Chairmaker

[@kevinbaker9909]

Proud to call this man my Great Grandpa! Brings back so many memories

[@bobbyalley5192]

I would love to have one of his chairs. I bet you are proud he seems like a great person.

[@shamiemcguire1588]

Well kevin, you must be so proud. What a brilliant man 👌🙏❤️🇨🇮

[@Charlie-h7x]

Pride in a craft and hard work. I admire men like this, they where special.

[@rusko123]

Awesome to see. wish I could see vid of my great grandad. I can just remember him.

[@gerrymcguire7521]

The chairs must be worth a fortune now!

[@discoveryman59]

Many millionaires out there that never did a hard days work in their lives, this man sells wonderful functional works of art for just enough to get by, yet he's twenty time richer than any millionaire.

[@johndoe1765]

That's a beautiful thing said of this man the observation of a simple life and the balance of give and take.

[@DougJohnson-om3uw]

He’s not just getting by on $25 a day

[@bobondess9168]

That was 1975. Minimum wage was $1.25 an hour.

[@unitedstatesdale]

1.35​@@bobondess9168

[@kat6206]

They definately have. Try making a million.

[@johnbrooks2270]

The sparkle in that old man's eye when he laughs is so awesome

[@adamd3955]

I bet this old boy would crack your knuckles when he shook your hand and could sharpen a knife like nobody you’ve ever seen. Salt of the earth for sure. Praise God for the old timers.

[@sammylacks4937]

My Granddaddy was chief of police in a tiny burg of a town along the Green R in KY. I'm sure they couldn't afford many officers 60 + years ago , maybe one or two on the weekends. I think about him doing his job and he told me a few stories from back in the day. He could crack knuckles and skulls too if necessary.

[@smartysmarty1714]

Around 1984, I was about 22 years old and was a force to be reconned with. I was in the gym pumping iron every day. At that time, I had a great uncle who had spent many years working in a foundry called AO Smith in Milwaukee for most of his adult life, at least as far as I know. Well, he stopped by one day and we had an arm wrestling match. The 22 year old vs the 82 year old. I did beat him, but it took everything I had and the match lasted quite a few minutes. Now, I'm in my early 60's and I think twice before grabbing a gallon of milk the wrong way to pick it up. Deterioration happened slowly at first, and then rapidly. I fully believe this is because of the garbage food, water, and even air we have to breathe these days, but whatever the reasons are I can definitively say "they don't build them like they used to". These old timers were the last of a generation, much like the chestnut tree, probably never to return. I really enjoyed watching this guy as he explained his passion for us. He was a true national treasure, and he never even knew it!

[@Fiendishfool]

If you pay attention too he hits his axe blows perfect like clockwork, at the age most can't even move.

[@kensebastian9372]

I noticed every time he swung that axe he made it count. A true woodsman. Much respect.

[@merlinsatrom6678]

Same with his hammer blows

[@clarencegreen3071]

I got some good experience with a double-bitted axe when I was 14 yrs old back in 1958. I was helping my dad cut timber for lumber to build a new tobacco barn. Such an axe could inflict a serious wound if you were not careful, especially when working in brush and limbs and on slick ground. The only instruction my dad gave me was "Have some sense when you swing that axe." He didn't waste a lot of words but he got his point across.

[@Camcodrummer]

His down stroke accelerates and boom!! At 79 , very impressive!!

[@chrisw422]

Double Bit Axe also, that tool can be dangerous, the fella never missed with how he used the tool .

[@allenelswick6961]

Thats the way we swung axes iy didn't take long to even saw down a big tree. Using and axe we never notched a cut.

[@chrisanderson9157]

This man's work ethic puts most of us to shame.

[@davidjones8070]

I’m 61 and this old man reminds me of my grandpa. Strong as could be and more out of nothing. Kept a smile on his face and could put a 30 year to shame. Unfortunately you’re witnessing a gone era . I work in my garage in my neighborhood with woodworking and other projects…not a damn on of my neighbors owns a hammer or even knows how to use one. I only trust a man that works with his hands. This should get 10 million views but it’s only important to a small group of people. Thanks for sharing this it warmed my heart.

[@smolboyi]

I am almost 30 years and I learned a lot from this video. I want to be more or less just like this legendary man here.

[@sheisgreat123]

I'm 61 also and my grandpa was awesome just like this guy. Great workmanship, no measuring tape, no jigsaw, no glue, only a hammer, chisel.

