MY HISTORIAN FATHER JOSEPH E. POTVIN

My father, Joseph Emil Potvin, was a humble man with many talents.He had two careers.. one as a shoemaker (bedlaster) and as a carpenter who built houses with his brother A.L. Potvin.But down deep "Papa Joe" was a historian. Throughout his life he would tell of events in his life like the Hurricane of '38. He saved old newspapers such as the crash of the Hindenburg.Dad saved old coins and kept them in a Band Aid tin in his top drawer of his bureau. He also had souvenirs of Nazi Germany brought home by Uncle Albert.Of particular interest was a Nazi dagger which today is in the pocket knife collection of Josh.He never owned a new car yet every car he owned was like new.Dad guided me in the ways of carpentry as I restored two old houses.He played the harmonica and liked a good time.Dad's life was full of 18s. He was born on July 18.. married on April 18..lived at 18 South Main and died on September 18! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN