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Pocono News Section
Man Creates Potato Digging/Plowing Device
Man Creates Potato Digging/Plowing Device - Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 4:35PM EST
Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2009 @ 04:35pm EDT
Hemlock Township, Columbia County-
There's an old saying about working smart, not hard. We recently met a Columbia County man who truly understands exactly what that phrase means.
"He's always busy. He never sits around." That's Pauline Jones describing her husband, Herman.
A creative man by all accounts, Herman recently designed a new device for potato digging and plowing. It's a tool he made with the simple man in mind.
Mr. Jones lamented, "Everything has to be big. There's nothing out there for the average home gardener that plants just a few rows of potatoes as I do."
The retired farmer and truck driver built the tool to attach to any size tractor. He says it just needs a few minor adjustments.
Herman noted, "When it's finished, it should leave a nice row of potatoes right on top the ground, and the ground fairly level."
Jones says he's not sure if he'll seek a patent for the device. He's not looking to get rich. He just wants to make his work a little easier.
"If there's two roads to take, I'll take the easy one," he added.
Herman's been building things all his life. He doesn't like computers, just draws his ideas out on paper.
His craftsmanship is displayed all around his house, including his wife's favorite, a cherry china cabinet.
"I am so proud of him. I really am. He amazes me with all the furniture and things that he builds. He amazes me," Pauline Jones said.
Mr. Jones also built the replica iron ore rail car that sits outside the Montour County Courthouse.
Jones says it's all about giving back. He and his wife donate most of their potato harvest to the Danville Senior Center each year.
A favorite old song guides his charitable endeavors.
Jones recalled, "The one line in it goes, 'The only thing you can take with you when you leave is what you give away,' and I'm a firm believer in that."
Mr. Jones says the fall harvest interrupted his latest project- a cherry desk. He intends to finish that over the winter. | | |
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