Had lunch with Norm Saturday!

Sounds like you had a great time. I would have loved to be able to be there.
I have been to Old Sturbridge Village several times, and that is a GREAT
place. There used to be a guy there named Cliff Myers that did the Oval
Boxes. He held a two day seminar down in Conn., which I attended.

I hope to get back up that way someday. Thanks for the interesting post.

John

"John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on
8/16/03
> > at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured
speaker...
> >
> > The day started off with Norm and OSV housewrights doing a compare and
> > contrast presentation. This event occurred at the site of a new small
> house
> > that OSV is building using 19th century technology. I got the last
> question
> > of that event in: "Hey Norm, did you ever finish the stairs at your
> house?"
> > He got a big grin on his face and responded with a single word...
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "NO!"
> >
> >
> >
> > His wife, YES, HIS WIFE, then said "That is on the Honey-Do list!" and
the
> > place burst into laughter!
> >
> > I spoke with his wife a bit after that and she was a lovely woman, warm
> and
> > friendly... I'm not sure how to spell her name... it's either Alysse or
> > Alese or Ellease or something like that. BTW, for those who are
> interested,
> > Norm was wearing his ring.
> >
> > Next was a 2 1/2 hour luncheon/presentation. Norm walked around and
spoke
> > with EVERYONE in the room... shook hands, posed for photos. Then he
showed
> > film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
> > segments. After each segment an OSV interpreter gave the 19th century
take
> > on things. Norm then showed us a NYW project that will appear on a new
> show
> > sometime after January 2004 that is based on an OSV artifact.
> >
> > It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even
more
> > over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
> rather
> > than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> > throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> > evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> > compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each
stage
> > of his career.
> >
> > In terms of developing projects Norm said that he takes some
measurements
> > and photos, sketches some things out, and then develops the project
while
> > building the prototype. During the prototype development he takes notes,
> > measurements, etc., that are used to build the show piece and develop
the
> > measured drawings. He said that he can visualize the finished piece and
> what
> > needs to be done and doesn't need detailed plans, cut lists, etc. to
> create
> > the prototype.
> >
> > There was also a really neat souvenir on the tables at lunch... an
> > autographed biscuit! ;-)
> >
> > The book signing was another chance at interaction and photos.
> >
> > The funny thing is that as things unfolded we talked about the web cam
and
> > digital photography rather than woodworking! :-) He said he loves
digital
> > cameras as they are really handy when he's looking over furniture for
> > possible projects. He also mentioned the pitfalls of the web cam in that
> you
> > really are on stage all the time and any unsafe behaviors on a TOH
> worksite
> > are cause for concern.
> >
> > Impressions: Norm is a genuinely nice guy who takes his craft
seriously.
> > This was a wonderful experience and there were smiles and laughter in
> > abundance throughout the day. If the opportunity to participate in a
> similar
> > event presents itself to you I strongly suggest you take it!
> >
> > Once I get the photos processed I'll post something...
> >
>
> Two additional items:
>
> 1. During the luncheon Norm was asked about prepping rough sawn lumber
into
> useable boards. In discussing this he commented on "only hav(ing) an 8"
> jointer." With that the place roared... including his wife! Maybe there is
a
> DJ-30 in his future?! ;-)
>
> 2. Speaking of wife, it was Norm's second wife, Elise, that I met at OSV.
> Norm's first wife was named Laura... Elise is the woman in the photos I
> posted last month and I reiterate that she was a lovely woman. My initial
> impressions that they had been together for a long time were wrong... it
was
> more a case of them having a nice comfortable relationship than it was a
> long one.
>
> Hope this clears things up!
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

On Sat, 27 Sep 2003 12:54:20 GMT, "John" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Sounds like you had a great time. I would have loved to be able to be there.
>I have been to Old Sturbridge Village several times, and that is a GREAT
>place.


While it's much smaller than OSV, check out Hancock Shaker Village in
Pittsfield some time.

