High School Kids Build Beautiful Furniture
Oct 27, 2015
John Gable built this bookcase from African ribbon mahogany in 2012.
Since the 1980s, Springfield (Pa.) high-school shop teacher George Trout has been promoting woodshop as a way of teaching creative thinking, problem-solving, and pride in one’s work. And the results have been extraordinary. The 140 students in the Industrial Materials program build their custom pieces from the ground up, selecting rough lumber and designing and crafting each piece during a single school year. “I am fortunate to have had constant support from all the school boards and administrations in my 30 years of teaching at Springfield High School,” Trout says.
You can see much more of the students’ work at the school’s website.
The indefatigable Trout has promoted his students in national magazines and television shows, securing donations and support from near and far to keep his program going. He would like to thank the following:
–Delaware County Supply Company in Boothwyn, PA, where they obtain all of their wood. “They treat us like gold,” Trout says. “They are extremely patient and kind and generous with every student.”
–Horton Brasses, of Cromwell, CT, who supplies free hardware to all of Trout’s students who request it. “Thank you to Orion Henderson, and the entire staff of Horton Brasses, who have graciously donated thousands of dollars to my students annually for the past 10 years,” Trout says.
–Former student Michael D’Orazio, now a professional luthier, who assists with electric, acoustic guitars, and ukuleles.
–John Brodsky, harpsichord maker, who assists with the design and functionality of all harpsichords.
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John Gable built this bookcase from African ribbon mahogany in 2012.
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Karlene Raines built this dresser from African ribbon mahogany in 2013.
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The keyboard on the concelaed harpsichord (yes, that's right) is padauk.
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Marie Breingan made these tiger maple spice cabinets with lacewood drawers.
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Kain Gerena made this harpshichord from cherry.
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John Gable made this Queen Anne bench from walnut.
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Emily Feehery made this platform rocker with upholstery.
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Kayla Howard made this tree bed from African mahogany in 2011.
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Brett Hodinka made this pair of circular desk/tables with folding tops in 2009.
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Will O'Ranger built this cabinet in 2013 to hold his collection of guitars.
Comments
In answer to your general question, "Are you a better woodworker than a 12-grader?", I would have to answer "No" -- certainly not the 12-graders whose work is shown here.
I offer my respects and appreciation for the work of a skilled and dedicated teacher, Mr. Trout, and to all of the students who so obviously thrive in his classes.
Though I eventually became a university professor, I was a lackluster high school student. My shop teachers and the courses they offered were among the things that kept me engaged in (and even attending) high school. And it was my shop teacher who urged me to attend college and arranged my college visits -- I was the first in my family to attend college, so we had little knowledge of where to begin and the Assistant Principal and Counselor suggested I should go into landscaping and learn how to use a shovel -- which I already knew how to do as an experienced construction worker and carpenter.
In other words, I have special feelings for great shop teachers like Mr. Trout, as I am sure many of his students already do and as many more of his student will in the years to come. Learning that you can make something well if you pay attention to details, learn the skills required and have high expectations are important life lessons. Great teachers like Mr. Trout offer students the opportunity to learn these and other valuable lessons, and I certainly hope local school official;s support his program wholeheartedly.
Bravo to all.
This post made my day!
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