-
https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/45914/archive/files/219982648c7d2f686bae878080938f20.pdf?Expires=1712793600&Signature=JYRZN7Sc3yd6HvUaJHgbAVmVyWjrth63jWEldY3c7iV-3lctuSF60HwQQbWOkonc3N%7Ea2RtYbFktKrL2IPT%7EjR5lQx7TRn9L0uTBaK57uPdQUyezrH9FSGPIqR84%7EoPGDdTV9SDHsyycjOd4vOD2W9Q7KF%7EsLz3mKuAJFzCdVAzlXqIwDuny2TSXgaEpo7I7DZA0TRd2Gb3mwQqsAv3xD8IHc2XJrvEIMF7f7epJNBgNj5EhzhptKSP9j54WQHhVqw0HLXOJwt-kE%7EhRZIVXmt2clBHVrxcIY0pHAYCkPJn5eYI3S9Sb6tStn3rnTwtrBPjCdWLfSkq9VMwsgLrGag__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM
9d3c83789acea34013a8689d2d554462
PDF Text
Text
THE MECHANICK’S ADVISER
October 22, 2021
Apothecary – We want to thank Devlin for the tour of the Archeology Lab to see patent medicine bottles
and artifacts from the Public Hospital. The chance to see the artifacts and gently hold them was priceless. We
also wanted to thank Christina Westenberger for the very informative tour of the Public Hospital. Later in the
day, Mark gave a great presentation at the Hennage on 18th-century health care. Thank you to each of you
for sharing your work. ~ Robin
Left to right: Sean Devlin, Martha Poe from VCU' s Pharmacy School, Margaret Perry, and Mark Henley
The Apothecary Shop will be open on Tuesday through Saturday.
Armoury:
Blacksmith – These past two weeks have been busy for the Blacksmiths. The previous week, they,
along with Curator Erik Goldstein, went to the Iron to Art Festival hosted by the Artist-Blacksmith Association
of North America (ABANA) in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The city was once the center of steel production in
the United States and a very suitable place for the Conference. On the way, they stopped at Fort Ligonier, a
site from the French and Indian War, and saw a great variety of well-preserved iron artifacts. At the
Conference, the members of the Shop got to watch many different demonstrations. The most interesting was
run by the old Master of this Shop, Peter Ross, along with Bob Valentine, another experienced historic smith –
the production of a historic leg vise. Here you can see them using a leg vise to make theirs! The purpose of
the long post or leg is to transmit the energy from hammer blows into the ground, rather than into the bench
and other components of the vise, which would damage them.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�Many notes were taken, and many observations were made. We’ll see if the Shop makes one of their own
before the memory fades. The Shop members also toured the Center for Metal Arts’ new school, a very wellequipped workshop with about a dozen forging stations and every kind of tool a blacksmith could want. Once
the smiths were done wiping the drool off their chins, they had a group picture taken in front of a massive
steam hammer from the late 19th or early 20th century at the forge shop of a defunct steel works.
While at the Conference, Ken Schwarz was awarded the Bealer Award. This award is the top recognition
presented by the ABANA, given for outstanding contributions to the blacksmithing profession. John Allgood
and Gary Brumfield were among the founding members of this organization in the early 1970's. Peter Ross
received this same recognition in 2000. Colonial Williamsburg has played an important role in this profession
over the past half century.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�The Bealer Award plaque
Once back in the Anderson Shop, this week the smiths have worked on a variety of projects. Ken has been
busy with socket chisels, Mark has continued work on cabinet locks, and Aislinn has worked on hatchets and
calipers. Among the Apprentices, Alex has been forging parts for andirons and tongs for making hoes, Owen
has had his hands full with hasps, and Broadus has been working on braces.
The Blacksmith Shop will be open Daily.
Tinsmith – The Tin Shop will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. On Thursday,
October 28th, at 4:30pm in the Hennage Auditorium, the Tinsmiths will present “Tinware Production in the
Williamsburg Publick Armoury.” The Williamsburg Publick Armoury developed as part of Virginia’s
emerging military industrial complex during the Revolutionary War. Between the years 1778-1780, its Tin
Shop produced a diverse array of supplies in support of Virginia’s Revolutionary military and
government. Join Journeyman Tinsmith Joel Anderson, for a discussion of the ongoing research into the
People, Place, and Production of the Williamsburg Publick Armoury Tin Shop.
