The Fence Post

🌍 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

🌍 The Jackery of Siblings: Did You Survive?

I look back over my childhood with two sisters and a brother and wonder how I survived—especially the pranks and jokes my brother played on me. They’re probably asking how they survived me!

I’ve shared some funny stories about my brother Rick and his pranks, as well as mine. But today, I want to highlight a delightful story from one of our customers, Johnny, in response to yesterday’s email:

*“Debbie,

It’s rough being the youngest child in a 7-child household. That was me.

It will toughen you up.

My dad had an electric fence inside his hog wire fence to keep the animals from pushing on the fence. My older brothers and sisters got a big tire out by the electric wire. They stood on the tire and grabbed the wire. No shock for them because they weren’t grounded.

They said, Johnny, come over here and grab our hand. I was standing in the wet grass, and as the 12 volts flowed through me to the grass, my hair probably did curl up.

Everyone laughed but me.

Your family will toughen you up for life.”*

Fencing: The Ultimate Test of Resilience

Isn’t this typical sibling jackery? I love that it involved a fence—proof that fences don’t just mark boundaries, they create memories (and occasionally, unintended electrical experiments).

What’s Your Fencing Story?

We recently received an excellent order for galvanized-after 16 gauge 1x1 wire mesh. Guess what it’s for? Rodent control! All 234 rolls. Wire mesh plays a massive, often unsung role in our society—from keeping critters out to keeping families safe.

What’s your fencing need? Whether it’s for security, livestock, or even rodent control, we’ve got the solutions. Call Terry at Louis E. Page Inc. (978-486-3116) to discuss your project.

Share Your Stories!

Keep sending your tales of sibling antics, fence mishaps, or creative uses for wire mesh. With your permission, I’ll share them here—because the best stories come from you.

Have a great day, and send me your stories!

Marking Time: The Little Moments That Last a Lifetime

“Let’s go measure your height on the wall!”

“Mama won’t let us write on the wall,” cried Isla.

“Oh, she will for this,” I said.

We marched into the kitchen, where Rachel had already heard the conversation and picked out the perfect wall for our little tradition. The three-year-old backed up to the wall first. I made a pencil mark and wrote his name and the date: 09/17/2024. Next in line was the six-year-old schoolteacher, who corrected me a couple of times before I got it just right. Then came the one-year-old baby. And finally, Dada.

A Feast to Remember

We sat down to a delicious dinner of pork tenderloin and grilled peppers fresh from the garden. Rachel, the queen of sauces, had outdone herself with a lemon caper sauce for the pork that was simply divine. A colorful salad of heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and fennel rounded out the meal perfectly.

The baby finished eating early and was set free to wander and play. Within minutes, she found the mechanical pencil, toddled over to the marking wall, and started drawing. Wow! She’s smart. I’m grandma, and I’m biased, but this girl is something else!

Daniel quickly grabbed the pencil from her tiny hands and told her, “We’ll save that for next time!”

We all had a good laugh, but it got me thinking...

The Marks We Leave

How much do we measure our lives by the marks we make—not just on walls, but in our daily actions? Every small step we take matters, whether it’s building a fence, protecting our environment, or making lasting memories with family.

At Louis E. Page Inc., we believe in leaving the right kind of mark. Whether it’s our American-made wire mesh, fencing products, or service, we stand by the quality and reliability that our customers can trust. Just like the marks on that wall, we’re committed to helping you build something that lasts for generations to come.

Let Us Help You Leave Your Mark

If you’re ready to start your next project or need help finding the perfect solution, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to be a part of the mark you leave on your world.

All my best regards in gratitude,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc. – Woman-owned business and family-owned since 1893

 Finding Beauty Amidst the Storm—and Protecting What Matters

Yesterday, I took a moment to step outside and breathe in the crisp autumn air. As I approached the bridge over the river, I heard the sounds of giggles and joy from a young couple, lost in each other’s company. It reminded me that even with the chaos of the world, life continues to offer moments of truth, goodness, and beauty.

A Time for Resilience

But it’s impossible not to think of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene in the South. Families have been displaced, loved ones lost, and communities are facing a long road to recovery. Yet, even in the darkest times, kindness and resilience shine through. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse are on the ground, providing much-needed goods and services, while Elon Musk’s Starlink is helping restore vital internet connections to the area.

In times like these, I’m reminded of J.R.R. Tolkien’s powerful words:

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”

Even amidst hardship, love and beauty continue to shine through.

Rebuilding with Strength and Peace of Mind

Just as communities are banding together to rebuild, we at Louis E. Page Inc. are committed to providing the fencing solutions that help protect what matters most. Our American and Italian-made fencing products are built to endure, offering strength and peace of mind—whether you’re securing a farm, repairing storm damage, or starting fresh.

From durable wire mesh to sand erosion and field fencing, we’ve got what you need to safeguard your property and restore security. Terry, our fence expert, is here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

We’re Here to Help

Let us know how we can support you as you rebuild.

All my best regards,

Debbie Page

P.S. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. If you need assistance in securing your property, we’re here to help.

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc. – Woman-owned business and family-owned since 1893.

 Up to the Ledges and Over: A Hike Through History and Fencing Tales

It was one of those perfect summer days in New Hampshire—the kind where the air is crisp, the sun is warm, and the world feels alive with possibility. Yesterday, we hiked to the knoll beside my farmer boy’s mountaintop farm. Baby snuggled on Papa’s back, the six- and three-year-olds trotting alongside the rest of us, and my dear roommate from nursing school—all the way from Charleston, South Carolina—joined in the adventure. What a delightful walk it was!

A Symphony of Nature

The kids and I sang as we climbed, our voices blending with the rustle of oak leaves and the occasional crunch of acorns underfoot. The hailstorm the day before had left the forest floor carpeted with acorns and leaves, and we spotted ripe blackberries glistening like tiny jewels in the sunlight. The newts were out in full force, much to the children’s delight. Summer in New Hampshire truly is magical.

The Stone Walls: A Lesson in History

Daniel, ever the guide, made sure to point out the stone walls winding their way up the mountain. What caught my eye was how one wall climbed to the granite ledges and then continued right on top of them. I’d never seen a stone wall do that before! These walls, Daniel explained, marked the old property boundaries—a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of those who farmed this land long ago. They’re a common sight throughout New England, silent witnesses to generations of history.

I’ll admit, I assumed these stone walls had once fenced in farm animals. But Daniel set me straight—nope! That’s not what they were for at all. (Thanks, Daniel, for the history lesson!)

Fences That Tell Stories

As we hiked, we passed remnants of old wire mesh fencing in the woods, sometimes strung between cedar posts, other times just remnants of barbed wire. If only those fences could talk! Imagine the stories they’d tell—of farmers and their livestock, of homes and barns, of laughter and hard work. Fences aren’t just boundaries; they’re keepers of memories.

Thinking of Fencing? Think Louis E. Page!

Speaking of fences, if you’re considering putting in some fencing of your own, check out Louis E. Page Inc. We’ve been delighting customers since 1893—that’s 131 years of craftsmanship, durability, and trust. Our family has been building fences that stand the test of time, just like those old stone walls on the mountain. Whether it’s for farm animals, property lines, or just adding a touch of charm to your land, we know fencing inside and out.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc. – Woman-owned business and family-owned since 1893.