Take A Ride On The Reading
The Woodworking Show moved to Reading, Pennsylvania this last weekend. I flew into the airport in Philadelphia even though it’s about 60 miles east of the venue. The airfare is cheaper and there are more flights to Philly as well as the ability to fly home on Sunday evening. It also afforded the ability to visit one of the more historical cities in this country’s beginning. There was only so much time to spend in the city, so I concentrated on the area around the Independence National Historical Park. An entire museum dedicated to the Declaration of Independence made for a great start. In the National Constitution Center, following a live presentation on the efforts prior to and following the signing of this document, we entered the second floor filled with vignettes showing each of the articles and the effects of their implementation over the last 2 plus centuries. Many of those involved in the current debate over the meaning of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution would benefit from the refresher found in this building.
Across the street at Independence Hall was the where the Continental Congress met to hash out the particulars of the Declaration.
We listened to a very knowledgeable and articulate docent who shed light on the very rancorous and partisan discussions that went into the creation of a document that would change both our history and that of the world. I wish she had taught me history in school. In a private discussion that I had with her following the tour, we both wondered whether this document would ever have been written today.
In another building, standing in all of its glory, was the Liberty Bell. This ubiquitous symbol of everything American would look very common if it weren’t for all that it’s become to exemplify. Learning about the history of its construction as well as how it got its name would add even more to its lore.
The venue in Reading was a new one for the show as well as the location in Pennsylvania. Located in a very hilly forested part of the state, this is the Reading of Monopoly fame. We had dinner in the original railroad depot that has since become Jimmy Kramer’s Peanut Bar. The venue is in a huge building once occupied by Lucent Technology that, at its prime, had many thousands of workers making circuit boards and other products. It’s a shame that the attendance this weekend wasn’t what the vendors had hoped for. Attendees would have seen some great displays by a local scrolling club. The Tri-County Scrollers treated those who stopped by with both the history and the instruction that would have contributed to a greater appreciation of this very personal craft. The members displayed a number of variations of scrolling that also included Intarsia. You could tell that they were totally hooked and eager to pass on the techniques of their work.
Saturday morning started somewhat slowly and the vendors kept themselves occupied studying the work of one of their own. Geoffrey Noden put on a class on inlays and banding. His new product uses a very simple technique to make some of the most varied designs. You’re only limited only by your imagination.
I don’t think that the attendees realize that many of these vendors are accomplished artisans in their own right. Ron Brown, as well as Kirk DeHeer, are both gifted turners. Their work is always on display in their booths. There is a good deal of hidden talent on the show floor. This is an impressive group.
The winner this week of the popular vote in the Show Off booth was a very well constructed and visually appealing box. Made with Lacewood as its primary wood, this will compete for the grand prize later in April. Being very allergic to Lacewood, I admired this project from a distance.
We will be trying another new venue in Virginia next week. Fredericksburg is well placed with large population centers within a very short drive. If the crowds show up, we’ll give them plenty to see. If you’re in the area, please stop in. If you bring anything made from Lacewood, bring some Calamine lotion with you too.
‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road.
Jim Heavey
WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador
Categories: Interesting Woodworkers We've Met, Woodworking Show Reports | Tags: Declaration of Independance, Geoffrey Noden, Jim Heavey, Kirk DeHeer, Liberty Bell, National Historical Park, Reading Pennsylvania, Ron Brown, WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador
1 Comment
One Response to “Take A Ride On The Reading”
March 8, 2010 at 4:00 pm, by Lucas Peters
Allergic to lacewood, eh? What type of reaction? Are you allergic to any other woods? I might have to pick your brain sometime if this comes up in an Ask WOOD. We often have questions about safe woods to use in various projects.
Lucas @ WOOD