Woodworking in the 18th and early 19th centuries
Come learn about the many specialties that made up the woodworking trades in the days before power tools. How did a person get involved and how did he learn the art and mysteries of the woodworking trade? What was life like for an apprentice, journeyman or master Woodworker? What tools were commonly used? How were those tools obtained and how were they prepared for work. Where did the lumber come from and how was it prepared before it was transformed into the end product. You will also have the opportunity see and handle some examples of actual and reproduction hand tools from this early period.
About Your Speaker, Jim Bertholet
Jim Bertholet is a Vietnam veteran who retired here in southern Delaware in 2010 after a 40-year career in sales and sales management. He grew up on the Jersey shore where he developed a lifelong interest in early US history, particularly maritime history and the US Life Saving Service. After serving in the Army, he became interested in woodworking specializing in early American furniture and has been building pieces ever since. Soon after moving to Delaware, he became a member of the Lewes Historical Society where he has volunteered as a museum docent at the US lifesaving station, maritime tour guide, children’s tour guide, guest speaker and member of the wooden boat crew.