Carving and Coloring an Antique Victorian Chair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

[@adhc8560]

When one finds a new video by Mr. Johnson, one can do nothing other than hit "Play", sit back, enjoy and declare it Pretty Good. Anyone who thinks these kinds of restorations/repairs are too expensive needs to watch this and see how many hours of intensive, painstaking work goes into just ONE chair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Chairs can soak up a lot of time! There are so many elements to it

[@StonyRC]

LOL - that's not just a repair / restore ... that's a work of art in its own right!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@bubba8]

This man fixes all the wooden parts with confidence and no hesitation. A master craftsman and mentor.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gemgari]

Tom Outstanding! Love watching a true craftsmen work! Gary from NJ 👍❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gibadias1637]

Your dog's face looking at you while working is priceless!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I love it too

[@junebatty5503]

I love your videos. I love how you explain everything in a calm voice. No yelling or stupid giggling. No horrendous music during fast forwarding. I love listening to the sounds of sawing and sanding and most of all the animal clips at beginning and the end. Thank you for such an enjoyable and informative video.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@lizeggar2421]

I do too. Please don"t ever change the way you make your videos.

[@hasnainmolu5189]

Sir, you are truly the best. You are on another level. Lost for words. My best wishes to you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thank you!

[@jacobslichter2693]

These videos offer many lessons applicable beyond the realm of furniture repair. As a writer, I’m reminded that something that looks like a mess can be brought back to life. It requires not only the skill that Tom exhibits, but also the patience, humility, and a graceful self-forgiveness that make his videos so deeply instructive and inviting. Thank you, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate that!

[@carljames9351]

The woodwork and the finishing are two trades and you’re master of both

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Most people don't think of them as separate trades, but of course they are!

[@markharris5771]

Any video that starts with: "Hello, I'm Tom Johnson of 'Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration' in Gorham Maine." and ends with "It looks pretty good." is going to be filled to the brim with phenomenal skills and encyclopaedic knowledge. This one was no exception, and your attention to detail is amazing. The fact that you put endless effort into getting your work as perfect as possible shows your outstanding craftsmanship. My respect and admiration for your work is boundless and I am always in awe of your amazing abilities. However, that respect always goes up a notch when you outsource work to other specialist craftsman that work outside your remit. I know there are several restorers on KZbin that seem to feel they have to do everything, though I think these are extremely competent hobbyist rather than professionals. No offence at all meant to them as their skills certainly surpass mine by some distance. But your work is of a totally different level, and I'm sure you must be one of the top furniture restorers in America. I would say the same about the U.K. if you lived here. The finished chair was stunning, and I wouldn't have been surprised if there wasn’t a tear or two from the owner when it was returned. I’ve noticed before that you use two bandsaws, is this to save spending half the day swapping out blades? Or is there another reason please? Another absolute gem Thomas, thank you very much for bringing thirty minutes four seconds of sheer pleasure into my day.

[@deettekearns9092]

“...in Gorham, Maine.” :0]

[@markharris5771]

Deette Kearns I had a rather unusual form of dyslexia there 😂

[@bxmachine]

Couldn't agree more Mark, i had words i wanted to say about this film but you said it all.

[@markharris5771]

bxmachine Thank you.

[@johndoegta2189]

LOL I always thought he said "Gour-met" with a pause as if it was another little trademark of his like the "looks pretty good" thing!

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

The wildlife is as good as the repair work. Love them both.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@davefoster6156]

The love and care put into a Victorian chair makes this more than simple furniture repair. This is full blown art restoration. I am constantly amazed by the quality and intensity of the work. His endearing “looks pretty good” shows he is the master of understatement. IMHO- this man presents a MASTER CLASS in art renovation and restoration. Well done indeed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Dave! You are too kind!

[@saraha.9149]

Your pup, watching every move you make and listening to every word you say is the sweetest thing ever. Love your videos!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I love that people actually watch them!

[@bradpeters2281]

Truly a skilled woodworker, with all the little cuts and scars on his hands to prove it. I can watch him for hours....and sometimes do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice

[@oftenlucid]

Excellent tip at 19:45 about how to work with epoxy before it cures. That is a real time saver and will add to the over all "finished look" to the piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@gregday5169]

Masterful....A new life for an old piece. " looks pretty good" is a classic understatement.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ddoyle11]

Who else finds watching these videos very therapeutic?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well, I find it very therapeutic that so many people enjoy watching them!