[@cinder7183]

True words

[@davebryant8050]

It doesn't take much to put most 30 year olds to shame now though.

[@pinballrobbie]

Now days people look down on people who work with their hands

[@OcotilloTom]

I'm 78 and was born and raised in Louisiana. When I was a kid there were many men like Mr. Dewey, my grandpa being one of them. They have all gone now. Thanks for the trip back to my childhood. El Mirage, Arizona

[@deadpresident78]

Im sorry you live in El Mirage now. 4.2 square miles of nothing much but Waddel rd. lol

[@vanwelty8704]

Grew up in Suprise, in the original mile. 😊,streets were dirt,gravle.

[@terrysullivan1992]

spent several years learning to make these types of chairs. first one was from fresh green white oak logs and hand tools. later,more complex ones, we could use power tools. wonderful experience and people.

[@jackcurran1122]

Taking down a tree with a double bit axe, you aren’t going to see that on film much and dragged the log by hand!!!

[@TT-kg3li]

No glasses. No hearing aid. No WRINKLES! No stopping to rest - ever. No instructions. Amazing!

[@Rafabenitez01]

I’m in England and I notice this chap can work and make sensible conversation at the same time - neither of which Joe Biden can do .

[@MikeAG333]

@@spunas1 Grow up.

[@claymack1109]

​@@Rafabenitez01yeah you aint kiddin on that

[@claymack1109]

Thats how they grew up back in those days. The folks that grew up and made a life in the mountains they didnt even know about the great depression. They made everything, from furniture to musical instruments

[@amplituhedron5582]

No teeth

[@MrJoker-]

Honest hard working man, these are the type of men that made America, thank you for telling their stories, GOD bless!

[@johnrose3019]

I would trust that man with my wallet all day long and never have a worry. Thank you

[@jamessefton3680]

My Grandpa was 20 years old when the depression hit and he told me once that he would chew on a piece of leather to keep from getting hungry- he and my Grandma were 2 of the best people 👍

[@bigrich6750]

Wow! Back when chairs were made of wood and men were made of steel.

[@allenelswick6961]

Back in the 50's and 60's here in Appalachia all of our chairs and kitchen table was home made. People every where had rockers and porch swings made the same way. By the middle 70's all that had died out. The bottoms and back come from smooth bark hicokry tree's. In the spring time when the sap was flowing you would go in the mountains and find a hickory tree and at the bottom of that tree you would notch how wide you wanted that bark and standing on the ground you would pull that bark and strip all the way up the tree and then you would coil up each bark strip to dry. Latter when you had your chairs or rocker made you would get the coils of bark and put them in hot water to soften them back up again so the bark would not break or crack on you and you could work the bark in on the bottoms and backs and when that bark wood dried it drawed all of it real tight. I am glad i was born at a time where i learned all the valuable woods that had a good use.

[@tamahudson6186]

So true!!

[@augustwest8559]

This is folk art in its truest sense. The highest form of art because it shows no egotism. Unlike today’s content creators.

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

I'm only 56 but kids look at me when I say I worked in building houses and doing concrete work at $ 4 an hour at 18 or for $2 cleaning ditch at 12 years old like I looked at people his age for working for 50 cents a day and said wow. My Dad would be 105 years old so I was lucky to learn from and work for Men and Women of that time. They taught me the life skills that helped me earn a living. Sometimes they didn't have money but feed me and gave me from there vegetable garden or took me fishing. I was plenty happy with that. I get teary eyes thinking about them being past away. They would look at his work and say that's a fine chair.

[@kathyboyers4341]

I was born in 1949. When I was 14 or 15 years old (don't remember for certain) I picked apples for 25 cents a bushel. If I worked fast I could make $1.00 an hour. That' how I saved up money for my first car. That and washing dishes at a root beer place. I made 90 cents an hour there. I don't know of many young kids now days that would do that kind of work. I don't know any men like Mr. Thompson either. Would have been honered to have known him. Bob.

[@thymii]

@kathyboyers4341 I must respect the hussle, but just one question: Have either of you accounted for inflasion on your wages from back then? And housing prices let alone a functional car nowadays costing way more than they're worth. I'm just sayin that the money you earned wasn't as little as it seems in comparison to current value of dollars.

[@mtman2]

A very fine man who's excellently hand crafted chairs if cared for are still with us today 49yrs later...! It was an honor to see a glimpse of his life...!

