A few years ago I watched a barrelmaker at his craft. He was young and had big dreams. I love when people work to keep old traditions alive. I was very impressed with the cooper’s old-world skill but wondered how one could make a living with it. Turns out they don’t.
On a whim a few days ago, I went in search of his studio/farm to see if he’d been able to get his barrel-making business going. He’s a happy, friendly guy, and took the time to chat with me and my friends. He still makes beautiful oak barrels (mostly for fine whiskey) by hand, but few businesses need barrels.
To make ends meet, they give cooperage lessons, have goat yoga classes, host punk rock camp-outs, hold open mic days, host an annual renaissance faire, opened a tavern on the premises, and have an outdoor picnic with food trucks every Saturday and Sunday. He allows artists to sell their work each weekend, calling them “artists with tattooes.”
It seems he welcomes everyone of any age and from every walk in life.
The Cooperage is a rustic, kitchy place and I love it.
Look on FB for The Crow and Calico Tavern at Old Crozehead Cooperage in Monee, IL.
Hard to find but worth the effort.
Jeanne Meeks ~ Fiction Author 