I ALWAYS "DO MY BEST!"

By my doing my best I am satisfied I have acted in good faith and can live with my actions. I refuse to wear guilt. Things may not look.. for the moment..as working out.. but if I have done my best.. things usually work out.

The best angle to try in life is the "TRY ANGLE!'   The Boy Scout motto is "On my honor I will DO MY BEST".....

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A FIRST CLASS..SECOND CLASS scout
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

AMERICA IN COLOR - FORD, EDISON & FIRESTONE

Titans of Industry is a marvelous documentary in living color featuring the achievements of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. For one hour last night I was captivated by this Smithsonian Channel's feature. It was enlightening to see how profound these three men changed our worlds. Now, 100 years later, electricity governs our advancing lives in the 21st Century.

The transformation from black and white to color is miraculous!

All three men were "gigantic in achievement. Edison had 1,000 inventions. Ford revolutionized  the way we travel by automobile. Firestone's contributions in developing the pneumatic tire took a giant leap. Today, all three men's legacies serve as the bedrock to our world's culture.

Today's  TV ads in all three categories reveal how we live. The trio of   inventor contributions amazes me to no end!

Stay tuned for future episodes on the Smithsonian Channel.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
STUDENT OF ALL THREE
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585

 EDISON

 

FIRESTONE

 

 

 

FORD

A ''SLOW-GO" THURSDAY

I aborted any idea of traveling down to Cape Cod before I got out of bed after a good night's sleep. My day was long in the shortness of daylight. A haircut was perfected by SonJosh right before sunset.

I addressed Christmas Cards to 15 recipients. and bought a Nutcracker CD  at Salvation Army- Spencer. Had lunch at The Old Cider Mill - Pizza and a Diet Coke compliments of Josh Kemp-Nut!

"THAT'S ALL FOLKS!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
COLD & OLD
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

WHITE CHRISTMAS IN WEST BROOKFIELD 2018

This Sunday from Noon to 8:00 our little town will celebrate Christmas. The setting couldn't be better with all of the antique homes decorated. Father Christmas (Warren Tirrell) will be the focal point of this annual event.

The forecast appears to be favorable for the occasion. Open Houses abound around Town. The tree lighting is scheduled @ 5:45 pm. Why not bring the whole family and celebrate Christmas/!

American Antiquarian Christmas Cards 2017

LIVING IN AN AUSTRALIAN RAIN FOREST 1998

Dear Diary:

"Last night we had 5" of rain" John said.."so the drainage on the home's gutters and grounds have to be built well to endure a lifetime of tropical weather."

" The house is in a solitary location 30 miles from Cairns in the mountains. My friend Rod, had a sense I'd enjoy seeing their location and meeting John and his wife, Gayle. They are good people - educated - hard working and are lateral thinkers.

Gayle is a working-class lady, a counsellor at a state prisiopn. She arrives home at 6:00 PM with bags of groceries and our evening begins with tropical juices and cheese dip and crackers. Gayle has had a stressful day - but changes into relaxing clothes and has a glass of wine. "My day went from bad to worse" she said laughingly."

"This couple is as natural as the day is long and their relationship with Rod spans many years. John and Gayle operated a restaurant in Cairns when Bryar was performing and over the years have been close social friends."

"Our evening discussions ranged from kids to comparing the US/Australian life styles. Surprisingly I learned many Americans have migrated to Australia.. a country with 18 million citizens compared to our 270 million."

"These people are worldly.. have traveled to California and England and just got a computer!"

"They live dangerously as you would say and as night fell the surrounding jungle began to talk up: tropical birds and frogs, etc. beyond description;

'They have electricity, a phone, television and by contrast to my cyclo driver, Anh home in Saigon was a one and John & Gayle's is a ten!.. both in the tropics .. one in poverty the other nestled in a Tropical Rainforest.

