observe 2011 Calendar is now ready for purchase. Click on the 2011 Calendar tab above to look inside the new calendar and take advantage of amazing quantity discounts!

7 Comments » | posted in Art Work, Photography

posted by James on 09/26/10

Over the last month, I’ve had the privilege of working on a cover design for the Bates family’s newest project: a soon-to-be-released music CD featuring 13 rousing hymns for piano arranged exclusively by Erin Bates! And like pretty much everything else the Bates family does, it is not your normal sized project. Being in the position that I am, I was able to listen to the CD for the first time this morning, and wow! what do I say! It is definitely one of those masterpieces in which I’ll always be honored to say Lenspiration had a role, however infinitesimal.

It’s going to print next week. Look for the official release on the Bateses family website early in October!

1 Comment » | posted in Art Work, Ministry Reports

posted by James on 09/9/10

Last weekend, Robert, Daniel and I had the incredible opportunity to learn a very unique skill under the tutorship of one of the worlds leading chalk artist, Matt Bowman. Up until about 10 years ago, chalk drawing was a dying art, but through the diligent efforts of Eternity Arts, this very effective means of communication is again reaching the world for Christ.

Though we only had one day of training, we made the most of it and I was quite surprised at how easy it was to learn the simple procedures and clear-cut techniques of drawing with chalk. Due to the straightforward instruction and hands-on experience, I would say that given an easel, some chalk and a message from the Lord, any of the three of us (or better yet, the three of us working together!) would now be able to do a chalk presentation, albeit a simple one, at a moments notice.

6 Comments » | posted in Art Work