Joining the Joiners

I have lived in Williamsburg for almost three years now and sometime take it for granted that I live so close to one of the largest living history museums in the country. It has been such a main part of my life here, both academically and socially. I have taken classes that focus on how Colonial Williamsburg is structured and how they present history to the public. The main street Duke of Gloucester Street (colloquially known as DOG Street) has also been part of my running route for years. The houses, animals, tourists, and even the horse droppings are simply a normal part of living in this town.

Because of my familiarity with it, I sometimes forget how special Colonial Williamsburg is.   So, I figured that I should share some of the things that make Colonial Williamsburg so special with you by devoting the next few postings to some of the different aspects of this unique museum.  From the historic trades, to the house tours, to the street theater, Colonial Williamsburg has so much to offer visitors and resident history nerds. 

So for the first stop, we're are going to the Joiners. Everyone associates carpenters with the woodworking trade, but don't always know about the joiners. The joiners did the finish work on buildings, from doors and windows to mantels and cabinets. It was up to them to complete the building.

And before you ask, no, the men in the joiner's shop are not actors, they are actual joiners. They have gone through their apprentice ships and are actual craftsmen. One thing that makes Colonial Williamsburg so unique is the historic trades program, which helps keep 18th century trades alive today. The joiners produce actual windows, doors, and other products for buildings in town, as well as other 18th century buildings around the country. 

Mr. Salisbury working on a panel in the front room of the shop.

A table that will make its way soon to the Wythe house kitchen.

Mr. Boscana working making a piece of wood a bit smaller.

And explaining what he is doing to the group of visitors in the shop. 

I was happy to find the joiners working in the shop the day I visited, because they have recently been doing a lot of finish work for the new Tin Shop at the Armory site. I can't wait to see what their work will look like when that building is finally opened. 

Of course, they create a lot of wood shaving!

And as always, something always pulls you back to the present. This time it was the car driving by as we left the shop. Other days it can be Hawaiian Santa biking down DOG Street. Maybe he'll make an appearance in one of the other posts.