" I got back at 11:15 pm and recorded my diary of the night's events. - now I go to have photos developed of last night's wonderful time and thought of you and all the mouth-watering tropics entre's I'm enjoying" Enjoy the winter "ole gal!"

Love Bob."

Similar home

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
POT-FROG INTERNATIONAL
BOX 11
WEST BROOKFIELD, MA 01585

MY TROPICAL AUSTRALIA DIARY - DECEMBER 1998

I have been in two tropical cities in Australia, Darwin and Cairns! Both cities are about 15 degrees South Latitude. My landing at the Darwin Airport was to re-fuel from Saigon on my R&R; my being in Cairns ( 1500 miles north of Sydney)

Great Barrier Reef Shore Cairns

City of Cairns

Note names of Territories

Koala Bear

 

Perspective

 and its suburbs lasted the better part of a week. I was the guest of John and Gayle Anthony.. Rod Bryar's friends.

Dear Diary - Dear Gram..

"Imagine yourself being picked up by a stranger at 4:30 PM in front of the Lyon's Hotel in Cairns saying "Bob?" "I retorted "John?" "Yea".. shaking hands and getting into a small white pick-up truck loaded with construction materials."

"John is in shorts and a T-shirt, barefoot and sporting a dark tan. He's truly Australian with a winning smile and a special friend of Rod Bryar."

"From CairnsJohn drives his right-hand drive truck up a winding mountain road - a new highway and about the labyrinthine highway so I can take a picture overlooking the City of Cairns - a tropical paradise!"

"Interestingly enough John takes aout a cigarette paper and proceeds to roll his own! - A craft with smokers I haven't seen in more than 40 years.!

"Our truck is a '98 Nissan.. gets us tohis Tropical fish farm where he raises fish and wholesales them for pet stores. There are large metal containers holding a variety of fish that are spawned and sold to wholesalers."

" John is 53 and a Jack of all trades... the father of 3 and grandfather of 7.As we drive down towards his house I realize I am seeing something unique - a 3 level home built in the Tropical Rain Forest of Northern Australia."

The house was built by John. It's main structure is posts - piers, if you may much like phone poles in the US. Only a picture can fully describe this house with a three foot overhang - octagonal in shape surrounded by lush tropical flora"

To Be Continued on my next blog entry!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
'DOWN UNDER'
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

MY VIETNAM DIARY 1998

I arrived back in Vietnam on November 17, 1998. I had no idea on what to expect some 30 years later.

DEAR DIARY - DEAR GRAM ..

"1ST VIETNAM MORNING ..An early walk amongst the myriad of motorbikes and pollution opened my eyes. A boat ride on the Saigon River opened my heart to the Vietnamese people. Americans have a value system that is wacko. Poverty and strife is truly a virtue." Love, BOB.

 My nine days back to Vietnam was most revealing. I took at least four rolls of colored throw away films documenting the strife the Vietnamese endure. Most Americans will never know such a life.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

This young man, ANH, was my private tour guide for 8 days. He knows Ho Chi Minh City  like the back of his hand. Each morning at 7:00 AM Anh would meet me at my hotel. I got onto his cycle and he peddled me all around Saigon! I saw the War Remnants Museum. I could not have gotten a better tour guide in 1,000 years. I met his family of 3 kids and a wife and his sister. I visited friends of ANH and even met his mentor.  At the end of my visit to Vietnam Anh asked for "a $50 LOAN to buy a new Cycle" I GAVE HIM A $50 bill in appreciation for all he did to make my visit so meaningful. Today, I have no idea of his whereabouts.

MY 1998 HONG KONG DIARY

Twenty years ago I traveled to Hong Kong, Vietnam & Australia! After divorce Father Bosken advised me to "travel" and I did for about 30 days. The following is my diary:

 

'Hong Kong  - China's window to the world and the gateway to China.'

 

Monday 11-9-98 Bus ride to Port Authority Arrive Hampton Inn - Meadowlands 7:30 PM $50 cab fare.

