NH...after serving a 10 year carpenter apprenticeship starting on June 29,1959, I couldn't agree more with the importance of maintaining cultural and qualitative controls in what we do. And...to clarify...I am a carpenter NOT a Timber Framer. However I am truly privileged to work with and provide work for them. And that may be the essence of my concern. Since its highpoint of 1900 members in 2006 we have lost approximately 30% +/- of our membership. Not coincidentally this is the period roughly encompassing the recession, still alive and well today.
The empirical evidence is...as with all pursuits, our future, artisanal, cultural, craft bound, or otherwise is tied to our ability to sustain our day to day, payment to payment existence. For those TFers represented in the approximately 600 former members lost...this may not have been the case.
Our personal economies are just a slice of the whole pie. During the past 7 or 8 years that pie has shrunk to the size of a cupcake. I have always contended that...whereas that is very bad news for most workers, in the case of sustainable design and building, what we do has yet to be discovered by a significant piece of the housing market. It's far from my intention to diminish the amazing culture of our remaining practitioners. On the contrary, my hope is to preserve the craft by allowing more prospective homeowners to at least know it's an option to consider.
Beyond the abilities of individual companies and crafters...I believe our National ORGs can and should provide public education on a scale we individuals cannot. Of course the option is for our ORGs to disappear altogether and the crafters who created it in 1985 can return to the pre TF renaissance of the 1970's. As with all outcomes, which option we choose will be determined by our preferences and actions.
In my own case...after beginning sustainable design and building as part of my focus in 1975 it will be disappointing to say the least to watch the demise of our ORGs...but my life (at 72) will not be changed significantly. I'm in the last chapter of my book. Those who matter going forward are not.
For an excellent review of the life of the GUILD since its birth in 1985 read and/or reread Ken Rower's excellent article "WHITHER THE GUILD" in TF109 / September 2013 available in the ARCHIVE section of the TFG PUBLICATIONS page. I believe others on this forum have recommended it. As always, Ken defines and reports the events in his clear, precise style. He covers the history, economics and personal history without judgment or blame. Including the loss of Joel McCarty, and the period leading up to the assignment of various professional management groups.
As members...our future is in our own hands. Our BoD's WANT and NEED to understand the preferences and needs of their membership. Their contact info is available in the MEMBERS area of the TFG site. Contact them and share your thoughts.
And thank you again for your comments. We agree more than you know. Jack