[@patriciafry8634]

Me!

[@justpeachy759]

He takes so much care not to further damage the pieces. Master restorer!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's true - I try to never make the damaged area larger

[@nv1493]

Your lab reminds me of our sweet Bentley, gone 3 years now RIP. He'd be with me in the shop and on the back of the ATV when I checked fences on our property. Great memories.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They just don't live long enough. What great companions!

[@jimzucker]

i'm a simple follower: I see you uploaded a new video and i push the like button before watching it because i know it will end up looking pretty good

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I hope I left a great comment the last time I was watched this. So incredibly talented.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@daleyounts3426]

Beautiful work. So glad the upholsterer could save the needlepoint. A family treasure.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the upholsterer is amazing!

[@yeeeehaaawbuddy]

Here's another video that, in the beginning, seems simple enough, but then you watch and think along with Thomas, finding out that this is a very difficult thing to do. Of course, Thomas makes it turn out great in the end. Thanks for posting!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate you watching and commenting

[@beargaming6200]

Mister Thomas is a true Craftsman, Excellent work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you kindly!

[@wayneshirey6999]

Always look forward to another episode of "Thomas Johnson, Furniture Surgeon." Haven't been disappointed yet. Nice piece, great repairs and fantastic color/finish work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@acas9817]

I'm watching these videos as the world is in some sort of meltdown. So relaxing to watch something restored with care and made beautiful and useful again. Thank you for making these.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gn2932]

I love watching your videos. You are not only a master craftsman, but your video coverage is some of the best on KZbin!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@viscache1]

Another triumph from a basic salvage to your end product of usable furniture is nothing short of a miracle! Good on you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@umpbumpfiz]

Replacing missing bits of curved wooden parts is so impressive, especially when it's complicated with decorative carving. Inspiring work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@marykayryan7891]

It's no wonder it was thought during the medieval period that people who could do the kind a specialized work you do had magical powers. Looks pretty magical to me. Amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think they did!

[@popazz1]

My daily fix of Master Craftsman Tom Johnson's magic. Okay, TWO fixes, I didn't have too many chores today. Victoriana is a favourite era of mine so between your channel and the Farmhouse-Vernacular channel I've pretty much got it covered.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll check out the Farmhouse-Vernacular

[@mbrown2886]

WOW! The client must have been Overwhelmed with how this Chair turned out! Another Perfection Restoration from Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sharon7580]

Wow, your workmanship is superb! The chair will be in the family for generations to come. 🤗❣️🌸👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@zari114]

I love the way your dog pays so much attention when you explain what has to be done!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She's a good girl!

[@ddilink]

Patience and gentleness are absolute requirements for this art. That's why I could never do it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My guess is everybody has patience for something - just not everything. I have no patience for computer problems or jigsaw puzzles!

[@MKHobson]

Your pup is enjoying the masterclass! "If only I had opposable thumbs..."

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She's actually pretty good at untying knots, etc

[@andrewharvey3454]

I think it's more like " who are you talking to? There's no other Humans here"

[@mossmonaco9061]

Love the way the apprenticed pooch is listening so diligently to the lesson from the master maker.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She knows who has the treats!

[@karenzahoruk511]

Sir, you are an artisan and a pleasure to watch. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! That's very nice

[@garymallard4699]

Your dog is intently watching you as you personally explain what your about to do...and only for it to hear... 😄 they are remarkable companions!! 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! So true! (it helps if you treats in your pocket!)

[@garymallard4699]

@@johnsonrestoration does that work with the wife??🤔

[@markduncan6690]

A master for detail!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks again!

[@jimblum5122]

I worked with wood for over 50 years the repairs and the way you match the finish is truly impressive

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@joycecarter4597]

You are not only amazing with your knowledge and skills, you have artistic talents as well! You have done an amazing job yet again! I watched you do that fancy carving work and couldn't believe my eyes! You never cease to amaze me! 😀 💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kodychristian3738]

I guess Im randomly asking but does anyone know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@stevenroman3564]

@Kody Christian Instablaster =)

[@paulerickson1906]

It's amazing how much time can be spent just fixing little broken out pieces of wood and dings. I know this from experience. Been down that road more than once.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And we'll go down it again, and again, and ..........