 

Tuesday 11-10-98  Bus from Hampton Inn to Statue of Liberty. Ran into Dave and Wanda Christian from Minnesota - Spent the day with them. My auctioneer friends.

 

Wednesday 11-11-98 Got a quick ride in a BMW from Hampton Inn..3 Bobs textile merchants familiar with Hong Kong - "No bottom to negotiating. " Gave "Spin" book for ride. Port Authority to JFK airport $13 arrived very early cased place clean - secure Gave wool sport coat to bell boy (I didn't need it to travel in Orient.)

 

Wednesday night 7 - 10..Spoke with two businessmen from Singapore Stock brokers.. engineers.

 

Thursday - 20 hour flight /Friday. 747 Awesome - Digital TV screens with LCD statistics altitude.. distance traveled.. to go. trajectories. Times. Witnessed celestial daybreak.. Arrived in Hong Kong 1/2 hour ahead of schedule. Customs no problem 2 boxes of cigarettes for Australian friend. Bus to Holiday Inn $12 HK. 

 

 

HONG KONG IS A UNIQUE CITY! Fastest city I've ever visited Sophisticated - gold - clothing - jewelry - electronics.

 

 

 

Holiday Inn Friday Hong Kong - Golden Mile.. Excellent accommodations.

clean Room 1114 Special rate $114/night. Cabs very clean  reasonable. Began getting feel of city.   Found restaurant at Holiday Inn good food.. fancy most reliable . ETB (early to bed) Decided on taking tour on Saturday.

 

8:30 Saturday - Tour of Hong Kong Island. Awesome bus ride over Hong Kong Island  .. mountainous highly developed.. Skyscraper miracle..road to top. excellent tour guide.

 

Tourism.. Jewelry  Electronics.. Finance. Some wealthy people live here.. Rolls Royce.. Mercedes Benz  Japanese.. incredible mix of people. Toured jewelry-making facility. Fast, fast, pace. Everyone hustles your $... nothing appleals to me .. Suit-makers grab you off the streets. can make in 6 hours. Boat tour of harbor.. Boat people. Saturday night - splendid views of Hong Kong.. revolving restaurants.

 

Sunday - Early AM walk - saw one rat in gutter! People milling all around, everywhere. Walked to the cultural center at Harbor edge. Thoroughly enjoyed the Hong Kong Space Museum. opened at 10 AM Excellent history of rocketry  + US vs Russia space travel Proud of US Space accomplishments.. Family oriented.

 

Seen enough of the glitz! Decided to eat good supper. Lamb chops buffet. excellent food throughout. ready to leave Hong Kong for Vietnam!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

1/2 WORLD TRAVELER

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA

 

 

KEMPS CHRISTMAS TREES

Travel to West Brookfield for the best in Nova Scotia balsam Christmas trees! Also wreaths and other decorative item at favorable prices. See Josh, Dick or Robert for the best Christmas trees around!

Josh Kempnut

 

Route 9 at The Old Cidermill

West Brookfield

Mass.

 

 

WATER AT THE QUABBIN RESERVOIR

Boston's Quabbin Reservoir.. 65 miles to the West has received much rain-water this Fall. When somebody said 'the Quabbin's water is now flowing across the dam I got excited.

In traveling 13 miles to the West today I observed differently! The water is not flowing over the 400 foot spillway!

The Quabbin is 18 miles long and has a capacity of 412 billion gallons. It serves 40 other communities  and has a maximum depth of 150' and an average of 51'. I have always maintained The Quabbin is our national park, close by.

Why not rusticate to the Quabbin? You will find peace and quiet  as I always do!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
NATURALIST
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

CHASE TURNS 14 Party

It was a party of family and friends. Fourteen friends including Chase's three sisters Lily, Maddie and Evie congregated around the dining room table singin g 'Happy Birthday, Chase!"