[@kevinbaker9909]

Rest assured, a handful of his chairs are still kept in the family 👍

[@richardteale3217]

A proper man doing proper,beautiful work.

[@jonb8918]

A work of art and craftmanship. Those chairs will out last anything made now a days

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Not only do they last but are easy for the people that make them te repair. Strong and simple like the life of their maker

[@napadave58]

Except disposable plastic bottles. And Keith Richards.

[@scottmorton5379]

One of a kind, never seen him miss his mark, with hammer or axe. Hero material.

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

I work for an old Rancher that lived to be 94. He was in his early 80's at the time. He saw me miss my mark and hit my thumb and said that will learn you not to do that again. He thought it was pretty funny. It made me laugh and forget how much it hurt.

[@ricktaylor5744]

The salt of the earth. A fine old man.

[@figgy144]

A modest man and craftsman at peace with the world and himself

[@dekalbes335]

I made chairs for 20 yrs.out of my small shop . This gentleman has my deepest respect.

[@billj4137]

Any clue what type of tree he cut down to use?

[@paulkramer4176]

@@billj4137 good question. I'm not sure, but sort of looked like Hickory... (by the leaf)

[@RAIN-AGAIN]

@@billj4137 Excellent question ❗️ I was curious too… so I googled it of course… lol There’s a guy….. his name was Gabriel Janka; ( from Austria ) he lived from 1864 to 1932. This researcher came up with a way to measure the “hardness” of wood. His scale is still used today. It starts at 0 and goes to 4000. As a example: Cherry Wood has a hardness factor of 995. Black Walnut 1,010 English Oak 1,120 Red Oak 1,290 Ash 1,320 Bamboo 1,380 Rosewood 1,780 Mesquite 2,345 Ebony 3,220 Ect……… Hickory wood and Pecan wood has a hardness of 1820 ❗️ People loved using it back in the day to make handles, wagon wheels,flooring ect because of its density, hardness and toughness that can’t be found in “ANY” other species of wood ❗️ ( couldn’t split, gauge, or even scratch easily .) A unique feature of Hickory is its bending capability. It has a 20,000 pound per square inch bending ability! And … it’s ability to absorb shock is LEGENDARY ❗️ Hickory can last and last as a piece of furniture because it is almost indestructible ❗️ ( it’s graining is “straight “making it dense-ness rare.) It makes meat taste better when barbecuing too… that old man used the shavings to get the fire going….. nothing like the smell of Hickory or mesquite for taste ❗️ It is a “ very expensive”wood to buy because of its availability and it’s so hard, it dulls and blunts all the tools usd to cut and shape it. He could have charged 10 times the amount because of the lack of material availability…..and…. you had to sharpen your tools CONSTANTLY ‼️ And…. of how hard that wood is to cut and shape ❗️ Well……… I’ll be 68 in September. Don’t drink or smoke… but I’m not against either. They both have their place in moderation ( weed that is👀) A cold beer ain’t a bad thing….. 🍺👍🏾 I just don’t like to get sleepy …. …. Lol so I stay away from it….. tea or coffee….. now that’s my speed! Hope to live to be over 100❗️….. that’s the goal anyway….. lol I compose Jazz music and love building things. Nothing more satisfying than writing a beautiful ballad ❗️ This old timer just warmed my heart ❗️ I live alone too…. and that’s good to get a lot done…….. ( I’m a writer and inventor as well) Like to keep busy landscaping around my house too. but, ……. I wish that kind old man had a woman there to keep him company…….. not good for a man to be alone all the time….. a least he had his cat to keep him company…….. I’m gonna keep my eyes open for a good woman who laughs at my corny jokes….. and is “NO” stranger to the kitchen stove….. yep… she’s gotta know how to cook ❗️…. lol Well….. wish I could have met this man…… he and I would have easily been …. GOOD FRIENDS! Well, I’m headed to Home Depot to get some sod and white stones for the backyard. Remember to eat right, stay healthy…. And get your rest….. and SAY YOUR PRAYERS .. lol God bless you sir, Take care Bill.🕯

[@glennwilck5459]

​@@paulkramer4176hickory 100%

[@turbodog99]

@@billj4137typically hickory… not all trees have usable bark layer. That’s what I use when I make chairs like this.

[@SuperKwame1]

The joy of making things, is priceless. That is why he is still alive!

[@ThomasMitchell-kr8yy]

Is he really what’s his age today

[@davebryant8050]

@@ThomasMitchell-kr8yy He was 80 in 1975 so I'm thinking he didn't get to start over like he planned.

