SHERBROOKE — During the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, technological advancements and changes led to the use of machinery for the mass production of many products that were once created by hand. Specialty trades, including wood turning, blacksmithing, printing, weaving and ambrotype photography became hobbies rather than livelihoods. However, there are still places that strive to keep them alive.
“Sherbrooke Village artisans work in what are considered ‘lost trades,’” Angelina Jack, director of visitor experience at the historic site, told The Journal.
She added, “These, along with heritage skills, are experiencing a resurgence since the pandemic shut-down,” noting an increased interest in homesteading skills – such as soap making, knitting, gardening and animal husbandry – and also a movement to produce chemical-free food, to be environmentally sustainable and not be dependent on big corporations.
Jack explained that products from heritage trades are handcrafted slowly, using traditional methods.
“The specialty crafters have all been trained onsite and have improved their skills by apprenticing with previous artisans, years of practicing their craft, and several by taking external courses and workshops,” she said.
Jack noted that visitors are “fascinated” when village artisans “demonstrate and share knowledge of their trade,” adding that questions are as diverse as the visitors.
The museum offers guests an opportunity to spend a day with some of the artisans in experiences such as print and press, wood chips and wooden spoons.
One of the busiest tradespeople, the blacksmith, would once have been making parts for ships, sawmills, carts, door hinges for barns and more.
Tony Huntley, the blacksmith at Sherbrooke Village, creates items that are needed on-site, along with special orders for community members and other museum locations.
“I love to keep alive the greatest of all crafts,” he told The Journal of the trade that he has been practicing for 26 years, noting that it is a skill “that should never die out.”
Huntley added, “I feel honoured to do this trade for locals and the Village.”
Marley Langille said that working to become a wood turner and chair maker “has been a very unique journey.”
She added, “I have learned so much.”
The woodworking crew makes heritage windows, along with replicating wood trim, for other museums and private historic house restorations.
In her fourth year working at Sherbrooke Village, Langille – who was recently promoted to full-time wood turner and chair maker at the wood shop – first learned the craft using “the tools of the time.”
“It’s been a great experience moving forward. We specialize in Windsor chair making, and we talk about the history of the area. It was most exciting building a Windsor chair for the first time, with help from my mentor, Joey Jordan. I was the assistant for those three years, but I learned the trade like an apprentice would [have] back in the day,” she explained.
Now with an assistant-apprentice to teach, she added, “We are working together to keep this ‘lost trade’ going.”
Village potter Alyssa Hiltz said she takes pride in producing historical recreations and having the opportunity to share her knowledge with visitors.
“There is a connection I feel with not only previous potters who have worked at the museum but also the people hundreds of years ago who made the exact vessels I use as reference models,” she added.
Like many other trades’ folk, the potters of the 1800s took on a heavy workload at the expense of their health for the price of enough funds to get by, Hiltz explained, supplying their communities and the world with the vessels that continue to be sold and handed down from generation to generation to enjoy.
“Though the materials, designs and several methods of creating the ceramics have changed, the work has continued,” said Hiltz, noting there are various types of ceramists and potters still working in studios around the world on a small and large scale.
She added, “People are intrigued with trade work in the arts, just as I was when I saw my future mentor working in the pottery shop back in 2018. Now, due to rapid progress in industrial work, handcrafted items no longer are required to supply the population.”
Hiltz explained that “functional, handmade ceramics now are appreciated as an art piece in addition to a frequently used, welcomed addition to the household.
“It (pottery) can evolve as an artform while still honouring the traditional work of potters centuries ago.”
Master printer Patty Lou MacGrath is in her 36th season at the museum.
“Time truly does stand still here, it keeps a person grounded. It makes me appreciate the conveniences of today, while doing a trade that died out many years ago,” she said.
MacGrath operates an 1895 printing press, composes the type and operates a 150-year-old paper-cutter.
“I was trained by the previous artisans, and also have learned a number of things from the many visitors from all over the world that have knowledge of the trade. Years ago, it was a seven-year apprenticeship starting as early as 12 years old.”
MacGrath added that what’s special about the printer is “that we really do provide a service,” doing custom orders, including wedding invitations, business cards, tickets and posters.
“We are really working, producing printed items for the public and the museum. [It’s] a truly special place to work.”
Jack said the artisans continue to ensure that the ‘lost trades’ are not lost at Sherbrooke Village with mentoring and apprenticeship.
“They pass on their skills and knowledge to others and share the passion they have for their work,” she added.
Langille invited people to visit Sherbrooke Village to experience these trades.
We’ve got lots to share about the history of the 1860s here in Sherbrooke, and the forgotten trades that we’ve kept going throughout the years.”