Eldridges Making a Difference in Fairview

Paul and Joan Eldridge of Fairview will never be "old". They have a great sense of humor, a willingness to work hard, a never ending curiosity and a generous spirit.

Paul is the driving force behind the Lighting of the Bridge and Fireworks which took place last Saturday at the Fairview Bridge. A chance conversation a few years ago at a Chamber of Commerce meeting got the wheels turning and Paul started creating huge lighted ornaments to place on the bridge. So far, he has made a giant star, snowflake, church, horse and sleigh, Christmas packages and a wreath. The Chamber added fireworks and the event was an instant success. The lighted ornaments now decorate Sundheim Park beginning at 5 p.m., with the fireworks starting at 7p.m.

"It's a nice holiday kickoff," Paul said. He noted that the community has been great about lending generators, making donations toward the fireworks, and helping with the extensive set up and tear down. "And our professional fireworks man, Craig Paulson does an awesome job," he added.

Paul and Joan are also the organizers of the Annual Craft Show and Bazaar which also took place last Saturday at the Fairview School. Through their hard work, the show has grown into one of the best in the MonDak region, featuring a wide variety of craft items and baked goods from over 30 vendors.

In their younger years, both Eldridges had careers that required extensive travel and long hours. Paul was a state and federal meat inspector in a 5 state area, while Joan traveled from Watford City to Mohall with MDU. After 28 years on the job, Paul began farming and continued as meat inspector part time, traveling to Scobey 2 to 3 times a week. In 1987, Joan left MDU to take a part time position with WIC in Sidney. At the same time, Eldridges started an antique business and Joan did tole painting. They got out of the antique business a few years ago. And found other challenges.

With lots of hard work and a generous measure of talent the couple creates iron treasures that grace churches, businesses, homes and yards all over the United States and beyond.

On a trip to South Dakota in 1994, Joan saw a huge ranch sign and told Paul, "You're going to do that." At first he did not agree, but on the long trip home the couple discussed it and came up with a plan. "A month or two later, we had bought the equipment and started another business," Paul said. Joan draws the designs and Paul cuts and paints the iron. The brainstorming they do together. They don't always agree and laugh about how the male and female brains work differently. They often have the same idea in mind, but don't realize it until each one draws a picture of what they're thinking. "We giggle about it afterwards," Joan said. "It's a family deal," she added. "We bounce ideas off the kids and they help with the brainstorming."

Eldridges take their Iron Works to shows to sell. This year, they will do 8, down from a high of 13 a few years ago. Paul enjoys visiting with the vendors and the shoppers. "I like to learn from others," he said. Joan likes talking with the vendors and getting new ideas. "We've made awesome friends over the years, in North and South Dakota and Montana," she said. They prefer to do juried shows which require sending in a DVD of the production, and a photo of the product. "Just because you're accepted one year, does not mean you're accepted the next," Joan explained. "You have to apply each year." Shoppers vary from the winter and summer shows. Fall and winter shoppers are typically looking for gifts while summer shoppers tend to be buying for themselves.

Iron Works designs come in all sizes and shapes. Using recycled iron from Pacific Steel, Paul uses a plasma cutter operated by hand. "You're not going to find these designs downtown," he stated. The largest piece Eldridges have done is a 32' X 20' ranch sign. They just completed a 9' X 7' dragonfly for a lady from Minnesota, and designed a mosquito for a ranchette called Mosquito Bend. Unique grave markers dot cemeteries throughout the area, and the new sign at the Fairview Cemetery was completed by Eldridges. Signage and sculptures also grace the exteriors of several churches including Fairview Alliance, the Presbyterian Church and Zion Lutheran in Fairview. They have also been invited to set up at a stop on the Montana Angus Tours in years past.

Iron flowers, both large and small are a popular item, as well as oil field sculptures such as drilling rigs, work over rigs, and pump jacks. Joan also does intricate mosaic tile work that graces tables made by Paul. The street light signs in Fairview were also created by Eldridges. "And we've done the bridge many times," Paul said. "We try to come up with something new every year," Joan said. Custom orders are always welcome and shipping is available. "We've shipped items all over the country," Paul said.

Paul and Joan enjoy what they do, and enjoy giving back to the community. As for the Iron works, Joan said they will keep doing it as long as they feel like it. "Or until we come up with something new," she said, laughing.

See their unique art at St. Matthew's Craft Bazaar in Sidney Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, or call them at 701-744-5346.