Crosswell's Barking Irons; A Description

[Oren James]

From the outward appearance, it's not much and easy to be marked over if it weren't for the small, simple, homemade sign with the shop's name painted against the wood.

Built sixty eight years ago by Lawrence Crosswell, the age old appeal still remains; along with the slight crest of mold developing just under the brim of the roof. Shortly after the original home was completed, though, the eldest of the Crosswells passed away and left his estate and little fortune to his heir, Davidan, Oren's father. He lived a humble life, raising two sons and starting his weapons business once they became popular amongst the populace. It was he who taught the oldest of his sons to manage a business and make weaponry for a subtle living.

Due to it's history, the inside of the home is warm and nearly comforting. Being a traditionalist, though, Lawrence built the home with wood and left the outside bare to the weather. It was Oren, under the persistance of his wife, who painted the outside a charming, off-white color that was now flaking away to the dark surface underneath. The inside walls were also covered, though in a more comforting champagne color that blended well with the wooden floors.

Given the relatively small home, it originally was built with one room, a small kitchen, and what could pass as a family room. However, when Oren built the second floor to the home which would suffice as his actual home, he completely refurbished the house. The family room became the main area of the shop, the single bedroom was taken down to become the kitchen and the tiny kitchen was now a bathroom. Upstairs, he was sure to build two separate rooms, for his wife always reminded him of her dream to have a family.

Previously, before the surface area of the home was expanded, all shop, business, and building took place out back of their one acre of land where a shed was built to house all the tools and supplies needed to carry on the legacy. That too was taken down and now only a single grave replaces it's spot.