The Fence Post

 When the Rooster Crows . . .

What was the first alarm clock? Levi Hutchins made the first American alarm clock in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1787. Here’s the funny thing: it only alarmed him at 4 a.m. to wake him for work.

Four o’clock is early for most Americans. It certainly is for me. I’ve had two situations when I got wake-up calls at four: one was when we had roosters, and the second was when I was living on a fishing island off the coast of Maine. The lobstermen headed to the pier at four every morning.

When the Rooster Crows . . .

My Rooster Story

As a senior in high school, my advanced biology class required science projects from each of us. For my project, I chose to incubate fertilized chicken eggs. I opened an egg each day of incubation and preserved the developing chicken in formaldehyde in used glass baby food jars. It was a fascinating project, and one I’ve never forgotten. I let three eggs hatch and ended up with two hens and a rooster.

My siblings and I played with the chicks for several weeks and were delighted to watch them grow into full-grown chickens. As the rooster matured, he began taking his place on the fence post and crowing at 4 AM. Oh my gosh, how my parents were so patient, I don’t know. My mother, having grown up on a farm, had heard that all her years. My father? I’m not sure.

Sunday Dinner Surprise

One Sunday, friends from church came for Sunday dinner. My mother made fabulous dinners every Sunday. Often, she left a roast cooking while we were at church. There was always a Jello salad, fresh yeast rolls, and an absolutely divine dessert. She made the most marvelous pound cakes, lemon chess pie, lemon icebox pie, and her famous fruit cobblers in the summer. (My mouth is drooling just thinking about it!)

Sometime after the friends left, I noticed my hens were missing. Yes, my mom said, the Franklins took your hens to their house, as they have a chicken coop. I couldn’t believe it, but I consoled myself, thinking they were going to a great home. One day, a few weeks later, my friend Cheryl, the new owners' daughter, announced after Sunday School that they had eaten my hens for their Sunday dinner last week! What? I was appalled. Had mom known all along that was the plan? If so, she never let on.

At least I still had Javalon. (How in the world I came up with that name, I do not remember.) Javalon enjoyed playing badminton with us. He would chase after the stray cock, grab it in his beak, and run away. I always sent my younger sister to chase after him—until one day…

He had enough of chasing and turned and attacked her shins! Poor thing. She was running as fast as she could to get away from him. That’s when Dad said, “We’ve had enough of this rooster waking us up at 4 AM. And we certainly won’t allow him to harm any of us.” We never saw Javalon again. Where did he disappear to? I never knew.

The Sacredness of Four O’Clock

There’s something sacred about getting out of bed at four o’clock. Several years ago, I started that as a new habit. I followed that routine for about a year. Recently, I was reminded in someone else’s email that I had adopted that habit. I felt a bit lazy for not continuing it. Maybe I’ll go back to that. I love that early morning when all the world around me is still asleep. Perhaps I’ll get a rooster to be my alarm clock, though I prefer hearing the lobstermen at four.

Fence Posts: More Than Just Support

Whatever I do, I will always have fence posts for my aviary friends. Though not their purpose, they serve beautifully as perches. Even though my chickens and roosters don’t typically perch on metal posts, they like the wooden fence posts. The birds enjoy the wooden stakes in my garden. Even the owl perched on one of the stakes for several weeks.

Every fence needs posts, which come in pine, cedar, metal, and polypropylene. We sell them all to meet your specific needs.

Our steel T-posts are available in:

Green, galvanized, or black (6 ft only)

Lengths: 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet

Weights: 1.25# or 1.33#

Studs spaced uniformly along the length of the “T”-shaped post.

Choose Your Project, Choose Your Fence, Choose Your Posts!

We’re here to help you decide and order. 📞 Call us at 978-486-3116.

Warmest of my 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!)

Can AI Replace 50 Years of Real-World Fencing Expertise

Just got back from a 3-day AI conference, and my head is SPINNING with what’s coming down the pike.
Here’s the deal:
AI and automation are making waves across industries. But while everyone’s focused on the flashy new technologies, there’s something worth considering...

The Fencing Industry in a Changing World
The fencing industry, like many others, is evolving. Material costs fluctuate, availability shifts, and timing matters more than ever.
At Louis E. Page, we’ve stayed consistent through decades of industry changes. We continue to offer:

Transparent pricing
Quality materials
Personal service that technology simply can’t replace.

