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Nakashima: The Early Years

Homeless Woodcarver with a Fondness for Presidents

Tom McKenna, senior editor

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Police in Rockford, IL, are trying to ID the body of the man they think did these carvings. Done in landscape timbers, the faces resemble past presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Abe Lincoln.

Courtesy Rockland Register Star

Courtesy Rockland Register Star

Police in Rockford, IL, are trying to ID the body of the man they think did these carvings. Done in landscape timbers, the faces resemble past presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Abe Lincoln.

Photo: Courtesy Rockland Register Star

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This story, from the Rockland Register Star, came across my internet news feed. It's a bit gruesome but fascinating, if you're a woodworking crime buff who scans the police blotter daily (it comes from my roots working at a newspaper). The police found a body near a homeless camp, without any identification. No foul play is suspected, but they are trying to find out who the man was. The major clue is a collection of woodcarvings of various presidents, done on landscape timbers.

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Comments (3)

jdonnie59 writes: It is sad,He was a good carver.I would have liked to have some of his work. Posted: 3:22 pm on October 7th

GEide writes: I second what sparky said... Posted: 4:20 pm on October 6th

sparky51 writes: What a sad but fascinating story. Posted: 11:42 am on October 6th

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