James Williams "the Ole Whittler" Carved Whimsy vintage uchiwa 704 Columbus Avenue

704 Columbus Avenue

What I am uncertain of is the first phrase-- "cinq you boco faur" [

with those great wire stitches holding the bristles in place

I have not found a signature on it

The original complete set could either have been for 6 or 8 players

James Williams "the Ole Whittler" Carved Whimsy vintage uchiwa 704 Columbus AvenueThis whittled whimsy does not have much age, but it certainly carries the pride of James Williams, known as "The Ole Whittler" of Ypsilanti Michigan (1929 2014), who made it. Born in Kentucky, Williams spent his adult life in Ypsilanti, where he worked as a contract carpenter and later for Ford Motor Company. In his retirement, he spent much of his time carving pieces like this in addition to imparting "the art of whittling" to students, which clearly