A Penticton family has been reunited with a sentimental antique table built by a relative 85 years ago, thanks to the kindness of a stranger.
The table was built on June 25, 1932, by Magnus Johnson, who emigrated from Iceland to Saskatchewan when he was just a boy and learned the art of craftsmanship after becoming deaf.
More than eight decades later the little brown table wound up in the hands of Adrienne Ollenberger.
Ollenberger was given the table when she lived in Cranbrook,BC afew years ago before moving to Alberta.
She was struck by the markings– Johnson’s name, his hometown, and the date—so she decided the sentimental item should be returned.
She took to Facebook and posted a plea for any information about Johnson’s family. It was shared hundreds of times.
She connected with Johnson’s granddaughter Tovie Green, who lives in Penticton, and they hatched a plan to give it to Green’s father, Bill Johnson.
“It’s such a great story that this little table has resurfaced for my dad who is 90 and lives here,” Green said.
Ollenberger stuffed the little table in her suitcase and flew to Penticton from Alberta to return the table to Green’s father in person.
“Getting a piece for my grandfather’s crafted work, to be able to feel that through the soul, I just think it’s going to mean a lot to him,” Green said.
On Saturday Ollenberger and Green met in person for the first time.
They hopped in the car and drove to the independent care facility where Bill Johnson lives to surprise him.
“That’s your dad’s table!” Green said while opening the door.
A little brown table, built during the 1930s, is now back in the hands of the family of the man who built it.
“So, dad, you would have been five years old when your dad made that,” Green said.
“Oh yeah, I guess I was off diapers!” Johnson quipped.
For Green, the table is much more than just a piece of wood.
“There is a lot of emotion in this little piece,” she said.
The reunion was an emotional moment, not only for the Penticton family but for the stranger who made it happen.
“I think, it just warms my heart,” Ollenberger said through tears.