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Chapter
ends
Off the
Wall
Jan 11,
2007
It's been said that life is like a book. It has
its introduction, chapters and a conclusion. Recently, I concluded
one of my chapters.
When I decided the time had come to close Pee Vee's,
it was definitely a time of mixed emotion. I say this because
I am going to miss so many fine people who made my life truly
rewarding.
I also thought back of the many experiences from
the time I bought the building to the present date. If anyone
would have told me when I opened a photographic studio at 1544
Ligonier St., Latrobe, that a number of years later I would be
doing custom framing work in addition to selling fishing bait
and lures and tackle, you could have blown me over with a slight
puff of wind.
It was back in the early 70's when I first came
to Latrobe. I was introduced to the city via Excela Health Latrobe
Hospital where I was a patient for a period of time. It was there
after my recovery, I became the hospital's photographer. That
was really my starting point. From there, the word got out and
my business was headed toward a flashy future.
When it was decided that I should have a studio
we contacted a realtor. The first place she showed us, I decided
it was a go. The building would not only house a photographic
studio, but a residence where my wife (whom I met at the hospital)
and I would raise our two children.
When it came to providing photographic services,
I took on the challenges of the various facets of the profession.
I have to admit only about ten weddings out of eighty I really
enjoyed. I'll never forget one time I was capturing the moments
of the bridal dance when n eighty-year old lady kept hanging
off me. Why did I always attract the seniors?
People still come up to me today and ask, "Do you
remember me? When I was in high school, you took my picture.
Now I'm married and have two kids that same age."
Down the road, so to speak, when I added the frame shop,
it was like jumping into the river with my eyes closed. I knew
nothing about this line of work. I found out many years later,
there are no schools for this line of work. I learned through
trial and error. Customers kept returning or sending friends
to my shop to have matting or framing done, so I felt a sense
of accomplishment.
When Solty's Bait Shop burned down, the whole town
came out of the woodwork and said I have to open a bait shop.
Even though I knew practically nothing about the sport, I learned
very quickly thanks to those whom patronized my shop.
But as any business person can tell you, there were
people that walked through the store's front door that will always
be missed, some that just stopped in to see how I was doing,
and others who wanted to avail of my services.
One person who will always be considered as one
of the closest friends I ever had was Ed Hilty. Killed in a plane
crash many years ago, he would always give me encouragement when
I needed it the most. I'll never forget his kindness.
I remember when four nationally known wildlife artists
popped into my store and stated, "We're just here to say
hello." My mouth dropped to the floor and I was speechless.
One summer I was burglarized, much to my surprise.
Thanks to the fast action of the local and state police, the
actors were apprehended shortly thereafter.
Other times, I'd see people coming down the street,
I'd go out and greet them. We'd chit chat for a while talking
about anything that came to mind. That was fun.
But as I learned recently, one never knows where
the roads in life will take you. Sometimes things just go as
planned. So ends this chapter of life and on to the next.
To all whom made these last 34 years pleasurable,
"Thanks for the memories"
Paul j. Volkmann
11/26/06
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