04/03/2023
Why a Timber Frame? We think Jack A Soban says it best.
There are pursuits in life that go beyond providing the necessities for our existence, that elevate us above the workday world, that captivate our imaginations and give us purpose in life. The craft of timber framing is one of those pursuits. It has all necessary ingredients: a rich historical background that conjures up visions of medieval halls, ornate temples, and pioneer dwellings a connection to our mother earth (trees are renewable resource utilized by humans for thousands of years) and a physical tangible reward for our toil in the form of structures that last for generations. The gratification found in timber framing goes far beyond that of most crafts. We are surrounded by our creative work as it shelters us, enhancing our lives. And what about durability? Timber framed buildings can certainly last a lifetime, more often centuries long after completion they stand as testament to our efforts.
The ancient craft having served mankind for at least 7,000 years was threatened by the changes brought on by the industrial revolution and became especially endangered in the mid-20th century. Old ways and old things were being replaced by the wonders of the new age. television, plastics, and space travel occupied the minds of most Americans. Plywood, steel, and concrete defined the building industry. It was an era of overcoming and subduing nature, not working with it. As we embraced and focused on new technology we were unfortunately leaving behind much knowledge of the old traditional ways.
By the late '60s many people realizing that in our haste to modernize we had given up some wonderful things. In the back -to-the-land movement that swept our country, timber framing figured prominently. It brought us back to nature, got us involved in building our own homes, and taught people to work together again toward a common good.
