March
2004 Issue
by Bob Cahn

Care to Guess.? Email Here

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Continuity is a wonderful thing if you are able to achieve it -- and with this month’s GUESS WHAT we believe we’ve done it. It’s based on last month’s puzzler, and that’s all the clue our meager generosity will allow. So be advised and take advantage of it.

Presented for your observational pondering -- one ponderous hand-forged, two-tined fork (with only a stump remaining of its long stocky wooden handle) resembling giant praying mantis antennae in battle-charging position. It weighs in at a solid three-and-a-half pounds, is sturdy and rugged -- and measures 18 inches in length. Don’t let its simple lines fool you -- it packs a mighty punch.

Some pre-revelation guesses for your edification: is it a

1) Allegator hunting spear
2) Elephant ear wax cleaner
3) Small tree -stump remover
4) Roast pig barbecue done-ness tester
5) Lumber- man’s floating log raft navigational control pole
6) Primitive pre-javelin Olympic throw
7) Campfire community marshmallow toasting fork
8) Early barn hay bale lifter
9) Giant fireplace  log poker
10) Pleasure craft pier side docking pole.

A motley variety of concocted possibilities -- none of which is the correct answer, which we’re saving for next month. Till then!*

*Thanks to Bill Reichenbach, Fleetwood, PA -- at General Heath’s Antiques, Adamstown, PA.

February 2004
 Guess What?

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Answer to February 2004 'Guess What?'

        From muscle-bound minds to muscle-bound biceps -- that’s the circuitous journey this column sometimes takes. This month’s answer involves the biceps, and the strength it took to work this fifty pound cobblestone pounder, also known as Belgian blocks. Before asphalt, many city streets were paved with cobblestones set in sand -- and this two-handled pounder was used to level and even off the individual paving blocks.*

 *Unearthed by the discerning eye of Judd Caplovich, Vernon, CT.