We had a good day!
We have almost enough front yard to do what we would like to. There’s only room for two demonstrators, and not enough equipment, but we are making it work.
It’s still hard to work with groups arriving at different times. I’m working on that. Adding people to a talk in progress is an art I respect and hope to become proficient in.
The current project is tent stakes for the Staats House up in South Bound Brook. They are going quickly, and seem to be pleasant enough to make.
Thank you for your patience as we do what we can to bring the building back up to it’s best, and we look forward to our re-opening.
The west wall appears to be done. There are photos of the original mortar, which is a surprising shade of bright red. The new mortar is a replica of this, it’s quite neat looking.
Shawn, the mason, assures us that the west side is the strongest wall in the building. It seems to have been such a bother due to lack of pointing.
I had the unusual sensation the other day of standing in an unstable corner and feeling completely at ease. It was wonderful!
There is a small section on the west side of the north wall which is bulging and separate. It will be replaced next week.
After that, it will be time for a new floor, then for structural bracing to hold the wall up, and finally, time to move our equipment back in. No one is looking forward to putting the equipment in, but we all look forward to having everything where we need it, ready to use.
Yesterday, the north half of the west wall got pointed. It looks amazing.
Today, equipment will be shifted over from a member’s home for the Weekend Journey.
Next weekend we will be hosting travelers at the http://www.schistoryweekend.com/
This is something we always look forward to.
As we are under repair at this time, the shop won’t be open, but there will be a portable forge similar to the one we used at the 4H fair, and the smiths will be out in the front yard in the sun. It’s a little different working outside, we are accustomed to working in the shade where the colors of the metal are easy to perceive. Another challenge will be the lack of hand tools. We will bring our personal favorite equipment, of course, but with the building empty, we won’t be able to simply grab a useful tool off of the wall.
The doors will be open, though roped off for safety. The changes in the building will be visible from the doorway.
When you come to the Weekend Journey, please be aware that parking is a little tight. The Millstone Creamery and the Millstone Sport Shop are to be open. Please don’t park in front of the Sport Shop, as it’s important for our neighbor’s customers to have ready access. Also don’t forget to plan a moment for some ice cream.
