OldTools Archive

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179157 "rtnorn" <rtnorn@w...> 2008‑04‑18 Biography
Esteemed Galoots,

I have been living under the porch for more than three years where I have 
been listening and learning almost everyday since I discovered this list.  I 
can't tell you how much I have learned from the combined knowledge of this 
group, and I know that I am not in a league that would permit me to even 
polish your spittoon.  However, because I have learned so much, it seems 
only proper to crawl out for a moment and tell you that I've been 
eavesdropping for a long time.
It is my passion for history that brought me to woodworking about 40 years 
ago.  I live in central Pennsylvania (Northumberland County) where I teach 
History and Government in the local high school and am actively involved 
with the local historical society.  Early American technology has always 
been my real love, and for well over a quarter century I have tried to 
collect (if I may use that word here) and use the tools of numerous trades 
from the 18th and 19th century.  When I stumbled unto this group, I knew 
that I had found a good home.  I am particularly interested in - and 
demonstrate - 18th century pump making, rope making, fence making, and 
coopering.  I also belong to the Early American Industries Association and 
the MWTCA.
I found this group about the same time I started building a "new" shop and 
promised myself that when I finished my shop, I would crawl out from under 
the porch and let you know the influence you've had.  The shop is a timber 
frame (although most of the "bones" of the building have been covered), 18th 
century cooper's shop and it is now finished. All of the talk about 
sharpening, timber framing, techniques of using various tools, and other 
skills always seemed to be topics just when I needed them.  I teach a class 
in the summer on Early American technologies for our local community 
college, and I have to tell you, I have passed on many things I have learned 
from this list.  Many collectors feel that old tools should just hang on the 
wall or sit on a shelf.  I feel sorry that they never get to know the real 
joy of working with wood or metal or the connection they could have to the 
craftsmen who owned them before they were put into their care.  This group 
has given me the confidence to never be intimidated by working with an old 
tool.  Thanks for all of your knowledge and inspiration - and to the 
ListMoms for making it possible.
I am now going back under the porch, but I will come out now and then and 
try to give back some of what has been given to me.

Regards,
Rich Nornhold
 

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