Mathany's log cabins
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on March 21, 2004 2:02 AM
Some familiar scenes in Wayne and Johnston counties have been brought to life in a multi-dimensional way.
Dick Mathany, 86, of Goldsboro is a man of many talents. He plays the piano and has developed a hobby that keeps him busy in his computer room.
His first creation began when he cut out pictures of his family members and placed them on a small metal tree he purchased at a local store. His family enjoyed it so much that he decided to branch out and create other things from items he had around the house.
Six months ago he stumbled upon an idea to create mini log cabins using sticks from his back yard, pieces of roof tile, cardboard, Styrofoam and other items. He said people enjoy looking at the cabins, and he placed a light in them, to shine through the tiny windows at night.
He dubbed his first cabin the Bentonville Log House. It is one of three he has made.
His wife, Doris, decided to create her own scenes. Her father, C.W. Flowers, owned a country store in Bentonville, and she decided to re-create that area as a tribute to him. She said her father had love for everyone he met and was willing to help those in need.
The couple are always going to flea markets and dollar stores to find items to use in the scenes and have found many items while traveling to various spots across the United States.
Mrs. Mathany used a tiny church building, toy cars and farm animals and plastic flowers to portray the area around her father's store.
She spent 36 hours creating a farm scene that has a toy cat and lamb, plastic plants and trees and pictures of vegetables.
They keep some of their creations, show them at flea markets, sell them to stores and give some to relatives and hospitals. They will even custom make the scenes for people of all ages to use as gifts or to have on display at home.
Anyone interested in placing an order should call them at 751-3783.