I was fortunate enough to know Bernia and Pat over decades as their medical provider
Bernie would take his wood sticks to Fl each winter and spend hours in this project. I have two sons and he would beseach me too bring them.by to see his " model." Well, after so many years I was embarrassed to say no, so one day we showed up to his home. He pulled up the doors to his 2 car garage and my son and I literally had to catch our jaws from hitting the pavement
He would discuss his many trips to see Mr. Webb, who could see via pictures, Bernie's progress. Mr Webb always invited Bernie and Pat to stay with him. Finally, he delivered the model to Shelburne and was so pleased at the response. Even greater than that was the fact that his model essentially saved the barn and the history lives on.Bernie was so modest about his artistry. But he was a role model to my kids who were able to glean from his countless hours of work, the importance of preserving history, tenacity and hard work.