Successful Swaps

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I'm convinced that a good deal more conscientious city folks could easily work out a comparable arrangement in their places of residence (perhaps in exchange for similar types of building maintenance). And if only they would... we might wind up making the city a greener, more pleasant place for all us townsfolk to live in!

Helen Groll Brooklyn, N.Y.

Bartering between young and old can be the road to a genuinely symbiotic relationship.

I have a swapping arrangement, for example, with an elderly lady who has a wealth of homesteading experience but is unable to drive. For a trip to the market once a week, she gives me free lessons In a variety of basic skills. Knitting, crocheting, sewing, and soapmaking are among the crafts I've learned so far ... and when I acquire my first cow and chickens, I'll know just where to turn for advice on their care and feeding.

My elderly friend and I enjoy our barter setup, because we both feel we're being helpful. If you'd like a swapping partner, there are lots of senior citizens out there, each with a separate storehouse of knowledge. Make the most of this treasure of information. Don't pass it by! Got In touch with your local senior citizens' group ... and exchange the voice of experience for whatever its holder may need!

Linda Wood Howell, Mich.

Barter Is one of my true loves ... so when the local thrift store closed up, I decided to create a community swap center.

First, I acquired a large plywood crate and painted the words "Free Box" on all sides. Then I contributed some of my unneeded clothing to the container and with the permission of the ownerplaced the carton behind our local natural food store.

Next, I spread the word of potential swaps and-before I knew It-the box was full ... overflowing with an interesting assortment of near-perfect clothes, toys, and appliances, all free for the taking! (Since the center made its debut In May, It attracted many a spring cleaner... though folks often went home with as much as or more than they brought!)

Our swap box Is still all abuzz with the trading of unwanted/unused goods for exciting "new" ones ... and not a penny is exchanged. Moreover, the center requires a minimum of maintenance. A weekly check to cull the "unwanted unwanteds" for contribution to the thrift shop of a neighboring town is all it takes.

The free box has been an all-out success in our community. Is your town In need of a new means of trade? Then get yourselves a swap box!

Ellen Gray Bishop, Calif.

I was raised in the Missouri Ozarks and learned the art of barter at an early age ... and even today, I still scratch my training Itch.

For several years now, for example, neighbors have prepared my spring garden for planting In return for a helping hand In the hayfield when needed. I also help my father-in-law in his shop, frequently, in trade for his vast mechanical experience and know-how. And recently, I bartered a single-shot .22 and an old carpet (which I'd intended to use for mulch on the garden) In exchange for the body-and some odd parts-of a 1928 Model A sedan. This, in turn, I swapped for a solid antique dresser with mirror, that my wife and I refinished (it's now a beautiful addition to our home, and worth many times what we originally swapped for it).

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