A miniature stone house by Helga
'Possum Huts
In addition to making cowches, Helga supports the animal sanctuary by building and selling 'possum huts made from wood and from stone. Helga's 'possum huts are custom-made hand-crafted miniature houses with meticulous interior decor. Helga's book, titled 'Possum Huts, was published in 1984 by Amaya Publishing Company. Read the preface to the book for the story of the 'possum huts. Also, read a book review published in the Smithsonian Magazine.
Back cover of 'Possum Huts
'Possum hut is Down Jersey slang for a small crudely built and furnished cabin. Simultaneous discoveries of T. S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, Dolly Freed's Possum Living, and finding a real opossum with her young in a box of clothes in the attic made this choice of names nearly spontaneous.
Helga does not buy anything to put into the huts; she makes everything herself, from the pottery and woven rugs right down to the little bedroom slippers and the stained-glass windows consisting of hundreds of diminutive pieces. Helga's 'possum huts have been exhibited in galleries in Ottawa, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey, and at numerous crafts shows. The prices for Helga's 'possum huts vary depending on the custom request. Usually, the prices range from $10,000 to $50,000 (the purchase of a 'possum hut is not a tax-deductible expense). Since each of Helga's creations is custom-designed (especially, the 'possum huts), it is best for you to call Helga at 856-455-6637 and describe your request to her. You may also send an e-mail to Helga at her e-mail address: helga@snip.net. Helga can also be reached by mail at: P. O. Box 227, Shiloh, NJ 08353, U.S.A.
Following is a gallery of a few images from her book, 'Possum Huts. Click on any image to view an enlarged version.
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