The Story
Allard & Joyce Moorhouse started ASM Cutters & Things in 1993. Joyce was hosting a cookie cutter meeting and wanted a "Wing Cookie Cutter" for Red Wing. A letter came back from an Ohio tinsmith saying he was too busy to make 36 wing cutters. Al was in his workshop doing wood working when Joyce ran out and said "Remember when you said you thought you could make cookie cutters? Well, now's your chance smart guy!" Al dropped everything, bought stainless steel strips, a soldering iron, and an engraver to sign the cutters with his initials, ASM. From there the business was born. Fast forward 32 years, Al has passed, we miss him dearly, the torch has been relit and passed to their grandson, Ethan.
The Legacy
Allard Sheldon Moorhouse, the legend himself. Al was a Tinsmith, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, a Great Grandfater, a United States Marine. He was the hardest working, toughest man anyone could ever meet, but at the same time he had a warm and kind heart. Al was a man of many talents and few words, though when his words were spoken you made sure to listen. Al passed away 10/21/23 but the memory and legacy he and Joyce created will live on. Hero's get remembered, but legends never die.
Dreams for the Future
Seeing his empty chair hurt me deep. I spent many hours as a kid sitting next to him in that chair, cracking peanuts and drinking Squirt soda. Using the scrap pile to make my own cutters. Listening to AM radio. Learning how to be a man. Learning patience. Learning respect. Walking the woods. Picking raspberries, my bucket was always empty. Riding on the tractor fender with a load of wood. When we were together words didn’t need to be spoken, I’d look in his eyes and knew he understood me and I understood him. I think he enjoyed the silence. I am grateful for the memories and times we had together. He’s the reason I joined the Marine Corps. I someday hope to have earned this life as he did, working hard and carrying the world on his shoulders. I can only dream of being half the man my grandfather was. It is time for me to carry on the legacy of ASM.
- Ethan Moorhouse
