The Fence Post

When The Guest Confuses The Name of What Haunts Her

I heard this story from a former tour guide in Malawi the other day and thought it was worth retelling. One of his treasured anecdotes from his time as a tour guide and translator in Malawi centers around a lady from another group staying at the same lodge during her visit to Liwonde National Park.

A Night in Liwonde National Park

Nestled in the heart of Africa, Malawi is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including serene lakeshores, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Liwonde National Park, situated in the country's southern region, is a prime example of Malawi's natural beauty, boasting an array of wildlife, such as elephants, hippos, and various bird species.

In many unfenced lodges across Africa, including those in Malawi, it's crucial for guests to be escorted to and from their tents after nightfall. Despite this advice, some guests still venture out alone, only to rethink their decision upon encountering a solitary hippo or elephant.

The Misidentified Guest

After dinner one evening, a petite elderly English lady, likely over 80 years old, bid us goodnight and was escorted to her tent.

Fifteen minutes later, she reappeared at the bar/restaurant area. With her characteristic politeness, she expressed concern, saying, "There's a gecko in my room." While geckos and lizards occasionally find their way into tents, she was reassured not to worry, as they pose no threat to humans. Once again, she was escorted back to her tent. However, she returned after another 10-15 minutes, distressed because the creature was beneath her bed, disrupting her sleep. This time, she was informed that having a gecko in the room was beneficial as they prey on mosquitoes.

Upon her final return, the lodge manager, slightly perturbed, decided to investigate and remove the troublesome "gecko" from beneath the woman's bed. To everyone's surprise, what she had identified as a gecko turned out to be a massive monitor lizard. These monitor lizards are notably giant, sometimes reaching over six feet (about two meters). Somehow, the poor creature had found its way into the tent and became trapped in the mosquito netting. Understandably furious, it repeatedly struck the bed with its tail, frightening the elderly lady who was struggling to sleep.

Fencing Out the Unexpected

Knowing a gecko from a monitor lizard can make a massive difference if you want to fence them out. We have wire meshes that gradually get smaller at the bottom; though it likely wouldn’t stop a gecko, it definitely will stop a monitor lizard!

Check our mesh fencing here.

Who has a story about lizards, snakes, or Africa? I’m waiting.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (So 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis E. founded the company)

What Life Lies in the Old Cedar Post?

In 1981, nestled in the picturesque town of Lilburn, Georgia, our family embarked on an adventure as we moved into our first home. With the enthusiasm of new homeowners, we eagerly set out to explore every nook and cranny of our property.

A Connection to the Past

It didn't take long to realize that our neighborhood was once part of a sprawling dairy farm, its legacy evident in the remnants of the original fence that still bordered the eastern edge, weaving a connection to the area's pastoral past.

Amidst the lush landscape, a charming discovery awaited us: an old cedar fence post standing sentinel next to a majestic pine tree marking our property line. Just beyond this weathered fence lay a serene, year-round creek whose melodious babble became the soundtrack to countless warm days spent frolicking in its cool embrace.

Memories and Adventures

We brought three children into this world while living in this home. It was here, amidst the gentle flow of the water, that my children and I found recreation and a classroom where the study of geography unfolded with each ripple and eddy.

One autumn, our wanderlust led us to Dial, Georgia, where we reunited with cherished family friends. During the day, we immersed ourselves in the rustic beauty of the woods, relishing hearty breakfasts cooked over an open flame. To this day, the memory of savoring pancakes, sausage, and eggs beneath the vast expanse of the sky remains one of my most cherished recollections.

Our adventures continued as we embarked on hikes along the legendary Appalachian Trail, traversing the rugged peaks of North Georgia. Towering mountains, including the formidable Blood Mountain, stood as testaments to nature's grandeur, their peaks reaching heights unmatched along the trail for hundreds of miles.

The highlight for my children? Undoubtedly, it was the thrill of crossing the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi, suspended majestically over the Toccoa River, spanning an impressive 270 feet.

Evenings found us gathered around crackling campfires, wrapped in a tapestry of old tales and harmonica melodies courtesy of our friend Fred. Each story was a kaleidoscope of color and whimsy, weaving laughter into the fabric of our memories.

Nature's Bounty and Legends

Inspired by the natural splendor of our surroundings, we returned home laden with native shrubs lovingly transplanted from our friends' property. Among them, the "Cat's Paw," or "Hearts-a-burstin'-with-love" (Euonymus americanus), held a special place in my heart. Its vibrant pinkish-red capsules, bursting open in a triumphant display of orange seeds each fall, captured the essence of the season's transition.

