If timbers could talk. No
doubt, there would be stories. Two timbered buildings, built
in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp as
warehouses for the Forest Service, stand on the edge of the
Grand Marais harbor. Giant saw logs rolling into the harbor,
ready to be rafted and pulled across the big lake to
sawmills in Wisconsin. Work crews sharing tales as they
bedded down for the night on the loft’s wooden floors.
Tools–planting bars to sharpened two-man saws–stockpiled for
the moment and waiting for the coming season. If timbers
could talk.
Built as workspace on a working
harbor, the buildings served an important purpose for
decades. Built by the hands of experienced woodworkers,
their elemental timbered trusses and rugged black iron tie
bolts almost seem to speak–durability, beauty, purpose,
simplicity.
One red, one blue–today the
buildings still stand, solid and present on Grand Marais’
harbor. The core of North House, their timbered trusses now
soar across woodworking, boat building and traditional craft
classrooms, sunlight streaming in through the windows.
Sawdust still waits on the floor to be swept. Sharp saws
still slice. Tales are still told. Purpose is still strong
and vibrant. Bowl carving, shoemaking, blacksmithing,
woodcarving–durability, beauty, purpose, simplicity.
If timbers could talk. What
stories would they tell of North House’s first sixteen
years? And, just as importantly, what stories will they tell
of North House’s next fifteen? Dedicated volunteers,
generous supporters, inspired students–these are the
builders of North House. There's always work to be shared (Service &
Volunteer weekend), special events to host (click
here), and crafts to discover. What part will you play?
We hope to see you on campus
soon. Let’s give the timbers more stories to tell!