Barry

Reminds me of a joke/sad-tale-but-true I once thought only musicians could
truly appreciate .. a breed who, if they haven't heard you play in 20 years,
and you happened to have stumbled over a part at the time, will be forever
convinced in their own minds that that is as good as you'll ever be.

Johnny B. Goode came back to his hometown for a visit after making it big in
the music industry. The day he was leaving he ran across an old musician
buddy from High School he hadn't seen during his visit. The buddy asked him
how he was getting on and Johnny said, "Things are going real good for me,
especially after that Grammy I won last year". His buddy replied in surprise
"Man. I didn't hear about that!". Johnny said, "Yeah, actually I've been
nominated four out of the last five years". His buddy said "Whoa, I never
knew that, that's great". Johnny said, "Yeah, and I just signed a big
contract to do, the sound track for one of JLo and Ben's movies next year.
His buddy cried, "Dude, you're doing great, I never heard any of that ...
I'm really glad I got to see you before you left!". Johnny replied, "Yeah,
I'm so busy that I only go to stay a week, but I did get to sit in with some
of the old band at the Step In club last Saturday. Really enjoyed playing
with them again after all this time, even tho I was a bit rusty and missed
some of the changes to "Satin Doll", and a couple of other tunes I hadn't
played in years. His Buddy said, "Yeah, I heard about that!"

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/16/03


"George" wrote in message

> Seems from your narrative the only people who don't change and grow over
> time are the vocal critics of Norm.

"George" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> SWMBO had planned ahead though, and recorded Norm, Roy, and the Router
guys,
> not knowing what I'd be doing at the time.
>

What date/time do you get the Router Guys on?
Here in Denver, we've got two PBS stations, and I'll be dipped if I can find
them...

John Grossbohlin wrote:

> Norm's first wife was named Laura... Elise is the woman in the photos I
> posted last month and I reiterate that she was a lovely woman. My initial
> impressions that they had been together for a long time were wrong... it
> was more a case of them having a nice comfortable relationship than it was
> a long one.

Hmmm... Sounds like maybe Nahmie traded up for a prettier model once he got
bigger tools. :)

--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan <[email protected]>
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
Confirmed post number: 18004 Approximate word count: 540120
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/

Bob,

We had planned on going to OSV this summer for quite some time. One of our
friends told us they saw a sign at OSV earlier this summer announcing that
Norm was going to be there. With that information I looked the event up on
the OSV web site and we made our plans to attend. I may have stumbled on to
this on my own as we planned our trip but the information from our friend
cemented the dates!

BTW, we also went to Hancock Shaker Village on the trip and that turned out
to be a woodworker's delight also. I was used to seeing what a Normite would
consider to be inadequate and crude hand tools from my days working at
Colonial Williamsburg. However, taking the jump from the 1770s of CW to the
mid 19th to early 20th century of HSV still didn't reveal the kind of
precision that is commonly DEMANDED by folks here on the wreck... Sure they
had water powered table saws, lathes, surfacers, bandsaws and jointers, but
there were still a LOT of hand-tools involved that didn't look appreciably
different from those of the 18th century. The power tools were for rough
dimensioning and the handtools for the joinery and finishing.... funny, that
is pretty much the model I've been working with myself!

I still have to deal with the photos. I got them downloaded from the memory
cards to the HD but I still have to rename the files and burn them to a CD.
I've also make inquiry to a friend of mine about him professionally
handling some of the files and print them. Once I get the photo files all
sorted out I'll create some web-friendly versions and put them up on ABPW.

