Wow.
WOW! Didn’t even begin to describe his talent. He also collected tin cans—his mom had been dead many years and he and his dad ate everything out of cans. Clois would take each can and shine it, then attach it to a string/can art in the backyard. He would go out and shine the cans daily—and it got to be hundreds, maybe thousands of cans. When the sun was bright, the sculpture would just glow and could be seen a long way off.
They also had lightning stike one day. Hit the large front window in the house. Shattered it—big time. Clois put the pieces back together like a big puzzle and had each sliver taped into place. It was truly amazing! I cannot imagine the hours that he spent on it. Was perfect when he was finished.
I don’t know if Clois had autism, but I’m guessing that he did. No one could really get near him to touch him. He shied away from everyone. This was back in the 50-60’s, so I don’t even know if autism was discussed at that time.
If he lived today, it would be interesting to see how that talent could have been channeled.