War Eagle

Past the interstates, there is a country highway that winds through the rolling hills and sweeping pastures. Eventually, it is lined with signs: “The Original War Eagle Fair”, “Yard Sale”, “Have More ”. It leads to the War Eagle Woods, thick as butter churned on the porch during a balmy summer day. Silhouettes on iron arches subtly signal veiled ranches and a final sign for the “Bean Palace Restaurant: Pancake Breakfast served at 6:30 a.m.” means you have arrived.

Thousands of vendors flock to the War Eagle Mill in Rogers, Ark. for a multi-faceted craft fair. Among the many reasons vendors are attracted to the craft business, family seems the most prominent in those that showed up Saturday.

“I got into (the craft business) because I got married and my friends told me, ‘you have to have a hobby if you’re going to get married,’” said J. W. Rushing, a professional woodworker and potter. When Rushing began his work as a carpenter, he didn’t know anything about the business. “You can learn to do anything if you’re determined enough,” he said. Rushing’s booth was filled with wooden car models with working wheels, semi-truck shaped bookshelves and pottery bowls, saucers, and other kitchenware. Now that Rushing is single, he has turned the hobby into a full time job, traveling the country nine months a year to various craft fairs and festivals.

Steve Ayers, a potter from Hannibal, Mo. printed a brochure of 101 Uses for a Bread Baker pottery bowl. In it were suggestions for family relationships, such as, “Use it as a safety helmet for your six-year-old on skates (straps not included),” “Use as a spousal projectile until broken and come buy a new one,” and “Use as Uncle Cliff’s spittoon.”