Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 12, 2006 02:40am | #1

   The Hay Shop at Colonial Williamsburg is an absolute must.  The Master, Mack Headly, is perhaps the finest maker of reproduction furniture in the country--and faces the handicap of being an educator at the same time.  (I would not count it a handicap that NO power tools what-so-ever are used not even electric lights. (the shop is heated and cooled and humidity controlled because there are often actual museum pieces from the Colonial Williamsburg collections there to be reproduced.)  The Journeymen in the shop--one group of whom makes harpsicords, and others furniture, are also highly skilled craftsment.  

   These are not the only fine craftsmen working wood at Colonial Williamsburg.  There are coachmakers at work, coopers,  and gunsmiths who all work with wood.  The blacksmiths make tools for working wood, some of which are available for purchase.  There are carpenters at work, though a bit more parapatetic in location around various sites at Colonial Williamsburg.  (Roy Underhill was once one of these--Master Carpenter I believe.) 

   There are some working craftsmen in the area, but I can't identify them personally.  You might ask this question over at SMC since the organizer lives in the Williamsburg area.  I am not familiar with furniture manufacturing in the area. 

   Also don't forget the museum.  They have a wonderful collection, though I think there is a good chance that it may be closed for renovation during May.  If it is open don't be fooled by the unprepossessing exterior.  Most the museum is underground. 

   As you might have gathered Colonial Williamsburg is one of my very favorite places.  (And its not all about antiques and old buildings--its mostly an educational institution.)

1. 
   stevo_wis | Apr 12, 2006 06:09pm | #4

   Would second all of the above. Karry, Mack, and the others at the Hay shop are very helpful and highly skilled. We were there for the fww conference a couple of months back and spent 2 hours talking to the instrument maker (sorry, forgot his name). We also had a very nice time at the blacksmith shop a couple of blocks back.Good luck. Stevo

2. 
   danmart | Jan 02, 2008 12:52am | #7

   Steve

   I'm headed back to CW for the FWW/CW conference on tools in January. Its a good time. Maybe you're going??

   Dan

2. 
   BruceS | Apr 12, 2006 05:10am | #2

   Aboulutely visit the cabinet shop,  I would even wear the nickers if I could work in there for a week.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S.  Counter Sales, Tech Rep.  http://WWW.EAGLEAMERICA.COM

    

    

3. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Apr 12, 2006 09:12am | #3

   Enjoy it, I would sweep the floor and be the "shop rat" pushing the big wheel  for the belt driven lathe in a second, just to watch them work. Please let us know what you see. Pat

4. 
   TomHigby | Apr 14, 2006 01:29am | #5

   Enjoy it and then make a contribution.  It will be tax deductible, and will bring you a fine magazine.

   Tom

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 14, 2006 06:51am | #6

   And a quiet place to sit down for contributors at the Tucker House.  Colonial Williamsburg treats donors pretty royally as the level of giving increases. 

   More importantly, it is a very worthwhile institution, not just a tourist attraction, but a substantial educational program preparing materials and video for classrooms around the country, and training programs for school teachers.  It conducts significant research in fields of historical archeology and museum conservaton.  It views knowlege of our history as a important tool for creating an informed citizenry. So do I.    

   I think it could also contribute to knowledge about employee training.  I know it has been tough on employees with decreases in travel after 9/11, but I have never run across a case of "attitute".  

   You can get a broader flavor at http://www.history.org. 

   Did I say I like the place?