Article: Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio, Kim Hone-McMahan column.(Column)

Byline: Kim Hone-McMahan

Aug. 12--The handmade game boards spread about Robert Merchant's home are a tease. They beckon to be handled. But it's not polite to touch.

"No, go ahead play, play!" encourages Merchant, pushing a lever that catapults a marble into motion.

The 80-year-old began making themed checker and chess boards about seven years ago. Then in 2004, his creative juices led him to baseball game boards that incorporate everything from spinning wheels to pinball shots.

In the basement of his Akron home is a long table set up with paints and other materials. That's where the grandfather of three does the detail work for his ...

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