Anthony Hay Shop:
Cabinetmaker – This week saw the final step for three tables in the Cabinet Shop: branding them.
John, Jeremy, and Bill all completed tables this year, and we were able to take some time this week to flip all
three over and leave our mark for posterity. We brand all of the pieces we make to help identify them as our
work. John’s sideboard table and Jeremy’s tea table will hang out in the Shop until after the January Working
Wood Conference, where they will be discussed as part of Jeremy’s and John’s combined presentation. After
that, it will be time to find them new homes. Bill’s table will hopefully find a home much sooner, where it will
be safe from the daily activity of the Shop.
John’s and Jeremy’s current project, the desk and bookcase, has progressed this week with Jeremy
working on the construction of the larger drawers in the desk, and John resawing the panels for the doors on
the bookcase. Resawing a large board to get two book-matching panels is a two-person job, which can
occasionally be a bit stressful, particularly when there is very little extra width in the board for waste
material. After several practice runs, they made a go at the final piece. John will now clean off the saw tooth
marks and should be set to assemble some doors.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�The Cabinetmaker and Harpsichord-maker Shop will be open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Either the Cabinetmakers or the Harpsichord-makers will be at the Art Museum Gallery on Wednesday.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�Brickmaker – This week has found the Masonry Trades staff
donning their modern restoration hats and working on the wall
around the Capitol. Those pesky oaks in the yard have been
playing havoc with the masonry and are responsible for all sorts
of cracks. Working with Matt Webster, we’ve planned out the
cure: a process known as stitching. We’ll chisel out some of the
mid-century mortar around the cracks, insert some threaded rods
to help stabilize the wall, then repoint with a similar modern
mortar. Chipping out the old mortar takes time, and we want to
be careful about it. Expect to see us there next week, too!
Carpenter – The Carpenter’s Yard will be open Daily, weather permitting.
Colonial Garden – Progress continues with our fall planting in the Colonial Garden. This week, we sowed a
variety of lettuces; these will survive the cooler weather ahead with the aid of glass bells. Last week's storm
caused some damage to the bean trellis in the Sankofa Heritage Garden, so we took apart the trellis and
shelled some of the dry beans. The beans we planted this year were an old heirloom variety called "caseknife" that closely matches descriptions of pole beans in the eighteenth century. We will save some of the
beans to be used as seed for future seasons, and the rest can be cooked as dried beans. With the bean trellis
removed, we had plenty of space to plant out collards into the Sankofa Heritage Garden. This week, we gave
our prize-worthy, forty-pound cushaw squash to the chefs at the Williamsburg Inn and gave the last of our
scarlet runner beans to the Historic Foodways Kitchen. We also dug up one of our plantings of sweet potatoes
and will leave the other in the ground until closer to frost. Upcoming projects in the Garden include covering
hooped wooden frames with paper to protect plants in the Garden over the winter and rebuilding our brick
fire pit to provide warmth for the Gardeners.
Newly planted lettuces with glass bells at the
Colonial Garden
Dried and shelled pole beans grown in the
Sankofa Heritage Garden
The Colonial Garden will be open Friday through Tuesday, weather permitting.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�Cooper – The Cooper Shop will be open on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Engraver – This week, the Engravers have been checking off a few items from their list. The tray that the
Silversmiths made is now complete and has been picked up for its box fitting. This will be going to a Colonial
Williamsburg retiring Board Member at the end of November.
Lynn also finished another small printing plate and will begin another that will be useful to our Brickmakers
and Wheelwrights.
The custom orders are streaming in now, so the art of interpreting, engraving, preparing for programs, and
instructing is being put into practice.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�William is preparing for a closer-to-the-original re-do print of his ships. The copper has come in, so the quest
may begin. And he is as always making great progress in his drawing assignments.
The Engraving Shop will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Engravers will be at the Art Museum
Gallery on Saturday.