 

Socialization is important at any age and it is safe to say friends are forever. Gifts were presented and the hors d'oeuvres were splendid. Josh & Heidi go way out all of the time.

 

THANKS!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

5.5 MILES TO ETERNITY

 

 

PURLEY GATE TO ETERNITY

 

 French-Canadians brought many traditions with them as they settled in America. The French language seemingly lasted for generations. I saw this with my family. Whenever my parents wanted to keep a secret from me..they spoke in their Mother Tongue! "By 1850 about 20,000 French Canadians settled in the New England area with clusters in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Vermont led the flow into America. At least one of my forebears lived in Enosburg, VT before moving to N. Brookfield, MA.

 

"The French were regarded differently in Canads than in the United States. In Canada they represented two nations .. in the USA they were one of many ethnic groups." Little Canada sprouted up in New England as neighborhoods such as Lowell, Woonsocket, Worcester and Southbridge with lesser communities welcoming large families. North Brookfield was one of them.

 

The Power of the Cradle saw families exceeding 12 children in some cases. My forebears, too, had large families. Catholic parishes formed to offer Franco-Americans everything needed to rear and educate their kids.  With each generation English was learned, gradually. Traits of many took generations to learn English not to mention formal educations.

 

My generation is, perhaps, the last of being pure breds. Then, Irish, Polish, Italian, Lithuanians  and others crossed the lines of purity. The acculturation to being real American took much time. Work was in factories and textile mills. A college education was unheard of in most families.

 

Food stuffs included pork fat & jelly spread on slices of bread. Pea soup was a no-brainer. Pan fried salt-pork was a delicacy and one reason for early deaths. Luxuries in the French-Canadian camps were few and far between. Clothing was fashioned with the cloth from grain bags!

 

The best part of being a Canuck was FAMILY! My maternal grandparents were musicians.. Ida playing the piano and Oscar playing the fiddle. Families congregated each Sunday after Mass.. spoke French and were content with their own lot. My father would tune into WACE radio each Sunday and danced the gigue..(jig.) Dad was happy in entertaining me with valuable traditions. Square dances were enjoyed being held in the North Brookfield town hall. I recall Lawrence Loy and Buzz Whitiker entertaining us on cold winter nights. "Playing cards, singing, drinking and dancing were the entertainments before television.

 

Today, all Americans make up the Melting Pot. This is good. In name only, in many cases, do we even think of a French-Canadian heritage and life-style.

 

If you are French Canadian American why not tell your kids and grandkids?

 

In my case, Eternity is only 5.5 miles away1

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
AN AMERICAN
box 11
West Brookfield, MA

 

 

 

 

 

MY FRANCO-AMERICAN EXPERIENCES

 

 

It is my honor to be French-Canadian - American .

 My family's history is quite thorough. All sides were  pure-bred FROGS

as the official records reveal. The Potvin side of life's equation came after the Civil War for the most part.

 

My Great Grandfather was born in East Brookfield in August of 1859. Paul Wine married Emma Jandreau of North Brookfield on November 24, 1879. His son was my grandfather Paul Wine  who was born in 1883. My father Joseph Emil was born in 1913.

 

The history of my roots are far-reaching when I look at the History of French Canada. To think my formal education in Saint Louis creates a significant insight into  my past. Jesuit Priest Jacques Marquette (1637 - 1675. Louis Joliet (1648 -1700) explored the  Mississippi River.

 

All along "The English, French and Spanish all wanted to claim North America for their own." The record shows the French were aligned with the native peoples against the British and their American colonists. We must realize battles existed back then. The Plains of Abraham  battle in 1759 in Quebec City saw two generals dead..  (1727 - 1759 French General, Louis  Joseph Montcalm (1712 - 1759 and the British Commander General James Wolfe lay dead on the battlefield!" Clearly the history of Canada, too, is WAR!

 

"French Canadians" continued to resent having to be subordinate themselves to British rule throughout the Twentieth Century.