John



"bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> John,
>
> Great recap of your time with Norm. Question: How did you find out about
> this event and how did you get tickets, how far in advance?
>
> I NEVER hear about Norm doing stuff like this until after the fact.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bob
> "John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on
8/16/03
> > at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured
speaker...
> >
> > The day started off with Norm and OSV housewrights doing a compare and
> > contrast presentation. This event occurred at the site of a new small
> house
> > that OSV is building using 19th century technology. I got the last
> question
> > of that event in: "Hey Norm, did you ever finish the stairs at your
> house?"
> > He got a big grin on his face and responded with a single word...
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "NO!"
> >
> >
> >
> > His wife, YES, HIS WIFE, then said "That is on the Honey-Do list!" and
the
> > place burst into laughter!
> >
> > I spoke with his wife a bit after that and she was a lovely woman, warm
> and
> > friendly... I'm not sure how to spell her name... it's either Alysse or
> > Alese or Ellease or something like that. BTW, for those who are
> interested,
> > Norm was wearing his ring.
> >
> > Next was a 2 1/2 hour luncheon/presentation. Norm walked around and
spoke
> > with EVERYONE in the room... shook hands, posed for photos. Then he
showed
> > film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
> > segments. After each segment an OSV interpreter gave the 19th century
take
> > on things. Norm then showed us a NYW project that will appear on a new
> show
> > sometime after January 2004 that is based on an OSV artifact.
> >
> > It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even
more
> > over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
> rather
> > than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> > throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> > evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> > compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each
stage
> > of his career.
> >
> > In terms of developing projects Norm said that he takes some
measurements
> > and photos, sketches some things out, and then develops the project
while
> > building the prototype. During the prototype development he takes notes,
> > measurements, etc., that are used to build the show piece and develop
the
> > measured drawings. He said that he can visualize the finished piece and
> what
> > needs to be done and doesn't need detailed plans, cut lists, etc. to
> create
> > the prototype.
> >
> > There was also a really neat souvenir on the tables at lunch... an
> > autographed biscuit! ;-)
> >
> > The book signing was another chance at interaction and photos.
> >
> > The funny thing is that as things unfolded we talked about the web cam
and
> > digital photography rather than woodworking! :-) He said he loves
digital
> > cameras as they are really handy when he's looking over furniture for
> > possible projects. He also mentioned the pitfalls of the web cam in that
> you
> > really are on stage all the time and any unsafe behaviors on a TOH
> worksite
> > are cause for concern.
> >
> > Impressions: Norm is a genuinely nice guy who takes his craft
seriously.
> > This was a wonderful experience and there were smiles and laughter in
> > abundance throughout the day. If the opportunity to participate in a
> similar
> > event presents itself to you I strongly suggest you take it!
> >
> > Once I get the photos processed I'll post something...
> >
> > John
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>