[@vanmitchellsr.5735]

I am 77 years old and this is the way I spent my youth! Vietnam war called me out of that lifestyle at 18! I would never take anything for my roots! 🙏👍

[@patrickbass3542]

The language is unique!! The old man is an American icon!!! Thanks for recording this!!!!!

[@davebryant8050]

Not if you grew up in the mountains. He was just another man living his best life.

[@LR-jk2jk]

The best of humanity in a single video.

[@stevestucks7341]

Folks this is what is referred to when you hear people talk about real man. Enjoyed this video

[@scontzthompsonmusic9196]

I’m 77 - can relate - respect to this hard working God lovin man! Also like to give a shout out to the videographer, edit choices, sound, so forth. You let us enjoy this gentleman working his trade, telling his story without interviewing getting in the way - good choice, good workmanship yourselves - kudos! 👍🏻

[@1234554321ep67890]

What a great story! That generation knew a hard days work and took pride in their work. It's sad to see them leave us.

[@thomaspepper2201]

The difference then was, not about money and stuff, just to be happy with family, friends and enjoy life with just the right amount of money to make things go. Knowing you were in charge of your happyness and money needs. Then when you needed money you worked hard and that was an excepted process to living long. Enjoyed the film

[@beyondmiddleagedman7240]

I am the second generation off the land and in the city. I couldn't live that lifestyle myself, but I sure understand and appreciate it. I used to spend my summers back home with the old folks. They've all passed on. I surely miss them and their insights.

[@davebryant8050]

At the rate the country is declining you might want to get in touch with your roots. Hard times are coming and the only people that will be able to take care of themselves will be the folks like this gentleman. There won't be any govt. checks and free stuff when the country falls.

[@rastapete100]

@@davebryant8050 The country is not failing. We are doing fine.

[@joyceedhammerschmith6051]

I am79 years old and love his work ethic and simple life. Great documentary.

[@dcdanger6151]

$25=$150 in 2024 Amish want $800 for thier rockers, old guy was treating people right back then

[@rizzbot7613]

this kind of work ethic is unheard of these days

[@dogdjinn]

if people could afford a house carving chairs today, they would be doing it fervorously

[@davebryant8050]

@@nowadayswithandy You would if you had to eat and keep warm in the winter. People are just soft and spoiled now.

[@jakoborzelli9082]

This man is who the youth today needs

[@robertqueberg4612]

Today's kids, would likely say he was crazy to work that hard. They would tell him to go to college, and make some real money. Dewey IS making the real money. The kind that makes a person happy and content at bed time. I was lucky enough to live on my great grandparents farm. Granndpa and Grandma lived in the 1840's farm house. Mom, Dad, and my brother lived in a converted carpenter's shop. over a two car garage. There was also Archie Bailey the hired farm hand, and Sheppy the farm dog. Archie was a third Grandpa to John and I, We lived a lot like the Waltons, but without the mountain. I learned so many things from the family, and a few older neighbors in the area. I am seventy-six now, and have been happily married to my "first wife" for fifty-two years. We sold the new home that we built after we got married. We sold that home recently, and moved back into the original farm house, to finish our time on this Earth. Sadly few of today's kids get to meet their grsndparents, much less live thirty feet from the back doors. That continuity of spirit, and family history make a glue that sticks people together into a family that gets ever stronger and more knowledgeable. Grandpa taught me many things in the twenty-four years that we shared in this old house, with talking with Grandpa and Grandma,about their earlier days. The most important lesson the I learned about being a grown-up, was that "You can go to Hell for lying, the same as stealing."

[@maxhammontree3169]

They wouldn’t understand a bit of it!

[@davebryant8050]

@@maxhammontree3169 They would after nobody showed back up to "recue" them for a couple of years,

[@Jimbo-t2h]

A true gentleman and fine craftsman.

[@andrewhodgson8753]

He is putting real power into those axe and maul strokes.

[@TrickyVickey]

Actually he is letting the weight of the AX do the work as he is skillfully guiding it. This is the secret to using any tool you swing. A hammer for instance is properly used by allowing the weight of the hammer to do the work. We guide it and increase the force by changing the distance and speed of the swing.

[@vermontkm1490]

He reminds of my grandfather; his lean body, country accent, and slow way of talking. I had a recording of Pa talking about his experience in WWI and my kids asked me if that was really how he talked. He was a man of few words and only spoke when he had something to say. This video makes me miss him.

