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"Blue Bell Guys" Howard, Ed & E.F. Kruse at the creamery in Brenham

2007 was Blue Bell Creamery’s 100^th birthday.

E.F. Kruse and his two sons, Ed & Howard ran the company for the first 100 years. This sculpture tells the story of that era.

I could only use one snapshot of history to tell their story and must do it in bronze so I decided to show the tradition of handing down the leadership of business…..in this case father to sons.

Although this shows a snapshot of “one moment in time”, this “moment in time” took place over a period of years. You don’t turn over leadership of a company made up of people you love like family in a moment….it takes time and nurturing. I am sure there were many moments like this in one way or another between these three.

I will give you some clues so you can be sure there is more going on here than three guys standing around chewing the fat.

This clipboard is not just a clipboard; it represents the company of Blue Bell Creamery. In this case it represents not just any company; it represents a company of  people that E.F., ED & Howard know and love…..people who are like extended family. So it is fitting that this clipboard, now known as Blue Bell Creamery, be the center of this sculpture.

This company (clipboard) is held with passion. If you have a passion and love for

Blue Bell and its people as E.F. had, you don’t let it go easily. You care for it and you give it direction meticulously.

Ed (the oldest son in the center) by pointing to the company (clipboard) has reached a point where he is starting to give the company direction. Coming up with new ideas no doubt that EF will question and weight over.

Howard (the younger son on the left) is now involved but he is not just involved…..you can tell he is passionately involved by his left heel. It is raised to show he isn’t laying back but leaning forward wanting to help. He also has hold of the company (clipboard) giving his support and helping implement ideas.

But remember you don’t let go of something for which you have a passion and love easily. EF still has two hands on the company. Even though the boys are getting more involved he still is in control but if you notice he isn’t gripping it anymore just more of a balancing and supporting hold. You can also tell he is comfortable with the leadership of the sons because he doesn’t have both feet planted but has one foot up on a box showing he is beginning to relax when Ed and Howard are taking control.

Another way you can tell what is going on is by their clothes.

E.F. in his suit with vest is for sure the leader.

Ed without a jacket, just a shirt and tie indicating he is still under the watchful eye of his father…..not equal with him. The shirt and tie also show he is more involved in the administration of the business.

Howard’s work clothes indicate he is more involved in the operational part of the business. With pencil and pad in his left shirt pocket and both pockets unbuttoned showing ready for action, making notes, getting things done.

So here in a “moment in time” in bronze are some subtle clues that tell help tell the story of why Blue Bell has won top spot in the freezers of many homes. Not just because of that snoooooth, creamy texture and that delightful “Homemade Vanilla” with strawberries & shortcake on a hot summer evening. Also because there was a passion EF had; not only for the quality of the ice cream but also a passion and love for the wonderful people who work at Blue Bell and he managed to instill that passion in Ed and Howard who have passed it along also.

Thanks for letting me create this sculpture that will last for many, many years, telling a great story of wonderful people.

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