More than 15 years ago, when Dan and Dona Benkert set up shop at a weekend craft show in Lockport, the Naperville couple figured it would be business as usual selling Dona’s homemade rag dolls.

Four years ago, I had never heard of a dulcimer, which is a musical instrument. Now, it seems like everyone plays it, including me. Just recently, I was in the library and ran into a co-worker.

TAHLEQUAH -- Every year in May, the folks in Coshocton, Ohio, hold their "Dulcimer Days" celebration, dedicated to the stringed instrument best known for its use in Appalachian folk music. Strangely ...