This is, but one, of many handcrafted birdhouses constructed from wood and materials reclaimed from the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, Tornado we have listed for sale on eBay. Please continue reading about this specific hand built birdhouse below.
The Joplin Wood Tornado Story In the late afternoon of May 22, 2011, a catastrophic EF5-rated, multiple vortex, Tornado struck the city of Joplin, in the southwest corner of Missouri. Part of a larger, late-May tornado outbreak in the region, the May 22 tornado reached a maximum width of nearly 1 mile as it cut a path through the southern part of the city. It rapidly intensified and tracked eastward across the city and then continued eastward across Interstate 44 into rural portions of Jasper and Newton Counties. Ranked as the costliest single tornado to ever hit the United States, it left a path of death, injury and destruction which was difficult to fathom. In assessing the damage in the aftermath, several meteorological experts estimated that only winds of 200 mph, or higher, could cause the type of damage done to brick, block, reinforced concrete and steel structures throughout Joplin. More than 17,000 insurance claims were filed in the weeks, months and years following the tornado. Approximately 2,000 buildings and nearly 7,000 homes were destroyed. An overall estimate of $2.8 billion of damage was inflicted. The emergency response was swift in Joplin as the Missouri National Guard was mobilized, and emergency “strike teams” were coordinated between Missouri State Police and Joplin Police and Fire Departments. Another 75 Marines from Fort Leonard Wood arrived only two days after the tornado. Further, a new type of response was named in the wake of the Tornado. “Social Media Emergency Management” was an outgrowth of the disaster when news outlets aggregating images and videos of the devastation and interviews with eyewitnesses were shared throughout social media. Public citizen-led Facebook groups and web sites, such as “Joplin Tornado Info” were so effective in coordinating information, needs and offers, the project became finalist in the 2011 Mashable Awards for Best Social Good Cause Campaign! Needless to say, the destruction caused by the tornado left a mountain of debris in its wake. And out of that mountain of debris grew another movement of sorts. Artisans and craftspeople from around the region began sifting, sorting and dividing up the tons and tons of “reusable and recyclable” material left in the wake of the storm. That material gave birth to a large variety of “repurposed” products and merchandise, many beautifully hand crafted items that began showing up in area art festivals, farmer’s markets and regional craft fairs. White Mountain Trading Company was fortunate to strike up a partnership with one such group of Artisans and bring a limited number of these hand crafted items to Etsy. Painstakingly created from recyclable woods, metals, furniture, buildings, barns, houses and businesses severely damaged in the tornado, we are offering a variety of collectible boxes and birdhouses constructed from “re-purposed” materials and available here on Etsy only while the supply of these items lasts. So, stop and stay awhile, and browse our selection of items that incorporate items like clock parts, springs, old coins, old growth barn wood, shotgun shells, solid wood door parts, floor planks, barn roof pieces, drawer pulls and handles, door hinges, heartwood pine pieces, “square” nails, door latches/locks, and various and sundry other “recycled” parts. DISCLAIMER: Some assemble incorporate NEW hardware like nails, screws and wire, where necessary. ABOUT THIS BIRDHOUSE: Made from recycled “heartwood” pine, knotty, pine and pine siding recovered from the debris of the 2011, EF5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, this very heavy, Bluebird “Kassel Keep” Birdhouse has a single front opening, antique “square nail” perch, an antique keyhole plate, and decorative wood chair trim adornments on the front panel. Antique (painted) heartwood pine makes up the side panel and base. Re-purposed old growth knotty pine (painted) makes up the front panel and varnished knotty pine makes up the back panel. The recycled, painted pine siding roof panels finish off this beautiful piece in three different roof elevations. The name of this piece comes from the city of Kassel in Germany, where the craftsman of this elegant birdhouse once lived and taught. He wanted to craft an item that reminded him of the elegant, old Gothic structures that populated parts of Germany. This is a very solidly assembled item (and extremely rustic looking) with new hardware fasteners to ensure a durable home for birds should you choose to use it as more than a decorative art collectible. However, please remember that the panels, roof and base are vintage hardwoods recovered from the debris of the 2011 Joplin tornado and one very old building. One might be better off displaying this item in a more protected location, or, perhaps, even simply displayed indoors. Approximate dimensions are: 21” tall x 11” wide x 6” deep Item weight is: 12 pounds Shipping weight: 14 pound rate with appropriate packing material Key Features: • Antique pine siding (painted) roof • Reclaimed pine side panels and base • Recycled knotty pine (painted) front panel and varnished knotty pine back panel • Terrific rustic look and design • (1) 1.5 inch routed openings • Hand assembled with new fasteners • Antique metal keyhole plated above opening • (2) decorative wood chair applicques • (1) “split” chair rail decoration • Antique “square nail” perch on front of birdhouse TERMS:
Please add $22.50 to the purchase price of this item (it is a heavy item weighing in at 14 pounds when ready to ship) to cover the cost of shipping and insurance to your U.S. address via
USPS Priority Mail, FedEx Standard Ground Delivery, or UPS Standard Ground
Delivery, using the SELLER’S CHOICE OF SHIPPING OPTIONS.
International shipments will be fulfilled by eBay’s Global
Shipping Service for an additional fee. eBay automatically adds those fees to your purchase based on
your international address.
We offer a 30 day return guarantee on these items. (Items must be returned in ORIGINAL, unused
condition at buyer’s expense. Please see our return policy for
further details.)
Shipment will expedite same day, if possible, or, next day
after receipt of payment by Paypal, (balance transfer, credit card
or electronic check payment), Visa, American Express, or MasterCard or Discover Card ONLY .
Transaction must settle within three (3) days of the listing
end or the transaction will be terminated .
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