Check out our interview with Scott Gold, II below! He is one of the talented demonstrators who will be joining us the September 12th-13th for Chadds Ford Days 2015.
Tell us a bit about yourself, where did you grow up, etc.?
I grew up on a farm in central PA. After I graduated from high school, I attended Penn State, where I studied agriculture and education. Then I taught at Oxford high school until 2003, when I retired.
How did you end up in Chadds Ford Days, and how many years have you attended?
I became interested in woodcarving. I make bowls and dishes and that sort of thing. Marie Stotler is the head of the demonstrators and I asked if I could attend Chadds Ford Days as a demonstrator. That way, I could get some exposure for what I do. I think I first came 12-15 years ago, but it might be longer than that.
What is your craft and how did you get started in it?
I have always been interested in building and making things. To be honest, I got started in woodcarving because my wife brought home a handmade bowl and I thought she spent too much on it. So I went with her to a craft show, and watched someone do it. I then studied up on it and learned how to do it myself. Now I bring my bowls and such to 10-12 shows a year.
How did this play into the lives of colonists around Chadds Ford/what is its historical significance?
This craft goes back to cave men times. People have been carving things for thousands of years. I use historical tools myself and make contemporary designs. I try to stay away from the round shape that requires you to use a lathe, so most of my shapes are square and rectangle. There are not many people who do what I do.
What do you want people to remember about your craft?
Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind, and no two pieces are the same. They are kind of modern day heirlooms.
What in particular can we look forward to seeing at your booth this Chadds Ford Days?
The same as usual, and I will bring several pieces I been working on.
Chadds Ford Historical Society 