Norm didn't mention what happened to Steve Thomas of TOH did he?
"John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on
8/16/03
> > at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured
speaker...
> >
> > The day started off with Norm and OSV housewrights doing a compare and
> > contrast presentation. This event occurred at the site of a new small
> house
> > that OSV is building using 19th century technology. I got the last
> question
> > of that event in: "Hey Norm, did you ever finish the stairs at your
> house?"
> > He got a big grin on his face and responded with a single word...
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "NO!"
> >
> >
> >
> > His wife, YES, HIS WIFE, then said "That is on the Honey-Do list!" and
the
> > place burst into laughter!
> >
> > I spoke with his wife a bit after that and she was a lovely woman, warm
> and
> > friendly... I'm not sure how to spell her name... it's either Alysse or
> > Alese or Ellease or something like that. BTW, for those who are
> interested,
> > Norm was wearing his ring.
> >
> > Next was a 2 1/2 hour luncheon/presentation. Norm walked around and
spoke
> > with EVERYONE in the room... shook hands, posed for photos. Then he
showed
> > film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
> > segments. After each segment an OSV interpreter gave the 19th century
take
> > on things. Norm then showed us a NYW project that will appear on a new
> show
> > sometime after January 2004 that is based on an OSV artifact.
> >
> > It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even
more
> > over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
> rather
> > than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> > throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> > evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> > compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each
stage
> > of his career.
> >
> > In terms of developing projects Norm said that he takes some
measurements
> > and photos, sketches some things out, and then develops the project
while
> > building the prototype. During the prototype development he takes notes,
> > measurements, etc., that are used to build the show piece and develop
the
> > measured drawings. He said that he can visualize the finished piece and
> what
> > needs to be done and doesn't need detailed plans, cut lists, etc. to
> create
> > the prototype.
> >
> > There was also a really neat souvenir on the tables at lunch... an
> > autographed biscuit! ;-)
> >
> > The book signing was another chance at interaction and photos.
> >
> > The funny thing is that as things unfolded we talked about the web cam
and
> > digital photography rather than woodworking! :-) He said he loves
digital
> > cameras as they are really handy when he's looking over furniture for
> > possible projects. He also mentioned the pitfalls of the web cam in that
> you
> > really are on stage all the time and any unsafe behaviors on a TOH
> worksite
> > are cause for concern.
> >
> > Impressions: Norm is a genuinely nice guy who takes his craft
seriously.
> > This was a wonderful experience and there were smiles and laughter in
> > abundance throughout the day. If the opportunity to participate in a
> similar
> > event presents itself to you I strongly suggest you take it!
> >
> > Once I get the photos processed I'll post something...
> >
>
> Two additional items:
>
> 1. During the luncheon Norm was asked about prepping rough sawn lumber
into
> useable boards. In discussing this he commented on "only hav(ing) an 8"
> jointer." With that the place roared... including his wife! Maybe there is
a
> DJ-30 in his future?! ;-)
>
> 2. Speaking of wife, it was Norm's second wife, Elise, that I met at OSV.
> Norm's first wife was named Laura... Elise is the woman in the photos I
> posted last month and I reiterate that she was a lovely woman. My initial
> impressions that they had been together for a long time were wrong... it
was
> more a case of them having a nice comfortable relationship than it was a
> long one.
>
> Hope this clears things up!
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

"B a r r y B u r k e J r ." <[email protected]> wrote
in message news:[email protected]...
> On Sat, 27 Sep 2003 12:54:20 GMT, "John" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >Sounds like you had a great time. I would have loved to be able to be
there.
> >I have been to Old Sturbridge Village several times, and that is a GREAT
> >place.
>
>
> While it's much smaller than OSV, check out Hancock Shaker Village in
> Pittsfield some time.
>
> Barry

Been there and done that too.... it is a wonderful place....... Had
Thanksgiving Dinner at OSV one year. I'll never forget it, was wonderful.

I was about to have my lunch with Norm (on TV) Saturday, but they dispatched
me to a motorcycle/truck accident.

SWMBO had planned ahead though, and recorded Norm, Roy, and the Router guys,
not knowing what I'd be doing at the time.

Seems from your narrative the only people who don't change and grow over
time are the vocal critics of Norm.

"John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on 8/16/03
> at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured speaker...
>


> It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even more
> over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
rather
> than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each stage
> of his career.
>
SNIP

"B a r r y B u r k e J r ." <[email protected]> wrote
in message news:[email protected]...
> On Sat, 27 Sep 2003 12:54:20 GMT, "John" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >Sounds like you had a great time. I would have loved to be able to be
there.
> >I have been to Old Sturbridge Village several times, and that is a GREAT
> >place.
>
>
> While it's much smaller than OSV, check out Hancock Shaker Village in
> Pittsfield some time.
>
> Barry

When we left OSV we stopped at Hancock Shaker Village... I thought it was
great but the short attention span part of the family much preferred OSV.
;-)

John

Sounds like a great time in the life of a woodworker, John. Be sure to
posts the pics.