[@andriesmaritz2055]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! unbelievable what this man/grandpa does. Thanks, I am 81 myself and he is brilliant to create all of this out of a tree trunk he fell himself. Kind regards and may you live pass 100. From New Zealand. June 2024.

[@FischerRestoration]

Whenever I come across one of these hand crafted chairs or rockers I always give them the respect that they deserve. 40 years plus repairing antique furniture and I have seen many

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Good on you. Keep up keeping the good old ways alive.

[@adamguinnmusic5871]

All these woodworking channels make it seem like you can build a chair without a lathe. Yet this ol' boy is doing just that. Zen

[@paulkramer4176]

definitely you can build one without a lathe. I've got a couple lathes, and made a few chairs, yet never on a lathe. Draw knife is much faster. But there are lots of types of chairs.

[@blueblur6447]

You can build a chair with a draw knife, hatchet, saw brace, bits, and a adze... Mankind over complicates and forgets

[@billchisholm7334]

I'm 71 and started working at 15 yrs old on $10.00 take home for a 40 hour week at a plant nursery. Loved every minute of it.

[@zerkfitting]

I'd be proud to own one of his rockin chairs.

[@LarryMeyer-wy6jt]

It does my heart good to listen to him talk and watch him go about the process of gathering his chair making supplies, and using what Mother Nature provides for him in her lumber yard.😊😅

[@aaronwarner2762]

All I could think of again and again was the saying, "old man strong"! Dude swinging an axe like nobody's business... and a large double bit axe at that. Goes to show, if you can keep moving, you keep living. Would love to have apprenticed with him earlier in my life.

[@noextrafood]

This man had parents that never fed him McDonald's. Remember that when you get your kids a happy meal

[@kevinstang4181]

It brings joy to see a man happy working. He sets a fine example that a person doesn't need to be rich in possessions to be rich. would have love to met him. Thanks for this video

[@davidjohnson2994]

Me too! That would of been a lot of fun talking to him!!!

[@NeilEnvySA]

No Complaining or Nagging. Just Happy to be Himself and Loving Life ❤ Anyone can Learn a Lot from this Gentleman. I'm sure He has seen it all and must have had a Hard Life. GREAT Man. Really.

[@normsweet1710]

Thinking about this Man here building a chair, to sit down in after he’s done a days work. Whether the chair gets done or not, I’m much abliged for the folks who put this story together, the camera man, the sound man ……. Let’s not forget the folks who heard or seen this fella first, thanks for sharing

[@mikeriley4622]

Watching a master at work, it doesn't get better than this!

[@kimcheeeepo]

My grandfather was a glass blower. These guys were tough as nails work all day at their trade and the work the farm. My Grandmother and him had 17 children. Their parents before them had 21 children, amazing people.

[@chrispokorney6801]

Thanks for uploading this. I really enjoyed watching this craftsman doing what he loves to do. And all with just a few tools.

[@appalshop]

Glad you enjoyed it! --Rachel

[@davidschewe100]

I show two movies to my 9th grade class every year . This and Castaway. Dewey Thompson always make a positive impression on them. The films creators did a great job of editing this down to the simple truth of what this funny old coot did and it's brillant.

[@mike.chambers3605]

Thanks for making this video... day in the life of a man with purpose.😮

[@steveparker8723]

I feel better now after watching him work. Very calming.

[@cherrypicker8897]

Not many people can swing an axe or a big hammer now like that Dewey Thompson. That skill comes from many years of doing it.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic! He's pretty strong and moveable for a 80 year old man. Tough as hell. Just like his wonderful chairs. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health in particular.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

Thank you, it reminds me of my own grandfather! I would sit around and watch him make chairs and tables the same way. The only difference between this man and my grandfather was the German accent!

[@colinmayes9446]

It was a real pleasure to watch this gentle man, thank you.

[@karolskakes388]

What a Gem - I will see his smile for many days as think about this story!!

[@jamesframe1024]

My grandpa made all his chairs and tables himself, wove the chair seats with rope and bark. Im 77 years old and have one of his wonderful chairs, it is priceless to me. I am still amazed at his skill. He also re soled the family shoes. It is a shame that such wonders are all but gone. Thank you for such an awesome peek at such a wonderful period of our history and such a wonderful craftsman!!