Foodways – The Foodways Staff will be at the Palace Kitchen Sunday through Wednesday and at the
Armoury Kitchen on Thursday.
Foundry – The Foundry has great news: Leanne Bellouny and Drew Godzic are the two newest Apprentices
in Trades this week. Congratulations to them both on a new journey in life. Come on by and say hi. Also, we
are using the new molding bags that Rebecca from the Millinery made for the Shop.
The Foundry will be open on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Gunsmith – The Gunsmith Shop will be open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�Historic Farming - Canada Crookneck winter squash were harvested this week. We picked about forty
of them this year. They are headed to the CW Lodge and will show up on the menu at Sweet Tea and Barley or
Traditions Restaurants. Plowing the field will commence soon.
Sweet Potato Pumpkins were given to a “foodie test group” including Historic Foodways and the CW
Inn chefs to determine its qualities as well as the big question: Does it taste similar to sweet potato as Thomas
Jefferson claimed? Let’s see…
Ed with Canada Crookneck squash
Barbara Sherer with Sweet Potato pumpkin
The Farmer will be at Prentis Field Tuesday through Saturday.
Joinery – The cool, crisp air of autumn is a welcome guest here at the Joinery. There is no task at the Shop
that cannot be improved by the addition of a pleasant breeze carrying the promise of changing leaves, mulled
cider, and the return of the Hunter’s Moon. The Apprentices are all too happy to labor under these changes,
though they are harbingers all of the coming Working Wood Conference. Scott has made incredible progress
on the fret-work for his mantelpiece. The intricate diamond pattern is delicate, but the piece of walnut that
he has selected is proving robust for its purpose. Peter has side-tracked himself once again by building a
carving bench, to ease the stress on his back. Once this bench is finished, he will return to preparing and
carving the waterleaf molding that he has been studying. Brian has made progress on his curved molding
plane and is prepared to begin construction out of a pretty chunk of beech. Not least of all, Amanda has
prepared the material for the sides of her coffin and will be cutting and joining them over the weekend.
The Joinery will be open on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Joiners will be at the Art
Museum Gallery on Sunday.
Milliner and Mantua-maker – This week's focus has been on our four different filming/Livestream/
social media projects that are taking place this week and next. On Wednesday, we filmed a segment on
shopping in the 18th century that will appear as part of a Kids Ask Livestream next Wednesday, which Rebecca
will be participating in as one of the panelists. Thursday afternoon was devoted to another Kids Ask program;
Janea did a pre-filmed segment about children's clothing that will be featured in November as part of a
program that will focus on a child's life in the 18th century. Work also continues on preparations for the outfit
we're creating for our visiting social media influencer, who will arrive next week for a two-day
experience. We're re-making a striped cotton jacket and petticoat for her, in addition to creating some new
millinery, so that she can be properly dressed whilst in town.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�The Milliner and Mantua-maker will be open on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.
Music – Greetings from The Governor's Musick! Due to maintenance at the Raleigh, our next two
Wednesdays there will have to be replaced by appearances in the Museum Galleries, but we hope to make it
worth the while of those hardy souls who trek over to the Gallery, and they won't be limited in their time with
us!
We are working on our two concert series at the Governor's Palace--one beginning in a week and a
half, and our Christmas programming begins just after Thanksgiving--and are busy figuring basses, figuring out
our arrangements, and figuring out our concert orders. We are excited to be back!
And we are still in the Museum Levanti Gallery on Fridays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2 – 4 pm. Health
and happiness to all-The Musicians will be in the Art Museum on Friday mornings and afternoons as advertised and on
Saturdays, unadvertised and subject to change.
Printer and Bookbinder:
Printing Office – The Printing Office will be open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On
Monday, October 25th, at 4:30pm in the Hennage Auditorium, the Printers will present “An Overview of the
Printing Office.” Join Peter Stinely as he shares his 40 years at the Letter Press through pictures and
recollections.
Bindery – The Bookbindery will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Public Leather Works – Greetings one and all, from The Public Leather Works. The big news this week
is that we have determined that, while jellyfish do in fact have skins, those skins cannot be turned into leather.
Dismay and disappointment abounded in the Shop as a great many potential projects had to be scrapped.
