By Lindsey Rowland
lrowland@wbcowqel.com
Bucyrus boasts a great many marvelous features that are rich with character and history, and chief among them is D. Picking and Co. Copper Kettles.
The establishment is the last copper kettle factory in America, and perhaps even the world, that still makes the kettles by hand and, on Wednesday evening, citizens gathered to celebrate 140 years of the unique excellence that D. Picking and Co. brings to Bucyrus, the country, and the world.
Born out of high demand for kettles to make apple butter in the 1800s, D. Picking and Co. still stands today as a an example not just of history, but of industry as well, and at the open party in Picking Park on Wednesday everyone was welcome to tour the shop, buy the products, or just listen to the live music, win a door prize, and enjoy some cake.
John Butt, who proudly stood behind a table showcasing some of the wares that were for sale, works at D. Picking and Co. as a coppersmith and loves what he does.
“It’s been great working here,” Butt said, “We work for a great lady, Helen Picking Neff.”
Neff inherited the business from her father and now oversees factory activities, which includes such things as tours, local orders, and shipping worldwide such things as kettle corn bowls and tympani drums.
Carolyn and Marty McMurray, parents to local dentist Glen McMurray, just moved to Bucyrus and absolutely love it.
“We’re very happy here,” Carolyn said, “We find that everybody’s so friendly to everybody else and we intend to make the most of living here, for sure.”
Her husband, Marty, was fascinated with D. Picking and Co. The McMurray’s sport a kettle full of flowers in their own home, and Marty loved the fact that the work benches in the shop were so worn down from years of committed creation.
“This has been such a special thing for Bucyrus,” he said. “It’s just a tradition for Bucyrus and it’s just a wonderful thing to have here.”
As always, those interested are welcome to visit the shop, but prearrangements for visits are necessary. For more information, call (419) 562-6891.