I think Bob hit the nail on the head:  The Depression had a great affect on many of us.
 
I am a product of Depression-era farmers (both mother's and father's sides) and doubly cursed as being raised in Minnesota (seems to really heighten a farmer's frugality).  My mother was the epitome of the cheap-skate who had a box labeled, "String too short for anything else."  I never willing throw anything away. 
 
I have given up selling any of my used equipment.  When the locals want to "get into bees," or when they find a swarm, they call me up and want used equipment cheap, cheap, cheap.  But what they really want is like-new boxes, frames with foundation, all for pennies on the dollar.  So I give them some very usable boxes, then receive the harangue that my equipment is "too rough."
 
I can make some of the rottenest boxes work just fine.  And I probably paid too much for some old guys boxes.  I keep thinking one of these days I'll have the time to fix them up.   Maybe I made his day as he cashed my check.
 
Grant
Jackson, MO


      

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