The WRAP on the May Workshop

From one participant: 

"Thanks for the Workshop. It really was a terrific way to spend a weekend, whether I ever stack another stone or not."

Special thanks to the following for their support: 

Workshop sponsor: The Works, Richard French, owner

Site setup: TJ Mora

Workshop steward: Brittny Tyler

Workshop instructors: Jared Flynn, Andrew Pighills, Brian Post

Dutton Farm House hospitality: Landmark Trust USA, Scott Farm

And thanks to all the participants for believing in historic preservation of dry stone walls. 

Throughstones go onto the wall.

Day Two: May Workshop

Rainy day, all day, but spirits were up. 25 more feet completed on this 900 foot wall. Today, the crew increased by one: Brittny Tyler, the first female to be certified in North America. Thanks to all for a strong workshop! Thanks to Jared, Andrew, and Brian for leading the charge!

It's all about cooperation.

Measuring throughstones.

The crew.

Day One: May Workshop

This morning, 12 inquisitive walling enthusiasts, two instructors, and one walling steward arrived at the Dutton Farm House on Dutton Farm Road in Dummerston, VT to begin a two-day workshop on dry stone walling. Participants, like Dan Mercer and Keith Stone, came form as far away as Philadelphia and Portland, Maine. Perfect, cool weather, as the cloud ceiling lowered slowly. Mt. Monadnock appeared and disappeared throughout the day.

Watch for Day Two.

This weekend's restoration project is made possible by the Scott Farm. And we are grateful for the sponsoring support of The Works, on Main Street in Brattleboro.

Wantastiquet Mountain, near Brattleboro, in the distance.
This portion of the wall was completed at the Fall 2010 Workshop.

Laying the foundation.

Coursework.

Down the line, nearly ready for throughstones.

April 30 Test Day photos

Level I wall, completed.

Satisfied waller. One of eight.

First, you take the wall down.

Then, you built it back up.

In The Center, after exams are completed.

Photo credits: Peter Welch and Dan Snow. Thanks!

Test Day, April 30

The Stone Trust just hosted its Spring 2011 Test Day last Saturday, April 30. Eight dry stone wallers took timed tests in hopes of gaining certifications for Level I or II. Successful test takers demonstrate mastery of standards developed by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. Wallers came from around New England and as far away as Maryland and North Carolina!

Test Day examinations were conducted by Master Craftsmen Dan Snow and Michael Weitzner. Each has earned the highest level certification from DSWA Great Britain.

To learn a bit more about the Certification Plan offered by The Stone Trust, visit www.thestonetrust.org/certification.html. From there, you can slip to other pages.