A bitter rivalry seems to be developing between our Apprentice and our Intern as they both race to
complete their respective pairs of leather breeches. Following a brief vacation from the Shop, the Intern
returned to discover what they described as “a scene of utter chaos” with “stitches ripped from their seams”
in a most inhumane fashion. Sabotage is suspected, but the Apprentice denies any knowledge of, or
involvement in, the alleged attack. We will continue to monitor this situation and report as more information
comes to light.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�In happier news, the Journeyman has nearly completed his buckskin waistcoat and is now eagerly
awaiting weather cold enough to warrant wearing it. The Master of the Shop continues to make and assemble
parts to a new saddle valise.
As per usual, if you or your Shop are in need of manufacture or repair of leather goods, we are at your
disposal.
The Public Leather Works will be open on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Shoemaker – The Shoemakers will not be at the Armoury on Saturday, October 23rd. They will, however,
be there on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Silversmith – Good day from the Silversmiths. We’re enjoying the beautiful fall weather, while keeping
busy and out of trouble! Chris is working on the wooden parts of her teapot. The handle and finial are made
from ebony. Preston is working on three-inch Gurney bowls. George is drawing wire for rings. Megan is
learning the arts and mysteries of the polishing machine. We just picked up the wonderfully engraved tray
from Lynn, and Bobbie is putting the finishing touches inside the box to hold it in place.
The Silversmith Shop will be open on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Silversmiths will be
at the Art Museum Gallery on Friday.
Tailor – Apprentice Logue finished constructing the woman’s quilted
waistcoat, and it has been delivered to its user, Gardener’s Apprentice
Teal. This project is the culmination of a year’s worth of research, study, and
several months of quilting and construction. While the garment may be
finished and delivered, the project is not. Final step in the project is to wait
and see how the garment fits and functions in use. The Tailors may yet have
more to share in regards to this garment in the future, so stay tuned for future
updates.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�The Tailor Shop will be open on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. The Tailors will be at the Art Museum
Gallery on Thursday.
Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing – The Weaver Shop will be open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,
Friday, and Saturday.
Wheelwright – The Wheelwrights will be at the Armoury on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and
Thursday.
Wigmaker – This week has been a productive week for the Wig “smiths”. Edith has finished the first flaxen
wig and is outlining the second. She continues work on making hair padding for an upcoming filming. Benton
is weaving hair and has discovered why certain types of hair are better suited for different projects. As always,
if you require our services, please don't hesitate to reach out!
The Wig Shop will be open on Sunday, Thursday, and Friday. The Wigmakers will be in the Art Museum
Gallery on Monday.
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�The Mechanick’s Adviser is a publication of the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades & Skills.
Editor: Shari Monaco
Contributors: Apothecary – Robin Kipps, Armoury – Alex Hinman and Ken Schwarz (Blacksmith), Anthony Hay
Shop – Jeremy Tritchler (Cabinetmaker), Brickmaker – Joshua Graml, Colonial Garden – Teal Brooks, Engraver
– Lynn Zelesnikar, Foundry – Mike Noftsger, Historic Farming – Ed Schultz, Joiner – Peter Hudson, Milliner and
Mantua-maker – Rebecca Starkins, Music – Karol Steadman, Public Leather Works – Jan Tilley, Silversmith –
Bobbie Saye, Tailor – Michael McCarty, Wigmaker – Edith Broward Edds
Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Volume 7, Issue 32
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser
Description
An account of the resource
The Mechanick’s Adviser is a weekly newsletter produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Department of Historic Trades and Skills beginning in September 2015 and continuing to the present. The word “mechanick” is an alternative spelling of “mechanic” and is used here in the more archaic sense meaning a skilled tradesperson or artisan. Some weeks the newsletter was not produced and there is a significant months-long gap in the 2020 newsletters reflecting the pandemic-related limitations and closures of the department. The newsletter relates employee news and the current work projects and research of the various trades’ shops belonging to the department as well as other groups described as “skills” including military, music, and dance programs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Mechanick's Adviser. Volume 7, number 32, October 22, 2021
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Department of Historic Trades and Skills
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2021-10-22