Benson, Arizona 1952-1955? Vern Parker, 1963   At some point between Santa Ynez and Benson, Vern began to publish his artwork on postcards, primarily through Petley Studios, Phoenix, Arizona. It is with Petley that the postcards prospered, and the ones found today are mostly from Petley. In Benson, postcards were published through Vern Parker Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned company for a short time. However, this proved unproductive. In Benson, Vern met and married his wife, Eloise. He then became father to his step-son, Alan, who continues to carry on the legacy of western art through the media of blown glass.   Benson, Arizona, March, 1955. Vern, Eloise and Alan Parker. Also, Phoebe Parker Dowling, children, John and Gladys. Name of dog, unknown.  News article published shortly following Parker's arrival in Benson. THE SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS “The Voice of the San Pedro Valley” Benson, Cochise County, Arizona Friday, December 1, 1950 Local Craftsman Creates Distinctive Sign for News             The San Pedro Valley News last week hung out a new and distinctive shingle.              Done in an original Mexican setting, the 16 by 4 foot stained sign was created by Vern Parker of Benson.  It bids all who pass: “The San Pedro Valley News  .., The Voice of the San Pedro Valley .. Benson, Cochise County, Arizona.  Arizona Veteran News.”             Parker, who only recently arrived in Benson from Santa Barbara, Calif., worked with only a handful of simple tools in fashioning the sign.  He carves from pencil and water color sketches of animals and western scenes taken from life.             His art is found at many cattle and horse ranches all over the country, and he said he believed he was the only craftsman in the nation who does not used power-driven tools.  Parker has never solicited work.  Prominent ranchers have sought him out, however, and requested that he create distinctive signs for their ranches.             Lowell Thomas, noted radio commentator, and Red Foley of “Grand Old Opry” fame also are owners of articles fashioned by the craftsman.  Another of his sculptured designs was on display by the Department of Interior at Washington for a time.  It was carved entirely from red wood and depicted a stage coach and horses passing through the hollowed-out redwood in the Mariposa Grove of big trees in California.             He also has worked extensively in other mediums, including oils.  His murals are on the walls of two grade school buildings in Tampa, Fla.  They cover approximately 30,000 square feet.             Parker, son of a wagonmaker, has spent nearly an entire lifetime on his craft.  He studied handcarving of wood under able teachers and now devotes from six to eight hours a day on the job. In April, 2004, I received a most welcome eMail message for Illinois.  It was Madeline Vineyard, the niece of Eloise, Vern's wife.  Her father, Bill Shelton, and the Parkers had stayed in touch through the years, and Vern had periodically sent him sketches, oils, watercolors, photos, clippings, postcards and letters.  When Madeline's mother was moved from her home, and they were clearing out the house, they found a cache of Vern Parker art stashed under the bed in a wooden box.  Adding to the history and filling in the gaps, there are more photos to share on Vern's life.  Madeline's husband, David, has a website showing the art and material that they found.   To see it, go to:  Forgotten Art.  I'm sure they would welcome comments and feedback.                                           Snapshots of the Vern Parker Family                                                     Vern with a sign he painted in Benson.            Eloise and Vern, at their home-studio, Benson                                                                                  Alan, Vern & Eloise at Madeline's home.     Madeline, age 4, in front of Vern's car.                                                             Notice the rearing horses on the hood ornament.        Life-sized Indian Family carved by Vern Parker.  It was on display at the studio in Benson.                                   For more on Alan Parker, click here: Hitchin Post About Benson, Arizona    Go to the Next Page Return to Previous Page Return to Top of Page Return Home "Hast thou given the horse his might? Hast thou clothed his neck with the quivering mane?" Job 39:19 ASV