I can’t tell you how many basements I’ve visited since I started to do these Last Word stories. Usually, it’s to see a model railroad display. I’ve seen other people use their basements to display some wonderful artwork they have done. I enjoyed those stories. That’s why I’m visiting another basement today. It’s Chris Trott’s basement
on Erie’s east side.
Chris invited me to his basement to see some beautiful artwork he’s made over the past 40 years. I’m looking at some great examples of Chris’ creativity using metal and wood. He shows me the most elaborate piece. It’s a millhouse made of metal. It has a moving water wheel and a working smokestack. The detail on the building is magnificent. The wooden base is hand-carved and includes tiny stones made out of melted steel and brass. It took 50 hours to complete. It’s a thing of beauty!!!…