In the late 1950's in Blaine, Washington, on Martin Street between Peace Portal Drive and 3rd Street, there was a shop where a man manufactured his own invention -- a periscope made out of wood, with a seat on the top end and a rubber tip on the bottom end. He had a patent on it. It was the perfect parade tool, because you could sit on this one-legged stool while watching a parade, and if the crowd gathered in front of you and got in your way, you could use the periscope to watch the parade over their heads.
His shop was a garage and on nice days he kept the big door open, so it was impossible for a curious kid to walk by without asking him all sorts of questions. I was amazed. He was making the periscopes both with the seat and without one, and somehow selling them. Of course I ran home and told my parents about this brilliant, industrious gentleman, and I ended up with his parade tool. Even though I never did have the opportunity to use it at a parade, I did have a blast using it at home in water wars with the neighbor kids and in games of hide-and-seek, etc. It was one of my prized possessions for many years, until finally it wasn't there. I don't remember, or never knew, what happened to it.
Anyway, although in respect for this now deceased man's patent, I don't recommend making these to sell, but see no problem in making one for your own use. You'll be the envy of all parade-goers.
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