Clemmons man makes specialty walking sticks
CLEMMONS, N.C. (WGHP) — For over 85 years, Travis Hanes has loved working with wood.
'I'm a whittler,' Hanes said. 'I have a lot of fun with it.'
Over the years he's whittled thousands of walking sticks, most from maple trees on his family's farm.
'All these sticks have a personality,' he said.
Hanes not only makes them but uses them as well to get out and visit people, especially the kitchen that his late wife made famous.
Hanes and his wife, Evva of 71 years, built Mrs. Hanes's Handmade Moravian Cookies, which has become a worldwide favorite.
'My favorite is the lemon cookies,' he said.
Evva passed away in 2023, but her family, who has been a big part of the business, continues her legacy.
Often, you'll find Hanes, with his walking stick in hand, greeting workers and customers and sharing the sweet story of love, family, cookies and a lifetime of giving.
He gives most of his walking sticks away to veterans and first responders.
'Every one of these sticks represents a very joyful time in my life,' he said. 'And all I'm doing is spreading joy.'
You can purchase his sticks at Mrs. Hanes' Moravian Cookies on Friedberg Church Road.
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