For those interested in Sleeping Beauty, the Euonymus americanus has a European cousin called the Spindletree. Legend has it that this tree contains a poison that would put you into a deep sleep if you pricked your finger on it. And that’s what happened to Sleeping Beauty!

Determined to bring a piece of north Georgia to our home, I eagerly added it to my planting plans for the coming fall. Against all odds, my decision to plant the "Hearts-a-burstin'-with-love" next to the weathered cedar fence post proved fortuitous. Come spring, the shrub erupted in a profusion of delicate white flowers, heralding the arrival of a bountiful harvest of fruit that quite literally burst open with love.

Stories and Fences

And so, as I reflect on our adventures, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of nature's wonders and the timeless tales that bind us all. From the legend of Sleeping Beauty, with its echoes in the European cousin of the Euonymus americanus, to the silent stories whispered by fences weathered by time. Fences have stories to tell, from old cedar posts to wire mesh growing around trees.

What they would tell us if they could talk. But you can talk, so dear reader, won't you share your fence tales with me? All of us are full of stories, so don’t be bashful like the dwarf; tell me your stories! Do tell!

After all, dwarves aren't the only ones with stories to tell!

For inspiration (or is this “fence-piration”?), visit my online store at Louis Page.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Absolutely, that’s 131 years owned and run by our family)

Back In The Day It Was All About Hay

In 1893, a spirited young man named Louis embarked on a journey from his hometown in Maine to Boston, seeking new horizons. Fueled by ambition, he surveyed the bustling cityscape with the eyes of an entrepreneur. Amidst the clattering of hooves and the rhythm of wagons, he envisioned a venture in the hay trade to nourish the horses that powered the city.

Thus began the humble genesis of Louis E. Page, a legacy that endures into 2024 with unwavering vitality, defying the expectations of its inception.

A Legacy of Resilience

So Louis Page is commemorating its 131st anniversary—a remarkable milestone worth celebrating!

Cast your thoughts back 131 years to the time when Grover Cleveland took office for his second presidential term and the American landscape brimmed with innovation. It was the year when the Duryea brothers unveiled the first American-made gasoline-fueled car, and Thomas Edison unveiled his pioneering motion picture studio. Against this backdrop of progress, Louis Page laid the cornerstone of its enduring legacy.

Louis Page stands as a testament to resilience in a landscape where longevity is a rare gem.

Adaptability and Commitment

This stalwart enterprise has remained steadfast through two world wars, epidemics, technological revolutions, and societal shifts. Adaptability to evolving industrial landscapes has been crucial, but an unwavering commitment to customer service is paramount among its enduring values. Yes, I know it sounds like corporate-speak, but it’s truly the way I and my people do business to this day.

This dedication has cemented Louis Page’s place in the annals of American business history.

Makes me feel humble just writing it!

Continuing the Tradition

Today, as a third-generation, woman-owned enterprise, Louis Page continues its tradition of excellence, serving a diverse clientele spanning from chicken farmers to dog trainers and from ranchers to industrial enterprises. Our products grace the landscapes of farms, construction sites, parks, and zoos, reflecting the breadth of our reach and the versatility of our offerings.

Join us in embracing our legacy and entrust your next project to a company that has stood the test of time—Louis Page – where tradition meets innovation since 1893.

Wouldn’t Louis have been amazed to know you would be able to order from his company with a few taps or clicks from hundreds of miles away? Visit us here.

My warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (“...where tradition meets innovation since 1893.” Hmm. That's us. Maybe I’ll use it again!)

You Go Floyd, You Got _____!

In the scorching Texas heat of the summer of 1980, Susan, Cathy, and Della embarked on a journey across the expansive state in their vintage green 1970 Ford Torino. They traversed endless stretches of arid land, punctuated by tumbleweeds, cacti, and wire fencing until fate intervened with a sputtering engine and the dreaded realization that their beloved car had met its demise in the middle of nowhere.

A Stranger's Kindness

After an agonizing hour of waiting, a benevolent truck driver finally halted to offer assistance. "Need some help, ladies?" he asked with a Texan drawl.

"Help?" exclaimed Cathy incredulously. "Do we look like we're out here for a picnic? Please, we're desperate!"