Jim

"John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on 8/16/03
> at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured speaker...
>
> The day started off with Norm and OSV housewrights doing a compare and
> contrast presentation. This event occurred at the site of a new small
house
> that OSV is building using 19th century technology. I got the last
question
> of that event in: "Hey Norm, did you ever finish the stairs at your
house?"
> He got a big grin on his face and responded with a single word...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "NO!"
>
>
>
> His wife, YES, HIS WIFE, then said "That is on the Honey-Do list!" and the
> place burst into laughter!
>
> I spoke with his wife a bit after that and she was a lovely woman, warm
and
> friendly... I'm not sure how to spell her name... it's either Alysse or
> Alese or Ellease or something like that. BTW, for those who are
interested,
> Norm was wearing his ring.
>
> Next was a 2 1/2 hour luncheon/presentation. Norm walked around and spoke
> with EVERYONE in the room... shook hands, posed for photos. Then he showed
> film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
> segments. After each segment an OSV interpreter gave the 19th century take
> on things. Norm then showed us a NYW project that will appear on a new
show
> sometime after January 2004 that is based on an OSV artifact.
>
> It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even more
> over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
rather
> than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each stage
> of his career.
>
> In terms of developing projects Norm said that he takes some measurements
> and photos, sketches some things out, and then develops the project while
> building the prototype. During the prototype development he takes notes,
> measurements, etc., that are used to build the show piece and develop the
> measured drawings. He said that he can visualize the finished piece and
what
> needs to be done and doesn't need detailed plans, cut lists, etc. to
create
> the prototype.
>
> There was also a really neat souvenir on the tables at lunch... an
> autographed biscuit! ;-)
>
> The book signing was another chance at interaction and photos.
>
> The funny thing is that as things unfolded we talked about the web cam and
> digital photography rather than woodworking! :-) He said he loves digital
> cameras as they are really handy when he's looking over furniture for
> possible projects. He also mentioned the pitfalls of the web cam in that
you
> really are on stage all the time and any unsafe behaviors on a TOH
worksite
> are cause for concern.
>
> Impressions: Norm is a genuinely nice guy who takes his craft seriously.
> This was a wonderful experience and there were smiles and laughter in
> abundance throughout the day. If the opportunity to participate in a
similar
> event presents itself to you I strongly suggest you take it!
>
> Once I get the photos processed I'll post something...
>
> John
>
>
>
>

I'm a boondocker with directv. They're on @1630 Saturday on the national
feed.

"tnfkajs" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> What date/time do you get the Router Guys on?
> Here in Denver, we've got two PBS stations, and I'll be dipped if I can
find
> them...
>
>

I posted some pictures to ABPW... still have to work through more photos and
if any others look interesting I'll post them.

As an aside, I found the article on Norm's stairs that appeared in the
Washington Post. It was dated 2/27/02. At that point in time the house was
six years old... that means those plywood treads are now 7 1/2 years old!
Makes me feel less concerned about some of my unfinished home projects. ;-)

John

"John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on 8/16/03
> at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured speaker...
>
> The day started off with Norm and OSV housewrights doing a compare and
> contrast presentation. This event occurred at the site of a new small
house
> that OSV is building using 19th century technology. I got the last
question
> of that event in: "Hey Norm, did you ever finish the stairs at your
house?"
> He got a big grin on his face and responded with a single word...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "NO!"
>
>
>
> His wife, YES, HIS WIFE, then said "That is on the Honey-Do list!" and the
> place burst into laughter!
>
> I spoke with his wife a bit after that and she was a lovely woman, warm
and
> friendly... I'm not sure how to spell her name... it's either Alysse or
> Alese or Ellease or something like that. BTW, for those who are
interested,
> Norm was wearing his ring.
>
> Next was a 2 1/2 hour luncheon/presentation. Norm walked around and spoke
> with EVERYONE in the room... shook hands, posed for photos. Then he showed
> film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
> segments. After each segment an OSV interpreter gave the 19th century take
> on things. Norm then showed us a NYW project that will appear on a new
show
> sometime after January 2004 that is based on an OSV artifact.
>
> It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even more
> over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
rather
> than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each stage
> of his career.
>
> In terms of developing projects Norm said that he takes some measurements
> and photos, sketches some things out, and then develops the project while
> building the prototype. During the prototype development he takes notes,
> measurements, etc., that are used to build the show piece and develop the
> measured drawings. He said that he can visualize the finished piece and
what
> needs to be done and doesn't need detailed plans, cut lists, etc. to
create
> the prototype.
>
> There was also a really neat souvenir on the tables at lunch... an
> autographed biscuit! ;-)
>
> The book signing was another chance at interaction and photos.
>
> The funny thing is that as things unfolded we talked about the web cam and
> digital photography rather than woodworking! :-) He said he loves digital
> cameras as they are really handy when he's looking over furniture for
> possible projects. He also mentioned the pitfalls of the web cam in that
you
> really are on stage all the time and any unsafe behaviors on a TOH
worksite
> are cause for concern.
>
> Impressions: Norm is a genuinely nice guy who takes his craft seriously.
> This was a wonderful experience and there were smiles and laughter in
> abundance throughout the day. If the opportunity to participate in a
similar
> event presents itself to you I strongly suggest you take it!
>
> Once I get the photos processed I'll post something...
>
> John
>
>
>
>