Why Human Expertise Still Matters
The best fencing solutions have always combined quality materials with thoughtful design. Zoos, solar farms, and DOT projects across the country rely on fencing that delivers security and performance day after day, year after year.
While we embrace technology where it enhances our service, we know that algorithms can’t replace the human expertise that helps match you with exactly the right fencing solution for your specific needs.
The true cost of fencing isn’t just about today’s price tag—it’s about durability, performance, and peace of mind over time.
That’s why informed property owners are seeking expert advice before making decisions that affect their security and budget for years to come.

Meet Our Experts: Terry and Jeff
Terry and Jeff, our fence experts, bring a combined 50 years of real-world experience to every consultation. They’ve helped countless clients find the right solution for their unique challenges.
📞 Call Terry at 978-486-3116 for straightforward advice about your fencing needs.
No gimmicks. No hype. Just honest expertise from someone who understands what works in the real world.

The Bottom Line
Because when it comes to protecting your property, nothing beats human experience and judgment.
Not a robot,
Debbie Page

🌍 We Have Amos and Andy and Isabelle!

This is a continuation of Daniel and his three goats.
It wasn’t long before Penny’s delivery time arrived. (Penny was the pregnant goat I mentioned yesterday, but I failed to mention her name!) Daniel checked on her frequently, and one morning, close to lunch, he came and got me from my office to let me know she was in labor.
As a labor and delivery nurse, I was excited to attend the birth.

A Goat Birth Story
As I got to the goat shed, I quickly assessed the situation and could tell she was in trouble. The second kid had managed to get its hoof past the head of the first kid. Donning gloves, I attempted to push the hoof back behind the head, but to no avail. I tried a second time. I tried for a third and final time.
You might wonder what the nanny goat was doing with all this ongoing intervention. She remained calm and unphased, other than her laboring to deliver her goats.
Recognizing we needed professional help, I told Daniel to run to the house and call Eric. (This was before cell phones!) Eric was Ann’s husband and super familiar with cows and goats giving birth. Daniel thought we’d be okay, and I made it clear that we were not! He ran to the house, and within a few minutes, Eric was pulling up in his truck. I was so glad to see him!
Putting on gloves, Eric did what I had been doing—but with much more strength! He succeeded, moving the second kid out of the way, and soon, the first was delivered, followed by the second and then a third!
Triplets!
I just witnessed the birth of triplets, and what a delight and relief. All appeared healthy and robust. Woohoo! I was so excited and blurted out:

“We have Amos and Andy and Isabelle!”


A Nod to the Past
Growing up in the 50s and 60s, Amos and Andy were famous radio sitcoms. My family and I enjoyed many evenings gathered around the radio, listening and laughing. I miss those days of radio productions when you had to use your imagination to paint the pictures in your mind.
It’s one of the reasons I love storytelling with words, not pictures.

Fencing: Painting the Picture First
Planning for your fence projects is precisely the same thing. First, you paint the picture in your mind, then draw it out, and then physically create it on your or your customer’s property.
One of our customers has been super busy with customer projects, most of them involving panels. Wire mesh panels are one of my favorite products. They come in many different sizes and finishes, from:

Galvanized before weld (GBW)
Galvanized after weld (GAW)
Vinyl-coated (VC) in black or green
Stainless steel
Check out Louis E. Page for more information and photos!
Wire mesh panels have numerous uses, from decks to balconies to machine guards. Start planning today!

Warm regards,
Debbie Page
CEO, Louis E. Page Inc.
Woman-owned business and family-owned since 1893.
(Without question, that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)

🌍 Easy and Quick, Brown and Green: Composting Your Way to a More Bountiful Garden

Today, I’m going to talk about composting your way to a more bountiful garden. Watch out for mentions of the Browns and the Greens—read on...

Wire Mesh: The Unsung Hero of Composting
In the realm of sustainable gardening and waste management, finding practical solutions that balance durability and affordability is key. Enter wire mesh—(Tada!!)—a versatile material that’s perfect for creating composting enclosures. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to enhance soil health or a homeowner interested in reducing organic waste, wire mesh offers a solution worth considering.

Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth: Which is Right for You?
Two popular options stand out for constructing compost bins:
🐔 Chicken Wire

Classic hexagonal woven pattern with 1” openings.
Cost-effective and lightweight, making it easy to shape and manipulate.
Best for: Temporary or low-impact composting setups.
Consideration: May lack durability in harsh weather or high-traffic areas.
🔨 Hardware Cloth

Tight welded wire with ¼”–½” openings for enhanced strength.
More durable and long-lasting, ideal for sturdy compost bins.
Best for: Outdoor environments where durability is a priority.
Consideration: Slightly higher cost, but the investment pays off in longevity.

Building Your Compost Bin: Simple Steps
Once you’ve chosen your wire mesh, constructing the enclosure is a breeze:

Measure and cut the mesh to your desired dimensions.
Shape it into a cylindrical or rectangular design.
Secure the panels with zip ties or fasten the ends for a circular bin.
Fill it up with kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other organic materials.
Turn the contents periodically to promote aeration and speed up decomposition.

What Can You Compost?
Composting transforms organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Here’s a list of compostable materials to get you started:

Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, cores, rinds, seeds)
Coffee grounds and filters (great nitrogen source!)
Tea leaves and compostable tea bags
Eggshells (adds calcium)
Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, weeds without seeds)
Plant trimmings (flowers, foliage)
Shredded paper (newspaper, cardboard, paper towels—avoid glossy or colored paper)
Wood chips and sawdust (untreated wood only)
Straw and hay
Nutshells (peanut, walnut, etc.)
Seaweed and kelp (mineral-rich!)
Old potting soil
Hair and fur (human or pet)

Share Your Composting Adventures!
I’d love to hear your clever ideas for composting organic waste. Share your tips, tricks, and pictures—let’s inspire each other to grow greener gardens!

My warmest regards,
Debbie Page
CEO, Louis E. Page Inc.
Woman-owned business and family-owned since 1893.
(Umm, that’d be just over thirteen decades owned and run by our family!)

🌍 Strangeness in the Night: A Camping Misadventure and the Fences That Save Us

The Hazards of Setting Up Camp After Dark
Oh, the hazards of setting up camp after dark. In August 1977, Betty and I drove from Atlanta to NYC and then on to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to visit a friend in New York City and the parents of friends in Coal Center, Pennsylvania. (I’ll save that Coal Center story for another post—it’s a tale all to itself!)
We were getting pretty weary of driving and decided we’d just get a hotel room. For miles, we searched for a room. This was in the 1970s, so there were no cell phones or internet. Everywhere we saw a high hotel sign, we’d exit the highway, park the car, go into the lobby, and inquire about a room.
None were available.
Hotel after hotel.
No room at the inn.
There was some type of colossal car racing event taking place in Virginia, and there were no rooms available for a hundred-mile radius, we were told. It was 1:00 AM, and we desperately wanted sleep.

A Campground Surprise
We found a campground via our good old trusty paper map and pulled in. Since it was after hours, the sign said to pick a spot, camp, and pay in the morning. We picked a spot, parked Betty’s green Grand Torino, set up our tent, and fell asleep. By that time, it must have been 2:00 AM.
It hardly seemed like we’d been sleeping when we began to hear footsteps, voices, and laughter. Poking our heads out of the tent, we were astonished to see a steady stream of people. We looked beyond the people and saw the brick building.
Oh, my gosh—we had set up our tent on the pathway to the bathroom.
No wonder people were laughing at six o’clock in the morning. We made haste to get dressed and take down our tent.

Adventure Awaits—Are You Ready?
Isn’t life a barrel of monkeys? Especially when you go on an adventure. As I’ve quoted from The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien before:

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Where are you going today? Are you ready to be swept off by your sense of adventure?

Fencing: The Unsung Hero of Property and Peace
It’s always the perfect time to think about your next fencing adventure, whether small or grand. We wouldn’t have staked our tent there if that bathroom had been fenced in! (I’m thankful it wasn’t—who wants fences in campgrounds?)
But you have an idea for your property, backyard, or private oasis. If a fence will help you keep intruders out, let’s go for it!
Call our fence expert, Terry. (T2C) She’s been providing fence solutions for 24 years! I shout her accolades from the rooftops!

Why Louis E. Page?
At Louis E. Page Inc., a woman-owned and family-owned business since 1893, we know that fences do more than mark boundaries. They protect, they secure, and they add beauty to your space. Whether it’s for livestock, security, or aesthetic appeal, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen.

All my best regards,
Debbie Page
CEO, Louis E. Page Inc