Thinking back it is the objects that reflect America that inspired a real sense of patriotism. My brother’s Camillus knife, given to him when he joined the Cub Scouts, a wooden kazoo hand made in Woodstock, NY, the large painting I saw being made by a cool neighbor which hung on the stairway, all lend themselves to giving meaning to a place and in turn give you a sense of place, no matter how small.
So, instead of griping about WalMart this year, I will instead offer alternatives. The main theme being, well made American Products, sadly Schrade, the makers of Camillus knives is no longer with us, they are with the Chinese now. But luckily there is a strong custom knife-making business in America. I’ll show off a few and then present some other items that instill a sense of pride.