Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "Switching Places With A Former Student" Story

It was an ordinary day. Opened the local "Merchandiser" newspaper and staring back at me from page 3 was a former student of mine, Art Reist. Art and his twin brother Al were two of my favorite students while they were in high school. They both loved the Industrial Arts curriculum and were very knowledgable students who lived and worked on their family farm on Eden Road in the Manheim Township School District in Lancaster, PA. More than 30 years ago, Art went to auctioneer school in Mason City, Iowa. One of his assignments in the course was to identify 100 items that were located in a pole barn full of antiques. A newspaper story said that the professor boasted that no one had ever received a perfect grade on the test. There was actually one item that the professor did not know. That was a challenge to Art who identified every one of the items including the one that the professor did not know. As I continued to read the article, I found out that Art was going to be at the local library that was a hop, skip and jump from my house. Told my wife I was going to have to make a visit to see Art once again and see all the tools he was bringing along to share with those who came to see his collection of farming tools and artifacts. Arrived at the library a few minutes before the presentation and immediately saw Art standing by his many tables of tools from his collection.

Art Reist and his high school teacher.

We both had a big smile on our faces as I walked up to him and shook his hand. We talked a few minutes as someone took our photo and it was time for him to begin his presentation. Art had over 50 items he had brought with him with many not being familiar to me. I sat and watched as he began his presentation with the help of his Mother and Father as well as his wife.

One of many tables of tools

His items included tools relating to tobacco, Conestoga wagons and farming antiques. His knowledge of farm equipment as well as Conestoga Wagon parts was amazing. His explanations of the many pieces in front of him was impressive. A few in the audience had questions for Al who answered everyone with a logical and easy to understand answer. Al lives on the family farm along Eden Road and he told of a large painting of a Conestoga Wagon and horses on the side of the barn. I hadn't been past his farm for a few years, so I took a drive on the way home past the barn and took a photograph of the painting to share with you.

Painting on the Rest farm barn of a Conestoga wagon with horses.

I had an enjoyable morning listening to one of my former students impress everyone in the room, including myself, with his knowledge of farming equipment and Conestoga wagons. I'm going to have to pay a visit to Art to see his farm in person. I'm sure he'll be a great host. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - A few tools follow..