Yesterday we went to the Woodcraft store in Parkersburg, WV.  The associate, Shawn, was so helpful in his suggestions and time.  We settled in on General Finishes Water Based Dye Stain in light brown.  For the finish, we bought Tried & True Original Wood Finish.  The combination of polymerized linseed oil and beeswax appealed to our thoughts of a natural type finish.  Shawn spoke of the high tactile sense of this type of finish.  Finally, we purchased bowling alley wax for the final touch.  It is a paste wax with imported carnauba.  Oh the choices!  We hope we have made good decisions.

Today, we have been on a quest for wood screws for some missing blocks under the chairs.  We want the furniture to remain as authentic as possible so are trying to find exact replacement screws.  We had no luck in town.  We will still try to check at Lowe's or order over the internet.