Module 2: Form, Function and Aesthetics in Colonial New England: The Use of Wood for Furniture, Houses, and Boats

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Professor Samuel Allen
Professor John Vander Sande

MONDAY 13 June

Lecture 8:30-11:30 am

-- Introduction: The Environment of the Colonial New England Craftsman (JVS, SMA)
-- The Structure and Function of Wood (JVS)
-- Timber Harvesting and Lumber Production in Colonial New England (SMA)

Laboratory 1-5 pm

-- Observing Wood Macro- and Micro-Structure (2 hours, JVS)
-- Riving Lumber from a "Green" Log of Red Oak (2 hours, SMA)

TUESDAY 14 June

Lecture 8:30-11:30 am

-- Mechanical Properties of Wood: Stress and Strain; Failure Modes (JVS)
-- The Work of Shipwrights, Housewrights, Carpenters, and Joiners (SMA)
-- The Dory: Its History, Form and Use in the New England Fishing Industry (SMA)

Laboratory 1-5 pm

-- Mechanical Properties of Wood: Compressive Stress and Strain (2 hours, JVS)
-- Hobby Shop: Squaring Up Riven Stock. Turning Using the Pole Lathe (2 hours, SMA)

WEDNESDAY 15 June

Lecture 8:30-9:30 am

-- Background for the Day: Essex County, Massachusetts in Colonial New England (JVS)

Laboratory 11 am-5 pm

-- Visit to Residence at 5 High Road, Newbury, and Lowell's Boat Shop in Amesbury, Massachusetts (JVS, SMA)

THURSDAY 16 June

Lecture 8:30-11:30 am

-- Style and Aesthetics: Mannerism, Early and Late Baroque Furniture (JVS)
-- Wooden Joints and the Tools and Techniques to Make Them by Hand (SMA)
-- Combining Style with Function (JVS)

Laboratory 1-5 pm

-- Hobby Shop: Making a Mortise and Tenon Joint; Turning a Table Leg (SMA, JVS)

FRIDAY 17 June

Lecture 8:30-11:30 am

-- Materials in a Societal Context in the 17th and 18th Century: What Can Wooden Objects Tell Us About the People?
-- Houses and Ships (SMA)
-- Furniture, Furniture Decoration; Daily Objects (JVS)

Laboratory 1-5 pm

-- Hobby Shop: Completing Our Projects (SMA, JVS)

NOTE: Introduction will include information on how we know what we know and why wood was chosen in competition with other materials.