Couple works on special project for Roscoe Village
Project: Edna and Jim Jones create miniature canal boats for Roscoe Village. The couple has volunteered at the village for 14 years and help out in any way they can. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
COSHOCTON – While working on her family history, Edna Jones discovered her great-grandfather owned a canal boat. Now she and her husband are helping give visitors to Roscoe Village the opportunity to own a miniature version of one.
The couple makes small versions of the village’s Caldersburg Pearl that are sold to visitors and used as promotional items.
“I grew up here and it’s a way for us to give back,” Edna said.
The couple has volunteered at Roscoe for 14 years.
“We’ve done practically anything they’ve asked us to do,” Jim said.
They’ve helped the staff with clerical work, festivals, landscaping and even educating students who come explore the village.
Their canal boat project started when Connie Miller of the landscape department asked if Jim could make some canal boat silhouettes for Christmas tree ornaments.
Jim didn’t like what he first came up with and eventually improved the project to be a three -dimensional model of the canal boat they have reproduced almost 500 times.
“I never imagined in my wildest dreams that we would make this many,” Jim said.
He does the woodworking and Edna does the painting of the canal boats.
“We like to do things together,” Jim said.
As of 2014, the couple has logged 2,764.25 hours of time doing projects for the village, which they enjoy visiting.
“I like walking the village when it’s not crowded and it’s quiet,” Jim said. “The architecture of the buildings is beautiful.”
Edna also enjoys quiet time in the village.
“I like going at 8 a.m. when there is no one there and it’s just me,” she said.
Jim and Edna are 82-years-old now, but they plan to keep on helping Roscoe out and making their boats.
“As long as they (Roscoe) want the boats and we are able we will make them,” Jim said.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