[@midjetville]

Putting the gouge into the vice and moving the workpiece along it is a great trick. Always learning so much watching your videos, thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sandrasaunders1815]

Love that you include the up close work in video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My favorite shots are the close ups!

[@shelleysolomon2228]

Amazing complex great job. My grandpa made a Victorian oval walnut sofa for my parents wedding day; you’d love it. I’ve kept it in pretty good shape: walnut flowers cherubs, horns....

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You are so lucky to have that!

[@ronwilliams1094]

I could watch these restoration videos all day long!

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks!

[@larryfisher7056]

I'll bet the client is amazed at the change wrought on their heirloom. Great work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MystiqueULH]

I knew a lady in Germany where I grew up who had a store selling notions doing alterations, selling yard and even taking up runs in silk stockings (guess that shows my age) she would save small pieces of thread of unusual colors and also fabrics. Many a times someone came in and had a few stiches that opened on a glove or some other thing and couldn't find the color thread to match. Well this lady was usually able to fix them up. You seem to be the same way with old nails hardware and pieces of wood. I love that about you because I am the same way. Eventually there is a use for the stuff we save. We have become so much of a throw away society that this is really refreshing. Love you work on the chair one can not see where the repairs were done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's a balancing act between being a good re-user and being a hoarder! In order to use old stuff you need to be really organized though. No good to save it if you can't find it!

[@larrysorenson4789]

So easy on video but having done my Great Grandmothers four similar chairs I can testify to the fact that “It ain’t that easy.” And the fabric restoration is the icing on the cake. It’s ready for enjoyment by generations to come. I still think that you should sign and date your work. Larry in beautiful Arizona.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Larry!

[@glencrandall7051]

Very nice repair Thomas. I'm surprised to hear you only had about 12 hours into the project. I would have expected a bit more. Your client must be extremely happy with the result.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They haven't seen it yet - here's hoping!

[@francoisfouche2568]

I still wish I could see some of the reactions when they see their heirloom after the repairs but I understand it is not possibe! Thanks for the video's !!

[@V.Hansen.]

You're a wizard Thomas! The repairs just disappear.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Floyd-Richardson]

Sir i just love your videos.You are a master in restoring antique furniture.Keep giving us more good video's please.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you, I will!

[@laraynekayfes5329]

Every part of this restoration was certainly a challenge. What you & the upholsterer accomplished is truly Marvelous!! (I hope they move it more cautiously from now on)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Lara! Me too!

[@daveweber1331]

I think a lot of us would have looked at that wreck of a chair and decided it had lived a full life, and walked away in regret... But you. my goodness! I cannot believe the lengths you go to, to coax that beautiful work of a long-gone craftsman back into its original luster and glory! Some of those joints were distorted, cracked, split, broken, misshapen beyond reasonable hope of ever getting them back to a semblance of their original shape - to say nothing about their structural integrity! The multiple tack holes tell the story of how many times in the decades gone by, that it has been worked over... But there it is, and with the upholster's careful, masterful hand on the cloth work... It's a thing of old world beauty, once again! Amazing, utterly amazing, to me. Like others have already said, your touch with the color matching, knowing just what can, bottle, or rag to reach for to persuade that fresh new, foreign fragment of walnut to cozy up to it's rich old counter-part... That's artistic sorcery, that's all I can say! Years of experience expressed in such quiet confidence that somebody like me is left to lie down, curl up in a fetal position, and rethink one's "delusions of grandeur" from the ground up! Thanks for sharing! It'll keep me humble for at least a day! :-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments, and for watching!

[@ivyloi914]

You're very patient person, I don't mind how long of your video, I will watch till the end,.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Great! Thank you!

[@dirkg7062]

Beautiful repair work. Hard to believe you can do these projects so quickly.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

Great video. I loved the repair to the missing chunk of wood on the chair back. I am convinced that Tom could take a cardboard box and turn it into a piece of fine furniture.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! People do make furniture out of cardboard!