[@raymondmendoza2428]

Master wood worker. He is one of a kind. Gods Blessing to him🙏

[@12thsonofisrael]

God bless the chair makers. My Great Grandfather was a chair maker, this video makes me feel like I just visited him. ❣

[@marionripko1502]

I would pay him $200 for a rocker , gladly. And he's still losing money. You can't pay enough for his time and talent. ❤❤❤❤DRB

[@SamCyanide]

Would you pay him $10,000 for a rocker? Because with inflation $200 is $1,300.

[@mangopog9814]

Thing is he didn’t think of making so much money, he made chairs to sell to other poor people just like him, to him it was a joy to provide others with a little comfort he could make at a price they could afford. People like him don’t exist today.

[@pbettselectric134]

I was thinking the same thing. That chair gotta be worth h hundreds of dollars because it’s hand made!

[@larryolsen4422]

Love to spend about 6 months with Him.😊

[@charlyshay1013]

I loved the part where he hollered "He-ey!" to the car passing by. I bet that's a common courtesy in the hollers 😄

[@kevinumhey5939]

My grandfather was born in 1889 and was a cook in WW1 , he was a quiet man but I wish I had his knowledge . He could graft a pear branch to an apple tree and it would grow . I miss you Gramp !

[@Twistedredlab]

I just lost my grandpa on June 13/24 he was 88, I learned so much from that man about so many different things, he grew up in the middle of nowhere in nova soctia canada. I miss him immensely!

[@SK-qc6fb]

I could watch this man all day long, and just be in awe!

[@FIL357]

Wonderful craft skill honed over many years. A modest, self effacing and gently witty man. A ‘gem’ in the valley. Thank you. Phil, Suffolk U.k. 🇬🇧

[@0ptimal]

Look at this guy! 80+ yrs old and working like he's 20, holy cow. And a ninja w that axe accuracy

[@fatroberto3012]

What an amazing old guy. He must have been stronger at 79 than most men are at 39. Not just strong, skillful as well. Making a rocking chair that holds together without glue takes real talent.

[@paddyharte4677]

That was a pleasure to watch , I imagined myself being there with him to to see the technique used and gain knowledge. I too would be proud if he was my grandad. What a beautiful piece of furniture he made. Well done sir. From one woodworker to another

[@appalshop]

Thank you for watching! - Aaron

[@robertjwilliams3532]

1975 - - - I expect there are no more people like this man. not even back in the mountains like this that are left in KY TN VA. Let alone a person making a living this way.

[@davidlj53]

Reminds me of my grandpa, he made oat baskets with just a draw knife and his pocket knife. Folks would come to his farm to buyum fast as he could makum. This man knows how to work.

[@paulmaryon9088]

Wow! What a wonderful video/film, thank you so much for sharing, and what a fantastic guy was auld Dewey, as a furniture restorer here in the UK I can only marvel at the skill of this fella, thanks again for posting this, take care out there and be lucky everyone

[@appalshop]

Thank you for watching! - Aaron

[@transistor754]

Thank you! and I love the understanding of the commenters. One of the richest men on earth... in harmony with his food, his wood, his alcohol, and his life. He had children and they went their way at the right time too. His rooster and the woods are part of his harmony. As an Urban Captive I yearn for his Zen.

[@timthompson1940]

Hunterstown PA . was a center for these types of chairs since before the civil war. As kids we all set on little Hunterstown rockers. Still some of them around.

[@jamesdeason4930]

Dewey, I like rocking chairs, I have two that I got in Georga a few years ago. I sure would like to own one of yours. I live in Germany now and like you I will stop working when I reach the age of can't no more. Work is the key to Life! Take care and keep on!

[@thomasinlondon2849]

This is pure gold. It’s a shame that this type of social history is rapidly being lost.

[@ghjytffjkk]

what an honor to get to see into the life of this fine craftsman… what a beautiful soul

[@alan.schertz]

Thank you for sharing this content. Thank you Dewey, Thank you Rick. Keep on rocking Dewey even on that other side….

[@knivesloveliberty9329]

This man is/was a gem. My great grandfather was a master craftsman. He made things with simple hand tools that today’s turds need a 100000 dollars worth of computerized tools to make. How far we have fallen from men like this? Makes my heart ache. Hard times are a coming. Maybe we’ll be forced back to the old ways of if you need something you are going to have learn to make it yourself.

