I have seen a check written by grandfather, Barl Barer (his grandson named for him spells it Burl) dated 1917 I have been told that this is when he came to Walla Walla.

In what is now the Ukraine B. Barer was a cooper. He repaired wooden drums.

He often told me stories to illustrate a point. This one involves himself and another apprentice cooper. He discovered that the other apprentice was earning much more than he did. He approached the boss and demanded to know why.

Just then there was a noise outside in the village square. The master said,

"Run out and see what is happening." He came back with the report that three wagons had pulled up to the tavern.

The master then sent the high paid apprentice out. He returned with the report that the wagons had come from some distance to drop off cucumbers at a local pickle factory. They would be picking up a load of pickles but several of there wooden drums were dammaged. The head drover's name was Ivan. If the boss could get over to the tavern right away, he would get the repair job.

He turned to Grandfather and asked, "Do you see why I pay this boy more?"