Treasures from Millersburg

These T-handle augers weren’t the only treasures I found in Millersburg, Ohio last weekend at the Early American Artisans Fair.  I included some links in a previous post.  The Artisans’ Guild has some exciting plans, so its well worth a look.

The Augers were at Dan Raber’s Colonial Homestead store, beside more old planes, gouges, anvils, and antique tools of all sorts than I’ve ever seen in one place.  Some new ones too.

But — and I’m not being sentimental when I say this — the real treasures were the folks I met and the stories they shared.  Collectively, they were reminders of how the creative process and working with our hands has profound meaning.  It was evident in the eyes of folks talking with me about their experiences and plans.  I could see it in the fascinated faces of kids picking up freshly cut wood chips from the floor to rub between their fingers.

Some people shared inspiring things they had made or had found.  For example, David and Michele brought along this sweet little dipper/spoon.  David provided some more detailed shots here.

At the risk of leaving out a bunch of other fascinating people, I have to mention Bryan Koppert.  Talking with Bryan brought back many great memories of my days in high school wood shop with Mr. Bill McInturf, a caring man and an inspiring craftsman.  Bryan has his students at Triway High School in Wooster, OH working with their hands, solving problems, and building beautiful pieces.  You can see the pride in their faces in this article.  Guys like Bryan should be treasured even more than a good T-handle auger.  Long live shop class!

One of Bryan Koppert’s students, Bevin, with his quarter sawn oak hutch.  Photo by Bryan Koppert.