News
Woodworking Shop from the Early 19th Century
Glencoe Museum’s long-running exhibit “Tools That Built a Nation” is now put to use. Glencoe’s “master carpenter” John Talton uses his extensive tool collection to demonstrate woodworking techniques from before the era of power tools. He does this in a fully equipped replica of a woodworking shop from the late 18th century at Glencoe Museum.
The woodworking shop, including grindstone,
workbench, shinglehorse, wood-lathe and more.
It features a carpenter’s bench, a wood-lathe, a shingle horse, a grindstone, and many other woodworking utensils – all of them hand-crafted and ready to use. The woodworking shop provides a hands-on approach to history and is an instant favourite with children. It will also provide an opportunity for school classes and tour groups to learn more about American woodworking heritage.
The driving force behind this unique project is John Talton, a retired mechanical engineer and World War II veteran, who will use the shop to demonstrate woodworking techniques from before the era of power tools.
John Talton showing a young
woodworker
how to use a plane.
John Talton’s interest in woodworking began as a “hobby that got out of hand”, he said. Following World War II, where he served with the top secret Naval Combat Demolition Units, forerunners of today’s Navy SEALS, he came to Radford to work as a mechanical engineer at the Army Ammunition Plant. His life-long love for woodworking came into full use when he decided in 1972 to build his new house in College Park from the ground up on his own.
Over the years, Talton has been involved in many projects for the Radford Heritage Foundation, such as the renovation of the old Wharton home that is now Glencoe Museum and the move of an 19th-century schoolhouse to museum grounds. He is passionate about teaching his knowledge to a younger generation that grew up with power tools, nails and everything else readily available around the corner at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
More Information
- Special demonstrations for tour groups and schools can be arranged. Contact us.