 

According to " French Canadian Americans .. History New France Settlements" Migration Immigration waves were the biggest between 1839 to 1870. When folks emigrated to USA they brought so many of their traditions with them. I saw this in my grandparents and parents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTINUED

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BLACK & WHITE FRIDAY

The frigid weather played a role in my Friday. First , I did not go shopping anywhere! The angst created by the drum-beating  media would appeal to a certain strain in our complex world. In watching the CBS News just now I am amazed on how our world turn$.

I am more in a provocative thought as my grandson, Chase, is now 14. It is heartening to see this young man excel in so many ways. I said yesterday Chase is eclectic and that he is.  The sad truth of the matter is my dad, Joseph E. Potvin at his age of 14 was forced in quitting NBHS to work at H.H. Brown Shoe, NB.

The Potvin and Poulin families had 17 siblings necessitating leaving high school and working for peanuts. This forced action by my Grandfather Potvin  who was stern in  bringing about a fear with his 6 children. This situation carried a stigma with Dad for life. He had an inferiority complex.

As talented as he was, his complex held him back. He did, however, marry a talented lady, Rita Ida, the oldest of 7 who "took charge." Their marriage was compatible  and lasted 47 years.

I think how fortunate I am, my sons Ben and Josh are, and my five grandchildren are with high hopes. Education plays a big role in the total development of an individual. It is a totally different world today than it was in 1927 when he cried and was forced into the work force.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHASE! Show 'em your stuff!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
"POPS"
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

AAS CHRISTMAS CARDS

The American Antiquarian Society, Worcester offers some delightful Christmas cards each year. Here's a sample!

A MAN NAMED GEORGE YAMAMOTO

IT was at a baseball game at Fenway Park on July 9th, 1989, when I met this  Japanese family. My sons and I were standing in the stands near  the On Deck circle of the Red Sox. A grounder foul-ball came our way. Josh began reaching over the rail to get the baseball when I noticed another boy reaching for the souvenir. I directed Josh "Let him have the ball!" Josh did.

The meeting of minds brought about an immediate friendship. Andrew Yamamoto age 12 held the baseball. His father George and mother were visiting from San Francisco. As we spoke pleasantries this gentle gentleman admitted of living in Japan when WWII ended. He told me "Emperor Hirohito came on the radio: "THE WAR MUST STOP..THE WAR MUST STOP!" The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki did end the war.

In our conversation of the moment.. Mr. Yamamoto said he knew Reggie Jacksons employer: the local Nissan/ Volkswagen dealer in Pao Alto, CA.

Soon thereafter I received his type-written letter which reads:

Dear Bob:

'I received your photos of the ball game at Fenway Park together with your new home which I admire. I sure want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your promptness and sincerity. I hope to keep in contact with you until god calls me.'

I will never forget the day we met at Fenway Park and hope my son will never forget the happy moment.

Sincerely,

George Yamamoto
San Francisco


*

Weeks went by when I called California one day to speak with George. Andrew answered the phone saying "MY DAD HAS DIED!"

The moral to this blog is simple "MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY" Josh and I did and 29 years later the warmth of George Yamamato's emotions are heartfelt.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11 ABOVE ZERO AT 7:20..BLOOD SUGAR 123..WEIGHT 180.4

I AM APPRECIATIVE OF ALL GOOD THINGS IN MY LIFE:

SISTER JAN & FAMILY

• SON BEN
• SON JOSH
• DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS HEIDI & ALLISON
• GRAND CHILDREN: CHASE, LILY, MADELINE, & EVIE
• SAVANNAH HOPE

All my family carry the P-O-T-V-I-N

My surviving friends: Bill Gross, Paul Power, Bob Benson & others

My fallen heroes: Frank Tencza, Jack Swedis Rod Bryar & Others

My overall health is very good:

Quit smoking 50 years ago; drinking 33 years ago. Do not gamble!

