Best Birthday Present Ever!
Starting from the time their friend Ed Ruck found the owl in their Vermont woods, Jay and Valerie Jackman of Plymouth worked determinedly to have the magnificent bird professionally mounted and displayed in a fitting cabinet that would provide a stunning new diorama that would be unveiled at the Museum’s Birthday Party.
Under the Museum’s permit, Jay had Wilderness Taxidermy of Chester begin mounting the owl with wings outspread. Jay then secured the artistry of master painter Richard Emery of Weathersfield, who had painted diorama backgrounds before for Jay, and stunning wormy butternut for the cabinet from Thomas Peck of Andover. Wood in hand, Jay began constructing the case, planing and gouging the wood by hand to form the cabinet and cornice. While the owl was being prepared and drying, Richard began painting the background and making rocks and other items to form the foreground. Meanwhile Jay was coordinating other contributors: Valerie Jackman for help with staining and foreground supplies; Paul Putnam of Chester for help with delivery; Acrylic Design of North Springfield for a donation of the “glass” front; and Jeffrey Rubin of Plymouth for financial support. Upon hearing about the project, Kevin O’Donnell of Chester gave a donation toward the Museum’s taxidermy expense.
As a result, the Museum — at very little cost — was able to obtain a superb owl in a most beautiful display case to add to the Museum’s comprehensive owl collection displayed on the first floor. The Museum thanks all involved. Because of their talents and generosity, they performed a near miracle in a matter of weeks, and now all future Museum visitors will enjoy the same surprise!
