The chair making class, taught by Chris Schleier of the Colonial Chair Company, was a great success. The class was held the weekend of April 23–25 in the barn. Students learned how to build a Continuous Arm Windsor Chair using the same techniques employed over 250 years ago.
The history of chairmaking was discussed along with the benefits of green wood joinery. Students were taught how to use an adz, gouge, file and spokeshave to shape the seat and spindles. Chris also discussed steam bending. These chairs were literally built by eye and can easily be distinguished from the machine perfection of a factory reproduction. After completion of the chairs, finishing techniques were discussed.
Everything above and beyond the cost of materials for the class was donated directly to the park by Chris! It was a win/win for the students—who got to take home a handcrafted, heirloom piece of furniture that their grandchildren will fight over—and a big win for the park!
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