"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 21:12:56 -0400, "John Grossbohlin"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> <snip>
> > from my days working at Colonial Williamsburg.
> <snip>
>
> Now there is a gloat that truly makes me envious. That place is like
> Disneyland to me.

Me too, that's why I made it happen! ;-)

John

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 21:12:56 -0400, "John Grossbohlin"
<[email protected]> wrote:

<snip>
> from my days working at Colonial Williamsburg.
<snip>

Now there is a gloat that truly makes me envious. That place is like
Disneyland to me.


Regards, Tom
Tom Watson - Woodworker
Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania
http://users.snip.net/~tjwatson

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 14:12:29 GMT, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Reminds me of a joke/sad-tale-but-true I once thought only musicians could
>truly appreciate .. a breed who, if they haven't heard you play in 20 years,
>and you happened to have stumbled over a part at the time, will be forever
>convinced in their own minds that that is as good as you'll ever be.
>
>Johnny B. Goode came back to his hometown for a visit... <snip>

Heh... happens to woodworkers, too. The old codgers must have been
clucking up a storm, rocking on their heels in front of the Bethlehem
General Feed and Seed...

"You say you saw Jesus do miracles? Couldn't 'a been miracles. _Why,
isn't he that carpenter's kid?_"

_Nobody_ gets any play in their own hometown. ;>

Michael Baglio
Chapel Hill for 3 more days...

"John Grossbohlin" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I attended a presentation, luncheon/presentation, book signing on 8/16/03
> at Old Sturbridge Village at which Norm Abram was the featured speaker...
>
> The day started off with Norm and OSV housewrights doing a compare and
> contrast presentation. This event occurred at the site of a new small
house
> that OSV is building using 19th century technology. I got the last
question
> of that event in: "Hey Norm, did you ever finish the stairs at your
house?"
> He got a big grin on his face and responded with a single word...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "NO!"
>
>
>
> His wife, YES, HIS WIFE, then said "That is on the Honey-Do list!" and the
> place burst into laughter!
>
> I spoke with his wife a bit after that and she was a lovely woman, warm
and
> friendly... I'm not sure how to spell her name... it's either Alysse or
> Alese or Ellease or something like that. BTW, for those who are
interested,
> Norm was wearing his ring.
>
> Next was a 2 1/2 hour luncheon/presentation. Norm walked around and spoke
> with EVERYONE in the room... shook hands, posed for photos. Then he showed
> film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
> segments. After each segment an OSV interpreter gave the 19th century take
> on things. Norm then showed us a NYW project that will appear on a new
show
> sometime after January 2004 that is based on an OSV artifact.
>
> It was obvious that Norm was interested in developing his skills even more
> over time. He also spoke in terms of interpreting pieces of furniture
rather
> than copying them... he sounded more like an academic than a technician
> throughout the presentation which warmed my heart. He also discussed his
> evolution from carpenter to TOH and how much different NYW was to do as
> compared to TOH--whole different sets of skills were needed for each stage
> of his career.
>
> In terms of developing projects Norm said that he takes some measurements
> and photos, sketches some things out, and then develops the project while
> building the prototype. During the prototype development he takes notes,
> measurements, etc., that are used to build the show piece and develop the
> measured drawings. He said that he can visualize the finished piece and
what
> needs to be done and doesn't need detailed plans, cut lists, etc. to
create
> the prototype.
>
> There was also a really neat souvenir on the tables at lunch... an
> autographed biscuit! ;-)
>
> The book signing was another chance at interaction and photos.
>
> The funny thing is that as things unfolded we talked about the web cam and
> digital photography rather than woodworking! :-) He said he loves digital
> cameras as they are really handy when he's looking over furniture for
> possible projects. He also mentioned the pitfalls of the web cam in that
you
> really are on stage all the time and any unsafe behaviors on a TOH
worksite
> are cause for concern.
>
> Impressions: Norm is a genuinely nice guy who takes his craft seriously.
> This was a wonderful experience and there were smiles and laughter in
> abundance throughout the day. If the opportunity to participate in a
similar
> event presents itself to you I strongly suggest you take it!
>
> Once I get the photos processed I'll post something...
>