[@rob656]

You amaze me. You are an old world craftsman. Such fine attention to detail.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@henningdannenbrink2612]

Ich will hoffen das es jemanden gibt der diesen Mann beerben kann denn sowas kann man nicht lernen das Gefühl für Farbe und Form das finde ich unglaublich ich bin Total Begeistert.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Danke schön! Das ist sehr nett! Ich schätze es

[@rick91443]

I agree with Mr. Harris(below). Opened the window this morning on my way up to get changed and begin morning feedings of horses, chickens, etc; will watch it later, says I. Next thing, our aging Lab is reminding me, we need to get going, and I was 12 mins into the video....Always great watching...cheers...rr Normandy, Fra.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I want to visit Normandy!

[@pgrieco56]

hi tom...this is penny from upstate ny. about 6 months ago i bought an eastlake book case secretary desk off of craigs list. it was not in the best of shape.the drop down front was split and just attached by a thread. i was told that it is mahogany. well, i stripped it right down and refinished it. because of your videos, i was able to fix the drop down front. it's not quite done. i have to redo the shelves on the bottom and put them back in. it's a gorgeous piece of furniture. i just want to thank you for what you do. i didn't know how to repair it until i saw you repair so many things and i thought "i can do that!" and i did! :::)))

[@johnsonrestoration]

Hi Penny! I am so happy that I was able to help you get started! Thanks for watching!

[@pgrieco56]

i love your channel..please never stop what you do!@@johnsonrestoration

[@marciofilho9156]

What a meticulous work!!!! My favorite one so far :D BRAVO!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yay, thank you!

[@gingerburden3356]

That, sir, is craftsmanship!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jodyshepard9482]

All that wonderful carving-repair....wow!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kittonsmitton]

Another stella result from the workshops of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration! Love these master classes! Thank You Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@kittonsmitton]

@@johnsonrestoration Always a pleasure when I see your latest post it makes my day better and brighter! Regards

[@HM-pu9zc]

Simply masterful restoration. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@jimdee5003]

Exceptional carving and color matching. Beautiful chair

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@mickyjb2003]

Hi Thomas, I have watched quite a few of your restoration videos and learnt a lot. This one was outstanding work that finally put back a beautiful chair to its deserved position.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@JamesPollMaine59]

The customer must have truly loved the sentimental value of this chair to invest in restoration way beyond the value. I just am in awe with how you repaired this finicky chair. I have never seen a more beautiful repair.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Sentimental attachments are indeed strong!

[@Handleyman]

One word......amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@collettedobrocke5585]

What a great repair..the upholster turned out beautifully..

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think so too! Thanks!

[@zaygezunt]

"This is a balloon back chair from the 1880s" Tom's dog: Yep, I knew that PS Another wonderful restoration, your videos are always a pleasure to watch, thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@olgapaulus7299]

Can't tell it was ever broken. Awsome work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ddilink]

Beautiful job. I'm mesmerized by the skill it takes to do this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffreyrua3946]

Mind-boggling craftsmanship and skills in every aspect from carving to finishing. Incredible.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@VintageTexas59]

You are a skilled craftsman, this repair and final result shows your knowledge & patience with each step.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@mikebarnett9475]

Beautifully done Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@tadams7447]

Impressive. Truly a master craftsman.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@TomLaios]

Outstanding work Tom.My favourite video so far.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thanks

[@jeanine6492]

More great artistry and tips and techniques to try and emulate. Thank you and keep the videos coming please as they are not only packed with information but are so entertaining and calming to watch!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@carolmccorry3053]

Wow that was a fiddly job, you must have the patience of a saint. Awesome result

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@AJsWargaming]

Always harder to fix other people's poor work. Making chicken soup out of chicken feet comes to mind. Masterful work by you and your upholsterer. Saved an old wreck from the fire pile and made it an heirloom again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@shawnpower6206]

Wow! You really are a master craftsman! Love watching you work. Thanks for sharing your incredible skills with us. Just speechless!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@danielcohn-bendit701]

This is probably the most painstaking work I’ve watched you do. And it came out great.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LB-px9td]

This was a very interesting video. You did an excellent job on this chair. I really enjoyed watching the carving process. That chair looked impossible to repair. You pulled it off. Fantastic

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@andybyerly5629]

