While passing through Allenwood today I met Harry. To call
him “Harry the Hat Man” would be ungracious. Too blind to drive, he spends his
day making hats that he sells from his front porch. “I can’t leave them out,
someone steals them”. He says with a tone of annoyance in his voice. He
explains it would be so much easier for him if he didn’t have to take them in.
It’s not the loss that bothers him; he gives away more than
he sells. He leaves them at the post office for anyone to pick up. Others he
has donated to a food bank to be distributed to families.
He knows his market and says he has quit making the smallest
ones because it is school kids who need them the most.
They are all made with donated yarn which is stacked in
boxes that make navigating his living room a chore.
Harry reminds me that you don’t need to have a lot to become
a generous person.
As for the thief, Harry says he knows who it is but can’t
catch him. “He seems to know when I fall asleep”
If your travels take you near US15 and PA44 park your car
and say “Hi” to Harry. You will improve his day and yours.
Beautiful statement and images Ralph. Terry
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry. Harry really is an inspiration. I need to get out of my car more often. RW
Deletenice...a good story well told and shot...
ReplyDeleteThanks Rolfe
ReplyDeleteI have been obsessed with this guy for years! Thank you...would love more background on who he is and how he decided to do this.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan, I suggest you stop by and ask him. He is very approachable. I saw him as I was headed north. Went around the block, parked and walked up, camera in hand and asked if I could take a portrait. It was that easy. I'm in that area frequently and will make a point of stopping again if I see him out. Next time I will leave the camera in the car and just visit for awhile.
ReplyDelete