Two additional items:

1. During the luncheon Norm was asked about prepping rough sawn lumber into
useable boards. In discussing this he commented on "only hav(ing) an 8"
jointer." With that the place roared... including his wife! Maybe there is a
DJ-30 in his future?! ;-)

2. Speaking of wife, it was Norm's second wife, Elise, that I met at OSV.
Norm's first wife was named Laura... Elise is the woman in the photos I
posted last month and I reiterate that she was a lovely woman. My initial
impressions that they had been together for a long time were wrong... it was
more a case of them having a nice comfortable relationship than it was a
long one.

Hope this clears things up!

John

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Norm didn't mention what happened to Steve Thomas of TOH did he?

Only that Steve was pursuing other interests. Norm also mentioned that Steve
had a lot of interests...

What was kind of interesting was that Norm commented that he personally
wasn't interested in becoming a pitchman (a la Vila) and that he was very
happy on PBS. I'm not sure if one could read into Norm's comments that Steve
was becoming a pitchman--we will have to see where Steve lands to find out
for sure! Norm also mentioned Julia Child and that she had successfully
spent her TV career on PBS.

John

<<What was kind of interesting was that Norm commented that he personally
wasn't interested in becoming a pitchman (a la Vila) and that he was very
happy on PBS. I'm not sure if one could read into Norm's comments that Steve
was becoming a pitchman--we will have to see where Steve lands to find out
for sure! Norm also mentioned Julia Child and that she had successfully
spent her TV career on PBS.>>

Norm has, in fact, been a pitchman of sorts for a brand of kids' toys as
well as a chain of athletic footwear stores. He's not the "mouthpiece" as
Vila is but he has appeared in commercials.
A couple of weeks ago, while I was driving through eastern Massachusetts, I
heard Steve on a radio commercial. However, the "product" he was endorsing
was energy efficient appliances but not any particular brand of them (i.e.
"look for the Energy Star label and buy the most efficient one you can"). I
was almost a public service announcement but it was sponsored by a
commercial entity.

Lee


--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"

<<Then he showed
film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
segments. >>

There he goes with that OSV stuff again. Why can't he use real lumber like
a true woodworker? <g>


Lee

On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 04:21:43 GMT, "Lee Gordon"
<[email protected]> pixelated:

><<Then he showed
>film clips from his OSV related projects and discussed his techniques in
>segments. >>
>
>There he goes with that OSV stuff again. Why can't he use real lumber like
>a true woodworker? <g>

Perhaps if you hung around with OSVers, some of the Light
side of the Force would rub off on YOU, too!


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