Another SWEET Job DONE!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@geoffreykeane4072]

Outstanding work Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@ms.thrify631]

Just want to say I recently subscribed to your channel but I have watched some of your videos off and on for a few years. I have lots of interests and projects that I get involved with (watch lots of channels). I love repairing old furniture and making it beautiful again. This video really spoke to me since I started a jacobean table and chair repair project about two years ago. The chairs really needed some re=carving and I did what I could. I have some tools but I am not a wood worker, but you just provided me with more ideas to reproduce some areas, etc. I have also watched your videos pertaining to repairing the veneer and I pretty much finished that area with your help. I am hoping to go back to working on this set perhaps in the spring and summer. I have many other projects but the rescued jacobean dining set is a big challenge for me. Thanks for all you do! You're a wood working genius! And so meticulous! P.S. I would love to see a picture of your befores and after at the end of your videos! . One tends to forget how bad the piece was with all the work you do!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! You are getting plenty of experience! Yes, we need to do better with the befores and afters

[@andybyerly5629]

Your little "tricks and tips" are fantastic. Guys like you and Bob Flexener are truly inspirational...In addition to a shop tour, maybe you could collect some shots of something "topical" rather than the summary of an overall repair ( which are great)... As an example : how to repair a cigarette burn in solid wood, on veneer,on the edge...Another one might be how to fix a compression dent again on solid wood , veneer and maybe a corner. Maybe you could pull these out of some of your existing great video...Thank you again for this wonderful channel.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's a good idea, to put together a video from clips from existing ones. I'll work on that

[@paulgibson8056]

Jaw-droppingly beautiful work, Thomas. (As usual for you). In your understated manner, you pack an incredible amount of information into every video, and that’s why I often watch them several times. Thanks for sharing your gift and experience with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@christineingram55]

This was just amazing to watch ..In a day of throw away furniture this is a dying skill that you are doing ..You hands are magic,skilfully turning something so broken into a beautiful piece of useable furniture that any owner would proudly show off in ther home ..I love this piece it is beautiful now it’s restored 😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@richardmadsen115]

I watch every video and many several times. I have learned so much from you and have worked on new projects because of your teaching. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm glad to have inspired you!

[@danielmiller2977]

That one looked really tricky! once again, you kept me mesmerized.Well done!! Thanks again for lettn us hang out in the shop.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@normanwandsworth]

You are such a superb craftsman Tom. It's quite incredible what you can accomplish with your skills. You are a marvel to behold. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@keiththrelkeld5890]

I have watched most, if not all of your vids, and I have to say that your skills with matching and carving are eye candy. I do some woodworking too, but you are truly a craftsman. Love your work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

You do AMAZING work! It's nice to see someone that really enjoys what they do and is passionate. I love it

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Cradley684]

That is one Fantastic job Thomas, you and your dog have a nice day !!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@thetwogardens6048]

Nice to see your carving skills. You really have to be a jack of all things in the furniture restore Business ? Nice job !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It's true. I once made a list of all the different tools and usage as part of an employment application - it ended up being 3 pages long!

[@thetwogardens6048]

@@johnsonrestoration WoW !

[@the-chillian]

I only just found your channel, and I'm not so much binge-watching as clicking on whichever one KZbin suggests next. I had no idea what went into this kind of work, and it's both fascinating and relaxing. There's something about seeing a master craftsman at work that conveys a sense of everything being right with the world, even when it's not. These are also of interest for other reasons. One of my immigrant great-grandfathers, who passed away several decades before I was born, was a cabinetmaker from Scotland who settled in the Boston area in the late 1880s. The family has only a few of his pieces. One is a balloon back chair similar to this one, in my mother's possession, and I think a cousin has one of his desks. (Or at least his father did at one point. I assume my cousin still has it, because I can't imagine wanting to get rid of it for any reason.) According to my great-aunt's memoir he used to make his own glues and finishes, which must have been as time-consuming as anything else. People kept busy back then! I know he and my great-grandmother grew a substantial kitchen garden and kept a cow for milk, so it's hard to see how anyone had time for anything but work. But I know they somehow did, because they were also very active with the neighbors and their church.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I spend a lot of time imagining everyday life back in history. It's fascinating. We are so lucky