The driver, Ralph, graciously offered them a ride to the nearest town, where they were deposited at the sole auto repair shop within a fifty-mile radius. With a tip of his hat and a cheerful grin, Ralph bid them farewell and drove off into the horizon.

A Glimmer of Hope

Their hopes momentarily lifted, only to be dashed when Fred, the mechanic, delivered the grim news after examining the Torino's engine. Wiping sweat from his brow, he confessed that the required part was nowhere to be found.

“Nope. I can’t help you.”

“Why not?” asked Susan.

“It needs a part I don’t have,” said Fred.

“Well, can’t you get it?”

“No, ma’am, I can’t get it.”

“What do you mean you can’t get it?”

“That’s right, I can’t get the part.”

“You have to get the part! We have to get back to Massachusetts.”

There were two other mechanics tuned into the conversation. They looked at each other in surprise at such bossy women. After some hemming and hawing, Fred said, “You go, Floyd, you got teeth!”

With that, their fate rested on Floyd's shoulders as he embarked on a quest to procure the elusive part, their hopes for a swift return to Massachusetts hanging in the balance.

Reflections and Resilience

As Floyd set off on his mission, Susan, Cathy, and Della exchanged nervous glances, their optimism tinged with a hint of doubt. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Susan couldn't help but reflect on her grandmother's wise words: "Sometimes we have to sink our teeth into something to get things done."

They awaited Floyd's return with newfound determination, hoping his tenacity would be the key to their salvation. In the vast expanse of the Texas desert, where challenges loomed as large as the horizon, grit and resilience would ultimately see them through.

Your Next Fencing Project

You can sink your teeth into your next fencing project—even though you may not need enough wire to cope with the “vast expanse of Texas”—here.

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (A genuine 131 years owned and run by our family)

The Mystery of the Clatter in the Kitchen

One late summer evening, as the sun was setting over the lake, we closed the kitchen doors to secure Buster, our beloved black Lab, in the kitchen. We were heading to the Summer Playhouse for an Agatha Christie murder mystery—my favorite.

Buster's Adventure

Buster was a bundle of energy, always ready for adventure and often finding himself in amusing predicaments. (One summer his nickname was “The Wedding Crasher”... but that’s a story for another day.)

He looked longingly through the kitchen door window as we left for the evening. Such sad eyes on a big, black dog.

The Great Dog Food Caper

With the house all to himself, Buster sniffed around, exploring every nook and cranny in search of excitement. His keen nose led him to the kitchen nook, where the irresistible scent of his favorite treats lingered. As he investigated further, his eyes fell upon a large, mostly empty 50lb bag of dog food, left tantalizingly unattended.

And what dog wouldn’t be excited about that possibility?

Unable to resist the temptation, Buster nudged the bag with his snout and started consuming the food. Deeper and deeper, he pushed his head to the bottom of the bag. But as he savored his impromptu feast, disaster struck! In his excitement, Buster inadvertently thrust his head into the empty bag. With a swift motion, it slipped over his head, engulfing him in darkness.

Panicked and disoriented, Buster thrashed about, attempting to free himself from the confines of the bag. But with each frantic movement, the bag only seemed to tighten its grip. The bag over his head left Buster aimlessly stumbling around the kitchen.

The Great Reveal

Meanwhile, we returned from the playhouse, eager to see our favorite canine. But as we approached the house, we all stopped with alarm. Someone must be in the house! What are they doing? We could hear thrashing about, and we thought there must be burglars. But if that’s the case, why is Buster not barking?

“Oh no!” cried Lizzy. “Did they kill Buster?”

We stepped onto the porch and peered through the kitchen door. And then we all roared with laughter! Buster was staggering blindly through the kitchen, the empty bag of dog food still completely obscuring his vision.

"Buster, what have you gotten yourself into now?" Daniel exclaimed, rushing to his aid.

He carefully removed the bag from Buster's head, revealing his sheepish expression beneath. Despite his embarrassment, Buster wagged his tail apologetically, his eyes already sparkling with future mischief.

Life with Buster

Though Buster's antics often left us exasperated, we couldn't help but laugh at his latest escapade. Life with Buster filled us with laughter, love, and a dash of unexpected chaos. And no obstacle would prevent him from entertaining us every day of his 13 years. Oh, Buster, we still miss you.

Look for your “Pooch proof fence” to protect your Buster here.

Waggy regards from

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Wow! Without question, that is 130 years owned and run by our family!)