Last years Woodworking in America Hand Tools & Techniques conference totally caught me off-guard. It was my first conference to work, and I came in with very little expectations , both of how much I would enjoy the conference, and what kind of behind-the-scenes jobs I would be a part of.
My unique role meant that most of my favourite moments occurred outside of conference sessions. Roy Underhill and me were on a pitch black theatre stage, searching desperately for a light switch. Or when Adam Cherubini was compared to an American icon.
But there was one moment I shared with all of the attendees, and one that definitely stays on my mental highlight reel , Roy Underhills keynote address.
Sitting down after a long day of sessions and enjoying the camaraderie with fellow woodworkers made the banquet great, but being present while St. Roy delivered his speech made the evening , for lack of a better word , magical.
I learned about American woodworking in the early days, learned about our forefathers’ history, and laughed out loud at a tale about a snake. If at any point you might have questioned why you attended the conference, this was the reason.
All those who attended the recent Furniture Design and Construction conference in St. Charles (Illinois) were asked what they thought was the most important aspect of their conference experience. One attendee stated that Roy Underhill’s keynote address at Berea was outstanding. But Moser surpassed Roy in a completely different way. We wish you all the best in your efforts to keep it up! !
Roy Underhill will be the keynote speaker for Valley Forge this year. I received an email from me just now, and I believe he’s going to set new standards. From the words of St. Roy:
The keynote will feature the premier performance of a rare radio drama about woodworking from 1937. The story is set in Valley Forge during those darkest days of American Revolution. It tells the thrilling tale of American woodworkers who help George Washington and his men escape from a Hessian prison camp. Directed by Roy Underhill, the program stars your favorite woodworkers performing the various roles and sound effects. Bring your decoder ring!
I cannot wait.
