The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Yes, We're Sprucin' Up

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

28 February 2001

We apologize for the mess at the Stronghurst Quill office but thought it was time to spruce up for our 75th Anniversary.

What started out as a fix -the-ceiling and paint-the -wall project, has become a replace the ceilings, replace the lights, and add a few shelves projects.

What our carpenter, Mike Muhleman has been hearing is, "While you're at it, could you?" and he answers with a smile... "Sure... I'll do that for you."

In fact, we were discussing where to place Shirley's desk to add a computer desk, when I said. "If only that corner wasn't there, we could fit it here."

Mike said, "Do you want that corner gone? I can get rid of that corner for you."

Of course, Shirley and I were excited to get rid of a corner that was in the way. It's removal, really did open up the front office.

We are noticing how much brighter the rooms are after covering the 50-year old paneling with a pale cream paint. I'm sure it was the late forties when Dr. Bock put the paneling on this building and it served its purpose well.

My office is where I remember getting my first shot, so it is nice to have the decor lightened up to help block that memory out of my mind.

I remember being carried into the room where Rhonda now sets type. I had cut my wrist running to the front door of our home. I missed the door handle and my hand went through the glass pane of the door. Dr. Bock quickly sewed it up while my father and he distracted me. Afterwards I baked him a cherry pie as a tip for his services to show my appreciation.

Mike has painted that room off white, too but the buzzer the doctor used to call for the nurse remains.

We do have a couple of metal tables we still use to set things such as the Fax machine on, and, of course, many remember the long red leather covered bench inside the door, where patients sat waiting to see the doctor. That is something we haven't been able to part with.

I have to say our carpenter has brought some interesting light reading into our office to entertain us.

It's called Uncle John's All Purpose "Extra Strength" Bathroom Reader "Our Lucky 13th" Edition.

This book provides all kinds of trivia reading that can be learned on your short or long bathroom breaks.

There are one-liners for those quick trips and short amusing nonsense on every page: dumb crooks, toothpaste, you name it. For instance: From page 326- "Never date a man whose belt buckle is bigger than his head." -Come visit us.