I hate to be picky when asking for a favor, but could you do the pic at about the same of day as the others?Scott, I've been near, but haven't taken pics. I'll try to do so next time.
I've got two unused broom handles in storage, I think I might just attach them to each other and use that. That should work ok, there won't be much stress on the middle part of it.

On the two broom handles joined in the middle, use a good overlay or you will be making a long hinge.
Thanks Much
Scott