Love adventure!

I appreciate all of my blog friends: Mile Lee, Glory, Charline, Buddy, "Johnson" Nancy, Diane & others

ROBERT L. POTVIN

MY 75 INCH SONY TV AFTER A YEAR

I rate this monster better than the Star Theater! From You Tube to watching my favorite DVD this set reigns supreme. The imposing tv give  my Man Cave everything I can want. Period!

HERB CHAMBER'S PHANTOMS OF DELIGHT - ROLLS ROYCES!

 

WHAT IF JFK HAD LIVED?

Suppose if Oswald had missed his target?

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was truly Presidential when he raised his right hand to take Oath of Office as president. America and the world cheered like no other Inauguration.

JFK was truly a man of the world. He knew the score.. from Adolph Hitler
to Fidel Castro. His youth and being of privilege, President Kennedy took charge of world affairs. The Peace Corps sent men to 3rd world countries. The 17,000 military advisors in Vietnam was a paltry sum compared to the 500,000 LBJ had sent thereafter.

America and Americans began to feel better with the Inauguration on January 20, 1961. Where were you on that wonderful day in history? I was 20 years old out plowing snows with Uncle Freddie in his yellow submarine.

From the get-go JFK was ready for action. One of his many visions was the Space Race. It is said Kennedy wanted to travel to Mars! His advisors slowed the president down and settled on going to the Moon! Space travel was new. Alan Shepard and John Glenn were astronauts who paved the way into the heavens. Satellites were our eyes in the sky.

JFK'S wife Jackie complimented her man like no other First Lady, then and now. Jackie was a class act. Her tour of the WHITE HOUSE opened the eyes of millions via television. She studied and loved American antiquity and expressed her emotions by doing what she did: a first class restoration. She spoke several languages.

For the first time since 1776 did we devour Kennedy, a Catholic. He overcame all odds to defeat "Tricky Dickie" in one of the closest presidential elections in all times.

The President's kids, too, captured the hearts of the world. Just think of what the assassination did to their minds and souls. I once shook  John Jr.s hand at Clark University, Worcester!

Every aspect of JFKs life was positive. He had the charm and curiosity that blossomed upon becoming president. His sense of humor was the best, unlike Trumps ongoing pejorative with his tweets.

Today, some 55 years later, on November 22 will we pause and say a prayer for the President. What if JFK lived?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A MAN WHO BLEEDS KENNEDY
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

WHY ARE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES SO CHEAP TODAY?

The main reason as I see it is THERE'S NO SUPPORT. For decades antiques were a hedge against inflation. As an auctioneer I was in the thick of it. Maybe the beloved internet is to blame? Traditionally,, bidding at auction is a leap of faith. By the same token I once Auctioned off The Worcester postmaster's oak "S" roll-top desk for $2,000. A week later I was in Dallas at Joe Small's auction and saw the identical Cutler desk sold for $1,600!

The mechanics of an auction is far-reaching. The auctioneer tries to get every last penny and the bidders try to steal things. It is only by practice do good auctioneers get better. You just can't be shaky.

I don't ascribe to the chicanery of snype bidders on the internet. It's like a shill in the crowd if you ask me. Also, auction reserves play a role in the bottom line. 'I will sell it if I get my price' implies greed. "I am not going to give it away'.. more greed. I am a purist.. at my auction is  one way... out the door!

I don't think folks care if a piece of furniture is a repro or an antique. By definition.. an antique must be at least 100 years old! I have a small "S" ladies roll top in my office a reproduction, . to me it is fine.

The truth of the matter is some millennials have no appreciation for antique anything. If there's no demand.. this is not good for the anticipated bidding. My friend and student, Steve Magnante, of Barrett Jackson  Collector Car Auction fame has a wonderful appreciation for valuable cars & trucks. I think cars may be the exception! There is obvious support for collector cars of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s vintage.