[@thomaswayneward]

If we were forced back to the old ways, we would all be living in poverty, instead of living in the most productive area on earth. Why do you think hard times are coming? The whole earth is moving forward and becoming more productive every year. People in Africa are getting out of poverty, people in China are getting out of poverty, that is a good thing. I never heard an any one saying "master craftsman", until the last few years, that is a yuppie term.

[@cristhianramirez6939]

@@thomaswayneward Beccause they are dead

[@kidplayinginthemud9284]

When I was younger , my dad had me helping him on his tree business. I grew up in the woods but not the deep woods. This gentleman work was a labor of love. Anybody paying less than five bucks for a chair , was ripping this gentleman off. His skills were worth a lot more than he was paid. Hopefully he had a grand child to pass his skills down. Reminds me of my great grand dad.too.

[@LizMcNamara47]

I’d buy one of these chairs in a heartbeat! What a skilled man👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@davem4423]

WOW !! almost 80 years old , still cutting trees by hand AND making it look easy, dragging them home, breaking them down, all with hand tools . No secret to his longevity, its decades of pure hard graft , PROPER graft not modern ideas of it , i wonder what happened to this fella, im truly humbled by his work ethic & easy going nature. I bet hes a great grandad to have . The likes of him are never to be seen again in our modern self centred material word............❤

[@johncaballero8013]

Amazing and skilled craftsman of handmade furniture.

[@QletTV]

I'm glad that in my area some people still speak like this but they are getting older and passing away.

[@maggielynam5141]

What a man I could watch him all day wish yong men were half the man they were years ago God bless him 💚🙏

[@gregwright9797]

My grandfather, Everett D. Owen, made chairs similar to the one made by Mr. Thompson. Grandpa Owen lived in Jasonville, Indiana.

[@very5ick112]

i remember him

[@kevinbaker9909]

I'm sure he was an amazing craftsman as well. Keep his work and memory alive brother.

[@osu122975]

Love this. I built a couple Jenny chairs using wet lumber. Its an interesting process most people don't understand how those chairs stay together without glue.

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

I loved this video, grew around such good and knowledgeable folks and every one of them were my teachers in life! This part of our country must be preserved, from them comes such knowledge no college can teach, especially today! Would love to see more such videos!

[@johnduffy6546]

Real skills and real work ethics...Makes me smile!

[@FDXman65]

You’re a better man than me sir. God bless you. I wish you were alive today. I would pay you a BUNCH to have a chair from you. They don’t make them like you anymore

[@glennwilck5459]

Thankyou fir this! He has my depest respect! What a man the way he worked at such an age is awe inspiring.i only hope i can make a chair like this when im his age! Bless his soul.

[@ariadams3290]

79 years old and can swing an axe like that? That's the sign of a hard worker; a real mountain man - the kind of man who helped to build this country and make it strong... My grandfather was a lumberjack in the 1920s; became a carpenter later on. I miss what America used to be...

[@aest9539]

Fantastic, how lucky we are that back in 1975 someone had the foresight to film this before it was lost for ever. Pretty good chairs to boot❤

[@jimeboyd3226]

I use to hand make river cane bottom and back rockers . I’m 82 and I often wonder if, I’d went back making rockers 25 years ago if anybody would have bought them

[@ervinwengerd4730]

Watching this gives me a long lonesome feeling,,, not in a rush,,,not exited or complaining about not being behind on his work,,, no complaints whatsoever,,,, I got a kick out of how he hollered at the passing car,,,then says he,, I don't even know who that is!!😂 Just good hard working,,,my Dad did some hand carving and a lot of other wood work. This was just an awesome video,,,thank you for posting....

[@claymack1109]

I absolutely love watching stuff like this. You learn more from people like him then you would any teacher or college professer. You know that chair will last you forever to then anything out of any furniture store

[@TheAntipedy]

Look at his skin and how healthy he looks for 80. Good hard work and good clean living. LEGEND.

[@JD-kg3mx]

This man authored a great craft. He is both inspirational and admirable to do so much with so little with as much pride and happiness that no riches can match. If I could be as happy, I'd have found my calling in life.

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

I bet that grip would have surprised many arm wrestlers. Much respect - I am humbled by this man. A man's man. A real iron man. What more can I say? Am glad YT recommended this and I am subscribing in the hope of more of the same.

[@appalshop]

We're so glad you found us!

[@apemancommeth8087]

Honest, hardworking and humble! It seems like all the old folks was like that, hard times really made them resilient!

[@patwatson7038]

You are a FABULOUS MAN! WISH more people would be like you.