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While a student at Boston University, majoring in history, I worked during breaks as a carpenter and as a longshoreman. Carpentry seemed the better profession. After my senior year at B.U., I decided to start my own general carpentry business in my home state, Connecticut. After four years in business, I went back to school for a degree in vocational education and then taught woodworking in a Connecticut high school.
Eighteen years ago I was hired by South Piedmont Community College to teach woodworking at Brown Creek Correction Institution.While there I designed and crafted the college mace used during ceremonies such as graduation.
Two years ago, I left South Piedmont Community College to build my wood shop, "Okra Joe’s Damn Yankee Workshop". It was a dream finally realized. My days are now divided between farm work and woodwork, two of life’s great pleasures.
PHILOSOPHY
I have been cutting wood for many years. I love the woods, the sounds, the smells and nature’s surprises. I mill the wood on my sawmill, and each log creates the anticipation and excitement of opening a special gift. The pleasure begins when the beauty of the grain in the boards is exposed.
The real beauty in woodworking is the tree. Learning to work with the patterns of the grain and the variations provided by nature’s environment are the challenge and satisfaction of working with wood. Creating something is a wonderful way to spend time!
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