Today's technologies reveal how antiquated many vehicles are  10- 20 years later! My Honda is a good example of "built-in obsolescence."

Times ae a changing and FADS can reverse appreciation of values.

Stay tuned.. maybe! Electronics from the 1980's ae hot according to Tom's Electronics in Palmer. The sharks will be always be swimming in your waters so WATCH OUT!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
STILL HAVING FUN!
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

LOOKING BACK AT MY LIFE AS AN ESTATE AUCTIONEER

"Auctions mean  action and we guaranty satisfaction!"

I knew I wanted to be an auctioneer at a very young age. The intrigue of being a person chanting his cry in front of a crowd tickled my fancy. I prepared for being an auctioneer by taking several courses in speech in college. Further I began "digging" into a certain topic in antiques and collectibles.

Being the son of a carpenter I gained insights in residential real estate. Then, after college I fell into my chosen field as an insurance claim adjuster. This particular job was the challenge I was looking for. I had a company car and was "foot-loose and fancy free." It seemed everything was coming up roses for Bob Potvin.

As in all of my life I enjoy self-development. I enjoy it so much I "flew the corporate coop at age 34." I began flying in new directions.. first as an economic development aide, then as a fledgling antiques dealer. This calling was in my DNA. I wanted it and I got it. My sapient ways saw the buying of a Greek Revival house in West Brookfield. This classic resident sends a terrific message. I built the ladder, got help and say 60 gallons of English Ivory bring the house back to life. But don't get me wrong!

In paying $28,500 cash for the house my challenges were cut out. No central heat, poor wiring, no running water, no insulation and more forced me to "fish or cut bait!" My desire was that great to weather the storms.. then a miracle happened: The Hunt Brothers failure in capturing the world silver markets.

It was my Massachusetts Miracle. I earned money to see a new asphalt roof put on and the modernization of the bathroom and kitchen. Further, I earned enough cash to transcend the second floor to an apartment. This gave me cash flow and optimism to keep going. I was so ambitious I bought a second antique house near the WBES. Dad and Jack Swedis helped me to see another dream come true in seven months.

All along the auction bug was squirming in my brain... so I took my Oldsmobile with family, drove to New Orleans for a coin convention then up the river to Saint Louis westward to Kansas City. It worked and now I had a diploma saying I was an auctioneer. It came natural to me and I was a novice calling bids at the annual St. Mary Auction in Scituate.. a job I did for 10 years.

If anything I responded to the challenge of becoming the best in the business. I kept learning and I kept earning. The National Auctioneers Association was my guide in becoming. I LOVED IT!

My auction enterprise was a family affair. While it took 4-6 weeks to see a sale to completion, son's Ben and Josh pitched in with Ben selling "Ben's Franks" to Mighty Josh helping dad with the Skunk Work! After calling some rare coin auctions I sought Estate work. Much of my work came from lawyers and bank trust officers.

One auctioneer dubbed my efforts as "Beginner's Luck." I disagree with this as I know what it takes: HARD WORK. Each year saw me 'having fun' and earning a very good pay. I averaged about 6 - 9 auctions a year. On-site are better than hotel ballrooms as a general rule. Shawmut Trust and Mechanics Trust proved to be my mainstay to my successes. Things got to be so hectic I brought my auction school buddy, Maurice Barfield to Massachusetts from South Georgia. We are kindred spirits!

Real Estate at auction is different than selling Bessy's tea cups. My mentor, Dick Dewees from MOAS gave me the vote of confidence I needed. In 1987 Dick said "Now there's a good man!"  Thanks Dick.

But that was then. Today, our world is certainly different and I will be the first to admit many auctions just are not the same. Be it as it may, from 1978 to 1998 I was cooking with gas. Today.... well, you decide!

COL. ROBERT L. POTVIN
Massachusetts License AU 2000
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

PS.. My focus now is to grow in my writing craft and to become active as a motivational speaker.