In Memory of Johnny Cubine

In Memory of Johnny Cubine. . It seems like years ago when my friend Johnny Cubine approached me about working with him on a “carving project” for the Town of Appalachia. Without listening to very much more of what John had to say, I thought and said “sound like a good idea and project for our carving club.” Well it seems that a resident of Appalachia had some kind of paranormal experience with a “troll” looking in a window of her house when she was a young girl. Now an adult, she and some more ladies from our sister city have asked Johnny to carve them a troll and they just happen to have plans including a detailed sketch along with measurements, never mind what a log like that would weigh for old men like ourselves would have to move and set up. As time went on and with Johnny reminding me that we needed to get that troll started several times, one of our club members, Ernie Covington, found a bass wood log and with a few more helpers we were able to unload the log at Johnny’s shop yard. Shawn Eldridge joined us in this adventure and as luck would have it, this log split and had some bad places in it so the search was on for another basswood log. Well leave it to Johnny, he located one at the sawmill between Appalachia and Norton. They loaded it on my truck and we took it to the barn yard to commence work on this huge log. Johnny’s tractor screeched and groaned as we unloaded the log and we finally got it off without a scratch on my truck. Next came the real work with chainsaws and new chains, power grinders equipped with special burrs to remove wood ... eventually we had his hat or cap started, his face and huge ears and great big nose with a wart on it, Johnny’s idea. This was a big undertaking for us. You would mark and measure then cut or saw a while then step back and look at what you accomplished or need to start all over. I don't want to sound like I did a lot on the project. Johnny Cubine worked harder than anyone, except maybe Jake Hash on this project. I don’t want to leave out anyone that helped on the troll and they include: Johnny Cubine, Jake Hash, Ernie Covington, Shawn Eldridge, Aaron Morgan, Maurice Vanhook, Jr., and the art teacher that painted the finished product. Mountain Tradition Woodcarvers is a group of folks that have an interest in woodcarving. Johnny was one of the original members. He always helped with our woodcarving CARV-IN that was held annually at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground. His willingness to serve others and help will always be remembered. RIP Johnny, we all miss you and love you. , , Mister Fox