Louis Allen, the owner of The Carpenter's Shop in Rockaway Beach, was one of five children growing up.  Louis is very skilled when it comes to working with wood.  He does things with wood that I have not seen to many people be able to do.  Louis started learning the skill of carpentry at a very young age.  Louis's father was a blind carpenter and busy builder.  On September 2nd, 1964, Springfield Mo Daily News published a story on Louis's father.  In  1953 Louis's father lost his eye sight.  This did not stop him from accomplishing many things.  He built his own tractor, compost grinder, chicken house, and built on to his house.       The article says, "Allen has recently been making a garden tractor.  The vegetables raised by the Allen's on their hillside are important to the family.  The tractor is not quite finished, but enough so that son Thurman, 13, can ride it around through the yard.         Allen is proud of the way he assembled the tractor.  The front axle is made out of an old Tiger wheat drill.  The clutch is from an old McCormick-Deering harrow.  The steering wheel is from a Chevrolet and other parts from miscellaneous sources.  The seat is made out of the end of a kitchen cabinet 100 years old.  It has reverse and it's cranked with a rope.  The engine is 5 3/4 horsepower."       Louis has definitely inherited his father's ability to make things happen.  Louis prides himself in making low cost items that get the job done.  A visit to The Carpenter's Shop and you will quickly see that Louis is a jack of all trades when it comes to wood working.  A recent visit to The Carpenter's Shop located on 176 highway next to the restaurant and opened my eyes to the talent of Louis Allen.  He was working on a building, a table, and toys for the rendezvous.       Louis's passion for the Springfield wagon company led him to build many wagons and you can see the display of miniature wagons he has built.  Louis has a desire to develop a wood project that would bring industry to Rockaway Beach out his shop.  Louis is also an excellent set builder.  Louis will be displaying one of his sets this year at the Community Easter Sunrise Service.  Need something that needs to be done in wood working then contact Louis Allen with The Carpenter's Shop in Rockaway Beach.       If you're in Rockaway Beach, then this place is worth the stop.  It is always a joy to visit with Louis and see what is going on in the shop.